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

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. Vermont allows a transfer on death (tod) designated transferee on a vehicle title.23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

Vermont allows a transfer on death (tod) designated transferee on motor vehicle. 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.23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

Add the designation through the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation) using Transfer on Death (Form VT-007). Notarization is not required.23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)Verified Aug 25, 2026View 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.Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source 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 your lifetime. 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..23 V.S.A. § 2023(f)Verified Aug 25, 2026View source

The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (Agency of Transportation) 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). 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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