Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Rhode Island?

Because Rhode Island does not offer a vehicle TOD designation, the vehicle transfers through: Surviving-spouse transfer: under RI Gen. Laws 31-3.1-37, a motor vehicle passes to the surviving spouse (unless the will provides otherwise). The DMV reissues registration and a new certificate of title on a certified death certificate and the deceased's registration, with no title or registration fee charged to the surviving spouse., Probate transfer: when an executor/administrator is appointed, the DMV accepts the original Notice of Appointment from Probate Court, and the executor/administrator signs the title as seller to transfer the vehicle., Sole Heir Affidavit (next of kin / adult children / parents, where there is no surviving spouse and no executor): a completed Sole Heir Affidavit replaces the title assignment, submitted with the certificate of title and the original death certificate., Small-estate transfer: where there are no survivors and no executor, a Voluntary Executor under the small-estate statute (RI Gen. Laws 33-24.1), obtained at the city or town hall, may transfer the vehicle with the title and original death certificate.. To keep other assets out of probate, SimplyTrust sets up a revocable trust online.

Without a vehicle TOD option, a Rhode Island 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.