Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in New Jersey?
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. New Jersey allows a transfer on death ("tod") beneficiary designation on a vehicle title.N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1bVerified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.
New Jersey allows a transfer on death ("tod") beneficiary designation on motor vehicle. The statute applies to a "motor vehicle" titled in New Jersey; watercraft and other property are not covered by N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1b.N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1bVerified Aug 25, 2026View source
Add the designation through the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) using Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation. The designation must be notarized.N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1bVerified Aug 25, 2026View source
You file the completed designation with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in person.New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source During the owner's lifetime the notarized TOD designation form is held by the owner and not filed with the MVC. The actual TOD title transaction occurs after death, in person at an MVC Vehicle Center; NJ MVC does not accept title transfers by mail and offers no consumer online path for it.
Yes. New Jersey allows more than one beneficiary on a vehicle transfer on death ("tod") beneficiary designation.N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1bVerified Aug 25, 2026View source
Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In New Jersey: File an application for a subsequent certificate of ownership to add, change, or remove the beneficiary designation., A will does not revoke or supersede a TOD beneficiary designation, regardless of when the will was made (C.39:3-30.1b(f))..N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1bVerified Aug 25, 2026View source
The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) by submitting: The completed Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation form (held by the owner prior to death), The existing vehicle certificate of ownership (title), The owner's death certificate, A completed Universal Title Application (Application for Certificate of Ownership), Payment of applicable title fees; presented at an MVC Vehicle Center. 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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