Do I Need a Vehicle Transfer on Death Designation in Virginia?
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. Virginia allows a transfer on death designation on a vehicle title.Va. Code 46.2-633.2Verified Aug 25, 2026View source It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.
Virginia allows a transfer on death designation on motor vehicle, trailer, and semitrailer. A certificate of title with a designated beneficiary shall not be issued if any owner is not a natural person, or if the vehicle is encumbered by a lien or security interest.Va. Code 46.2-633.2Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
Add the designation through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Beneficiary Transaction Request (Form VSA 18). Notarization is not required.Va. Code 46.2-633.2Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
You file the completed designation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by mail to Virginia DMV Titling Department, P.O. Box 27412, Richmond, VA 23269 or in person.Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) filing processVerified Aug 25, 2026View source Adding, changing, or removing a TOD beneficiary is a paper title transaction: submit the Virginia title, VSA 18 (Beneficiary Transaction Request), VSA 67 (Replacement and Substitute Title), and the $15 substitute-title fee in person at any DMV customer service center (VSA 18: "return to any DMV customer service center") or by mail to the DMV Titling Department. There is no online path to add a beneficiary.
Yes. The designation can be changed or cancelled at any time during your lifetime. In Virginia: File form VSA 18 to remove or change the beneficiary (with VSA 67 and the substitute-title fee for an already-titled vehicle)., Sell the vehicle and deliver the certificate of title to another person., Recording of a lien or security interest on the vehicle cancels the beneficiary designation..Va. Code 46.2-633.2Verified Aug 25, 2026View source
The beneficiary retitles the vehicle with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by submitting: Application for a Virginia certificate of title within 120 days of the death of the owner(s), Proof of the death of the owner (death certificate), Such other documents and information as the Department may reasonably require. 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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