Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Minnesota?

Answer a few questions about how your vehicle is titled to see whether a transfer-on-death designation applies for avoiding probate on a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on a vehicle title.Minn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Minnesota allows a transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle on motor vehicle. The statute by its terms applies to a "motor vehicle" titled under Minn. Stat. ch. 168A; the owner making the designation must be a natural person.Minn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) using Application to Title and Register a Vehicle (Form PS2000A). Notarization is not required.Minn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

You file the completed designation with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) by mail to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-5187 or in person.Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source In person, the TOD designation is filed through Minnesota's deputy registrar network (a local, non-county agent system; use the DVS office locator) on the title application (PS2000A); alternatively the completed application and fees may be mailed to central DVS in St. Paul. Adding a TOD beneficiary is a title transaction and is not available through DVS online services.

Yes. Minnesota allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer-on-death title to motor vehicle.Minn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Minnesota: File an application for a new certificate of title to change or remove the beneficiary designation (by the owner, or by all joint owners with rights of survivorship), without the beneficiary's consent..Minn. Stat. 168A.125Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety (applications made at deputy registrar offices) by submitting: The existing certificate of title (if the title is missing, apply for a duplicate title first), Application for a new certificate of title (Application to Title and Register a Vehicle, PS2000A), Proof of death of the owner — the statute requires a certified death record; DVS accepts a copy of the death certificate, obituary notice, or memorial card, Payment of applicable title fees, Lien release, if applicable (ownership vests subject to the rights of secured parties). A vehicle designation covers only that vehicle — to keep a home, accounts, and everything else out of probate in one document, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

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