Does Virginia allow a transfer-on-death designation on a vehicle title?

Yes. Virginia allows a transfer on death designation on a vehicle title under Va. Code 46.2-633.2. It passes the vehicle to a named beneficiary at death without probate.

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.

State where the vehicle is titled

Find out if a vehicle TOD fits your situation

Select your state to see whether you can name a beneficiary on your vehicle title and what vehicles qualify.

This tool provides general information about vehicle transfer-on-death designations and is not legal advice. Availability and requirements vary by state. Consult your state titling agency or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Virginia allows a transfer on death designation on a vehicle title. 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.

Add the designation through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Beneficiary Transaction Request (Form VSA 18). Notarization is not required.

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. Adding, changing, or removing a TOD beneficiary is a paper title transaction: submit the Virginia title, VSA 18 (Beneficiary Transaction Request), VSA 67 (Substitute Title), and the substitute-title fee by mail to the Titling Department or in person at a DMV customer service center (a drop-off service is also offered). 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..

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.

Vehicle TOD in Virginia

Virginia allows a transfer-on-death beneficiary designation on a vehicle title: Yes. It names someone to receive the vehicle directly at your death, without probate. You keep full ownership and control during your lifetime — you can sell the vehicle, or change or cancel the designation, at any time.

In Virginia, the designation is made through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Beneficiary Transaction Request (Form VSA 18). Notarization is not required. A new certificate of title is issued showing the beneficiary.

Virginia extends the designation beyond cars: it covers 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.

A vehicle TOD designation covers only the vehicle on the title — not your home, accounts, or other property. A revocable living trust covers all of your assets in a single document and avoids probate for everything it holds. Compare the approaches with the trust vs. will tool.

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Legal Sources

Va. Code 46.2-633.2

Data sourced from Virginia statutes and official state code. How we research.

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