Vehicle Beneficiary Transfer on Death
Transfer of death allows you to designate a beneficiary who will automatically receive your vehicle when you pass away, avoiding probate court.
How It Works
Understanding the basics of Transfer on Death
Who Can Use This
- Vehicle owners who are natural persons, not businesses
- Vehicles titled in Nevada
- Cars, trailers, and semitrailers
- Up to 5 owners can be listed
Who Cannot Use This
- Vehicles with a current loan or lien
- Leased vehicles
- Business-owned vehicles
Important: The beneficiary designation must be added before the owner passes away. It cannot be added afterward.
Key Points to Remember
- Ownership transfers to the beneficiary automatically when all legal owners have passed away
- The beneficiary has no control or ownership of the vehicle while owners are alive
- All loans/liens must be paid off before ownership can transfer
- If multiple owners exist, they cannot each have different beneficiaries
- Adding a loan/lien later will automatically remove the beneficiary
Forms Needed
4 Simple Steps to Add / Remove Your Beneficiary - While the Owner is Alive
The beneficiary has no rights to the car while the owner is alive. Once all legal owners have passed away, the beneficiary must take action to become the official owner.
Check Eligibility & Documents
Verify vehicle qualifies and collect required forms
Complete VP 239
Send VP 271 and ownership docs
Submit Application
Visit DMV office or mail documents
Receive New Title
New title arrives in 8 weeks
Check Eligibility & Gather Documents
- No active loan, lien, or lease on the vehicle.
- Not titled as “Tenants in Common”.
- Natural Persons Only: This only works for individuals. You cannot list a business as a beneficiary.
- If vehicle was last titled in Nevada: Submit an Application for Duplicate Title VP 012. If you are not sure whether your vehicle was titled in Nevada, contact the DMV Records Section for assistance.
- If vehicle was last titled in another state: You must obtain a duplicate title from that state first, then obtain a Nevada title.
Complete the VP 239 Form
- To Add: Check the box to add a beneficiary and fill in their legal name.
- To Remove/Change: Check the box to “Remove” the current beneficiary.
Signature:
If title says “Person 1 And Person 2”:
All parties must sign the VP 239 form
If title says “Person 1 OR Person 2”:
Either party can sign alone without the other
Choose Your Submission Method
Option 2: By Mail
We suggest using registered or certified mail. Include:
- ✓ Original Certificate of Title. If lost or if lost your title must include duplicate title application VP 012
- ✓ Completed VP 239 form with required signatures
- ✓ $20 check or money order payable to “DMV”
- ✓ Explanation letter with full name, address, phone, and VIN
Mail to:
Nevada DMV
Title Processing
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Receive Your New Title
Your new title with beneficiary listed, or removed, will be mailed to you in approximately:
8 Weeks
Processing time
You do NOT need to renew or update your vehicle registration. Your current registration remains valid.
Claiming the Vehicle (After the Owner Passes)
What You Need:
- ✓ Certified Death Certificate(s) of all owners
- ✓ Original Certificate of Title
If it’s lost:
- This must be notarized or signed in front of a DMV agent. You do not need to apply for a duplicate title if you use this form.
- ✓ $20 Title Fee
Submit By Mail or at any DMV Office
Mail to:
Nevada DMV
Title Processing
555 Wright Way, Carson City, NV 89711
Timeline: New title mailed in 4-6 weeks
What You Need:
- ✓ Proof of Ownership: The title or Beneficiary’s Affidavit VP 241
- ✓ Death Certificate(s)
- ✓ Old Plates & ID: Bring the deceased person’s license plates to surrender, along with their driver’s license/ID for cancellation.
- ✓ New Insurance: A Nevada Evidence of Insurance card in your name
- ✓ Smog Check: If required for the vehicle.
- ✓ Odometer Reading: The current mileage of the car
Important Notes:
- Must be done in person at a DMV Office - You cannot register by mail
- Surrender the Plates: This must be done immediately if the car isn’t being registered right away. See Plate Surrender/Refunds
- Cancel the License: Turn in the deceased person’s Driver’s License to the DMV.
- Get New Plates: You will be issued a fresh set of license plates during your registration appointment. You can get an Estimate of Registration Fees online.
If No Transfer on Death Set Up Before Death
If the vehicle owner has already passed and there is no TOD beneficiary designation, you may file VP 024.
Quick Comparison: Beneficiary vs. Without a Beneficiary
| Feature | With TOD Beneficiary | Without TOD (Small Estate) |
|---|---|---|
| Form Used | VP 241, Beneficiary’s Affidavit for Title | VP 024, Affidavit for Transfer of Title for Estates Without Probate |
| Wait Time | None | 40 days after death |
| Title Fee | $20 | $20 + $8.25 processing fee |
| Probate Needed? | No | No, if estate qualifies under Nevada small estate limits — $25,000 / $100,000 |
Living Will Lockbox
The Nevada Lockbox is an official Secretary of State site where you can file Advance Directives and Guardianship Nominations for access by designated health care professionals and family.