Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in North Carolina?

Because North Carolina does not offer a vehicle TOD designation, the vehicle transfers through: Affidavit of Authority to Assign Title (DMV form MVR-317E) executed by all heirs, used under G.S. 20-77(b) when the owner dies and no personal representative qualifies or is expected to qualify (small/intestate estates)., Estate transfer under G.S. 20-77(b): the Division retitles the vehicle on receipt of a certified copy of a probated will or letters of administration., Surviving spouse's year's allowance: the clerk of superior court issues a certificate assigning the decedent's vehicle to the surviving spouse, which the Division accepts to transfer title (G.S. 20-77(b))., Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: co-owners may title the vehicle as a joint tenancy with right of survivorship using the preprinted option on the title application (G.S. 20-52(a)); the surviving co-owner takes title outside probate.. To keep other assets out of probate, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Without a vehicle TOD option, a North Carolina vehicle typically passes through the estate unless it is jointly titled or held in a trust, or qualifies for a small-estate transfer. Compare your options with the trust vs. will comparison.