Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Missouri?
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. Missouri allows a certificate of ownership in beneficiary form (transfer on death) on a vehicle title.Mo. Rev. Stat. 301.681Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.
Missouri allows a certificate of ownership in beneficiary form (transfer on death) on motor vehicle, trailer, manufactured home, vessel (watercraft), and outboard motor.Mo. Rev. Stat. 301.681Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Add the designation through the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau using Application for Missouri Title and License (Form Form 108). Notarization is not required.Mo. Rev. Stat. 301.681Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
You file the completed designation with the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau by mail to Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100 or in person.Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source Adding a vehicle TOD beneficiary is a titling transaction made via the Transfer on Death block on Form 108 (the title application): submit by mail to the Motor Vehicle Bureau in Jefferson City, or in person at a Missouri contract license office. There is no online path; the license plate renewal portal does not add or change TOD beneficiaries.
Yes. Missouri allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle certificate of ownership in beneficiary form (transfer on death). Surviving beneficiaries take the vehicle together with right of survivorship.Mo. Rev. Stat. 301.681Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Missouri: Sell or assign the certificate of ownership to another person., File an application to reissue the certificate of ownership with no beneficiary designation, or with the designation of a different beneficiary or beneficiaries, with the director of revenue..Mo. Rev. Stat. 301.681Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau by submitting: Proof of death of the owner (or surviving owner), Surrender of the outstanding certificate of ownership, Application for Missouri Title and License (Form 108) and payment of the fee for an original certificate. 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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