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

Texas allows a beneficiary designation for a motor vehicle on motor vehicle. Available only when all recorded owners are individuals. If any recorded owner is an entity (such as a business or trust), the beneficiary designation cannot be applied.Tex. Transp. Code 501.0315; Tex. Estates Code ch. 115Verified Jul 14, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), through county tax assessor-collector offices using Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form VTR-121). Notarization is not required.Tex. Transp. Code 501.0315; Tex. Estates Code ch. 115Verified Jul 14, 2026View source

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Texas: Submit a new Form VTR-121 (marking the "changing" or "revoking" box) with an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) and the current Texas title before death., A change or revocation not submitted to the department before the owner's death is invalid (Tex. Transp. Code 501.0315(e))..Tex. Transp. Code 501.0315; Tex. Estates Code ch. 115Verified Jul 14, 2026View source

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), through county tax assessor-collector offices by submitting: Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U), The Texas title in the deceased owner's name listing the beneficiary (or a county tax assessor-collector motor vehicle record printout if the title is unavailable), A death certificate, Payment of the $28 or $33 title application fee, Release of lien from any lienholder on record (unless the lien carries forward). 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.