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

Vermont allows a transfer on death (tod) designated transferee on motor vehicle23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source. Available only for a vehicle titled to a single owner. The designation is a brand on the certificate of title, so the vehicle must have a Vermont title and the original title must accompany form VT-007; Vermont does not require a title for a vehicle of model year 2009 or older that is registered in the owner's name, where the registration certificate is the ownership document.

Add the designation through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation)23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)View source using Transfer on Death (Form VT-007)23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)View source. Notarization is not required23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)View source. You file the completed designation with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation) by mail to Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603-0001 or in person. Adding or removing a vehicle TOD designated transferee is a title transaction on form VT-007 with the $42.00 fee and the original Vermont title; submit by mail or in person to the DMV at 120 State Street, Montpelier. No consumer online path adds a TOD beneficiary.

Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during the owner's life; in Vermont: Submit form VT-007 selecting "Remove" to remove the transfer-on-death designated transferee, with the original Vermont title and the fee; Transfer the vehicle during the owner's lifetime; the owner retains all rights of transfer until death.

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation)23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)View source by submitting: A copy of the owner's death certificate; The original Vermont title, with the "Release of Liens" section completed by the lienholder if applicable; A completed Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title Application (VD-119) to title and register the vehicle in the beneficiary's name; Payment of registration, tax, and title fees (new plates required; purchase-and-use tax unless exempt under 32 V.S.A. § 8911). The designation covers that vehicle alone; a revocable trust set up with SimplyTrust keeps the home, the accounts and everything else out of probate in one document.