How to Designate a Beneficiary for Your Vehicle with the Nevada DMV

Designating a beneficiary for your vehicle in Nevada is a smart estate planning move that allows your car to transfer automatically to a loved one upon your death—without needing to go through probate. The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) makes this process simple through a Transfer on Death (TOD) Beneficiary designation. Here’s how it works.

🚗 What Is a Transfer on Death (TOD) for a Vehicle?

A Transfer on Death (TOD) designation allows you to name a person who will receive your vehicle when you pass away. This bypasses the court system and avoids delays or legal costs associated with probate. It’s similar to naming a beneficiary for a bank account or life insurance policy.

✅ Who Can Be a Beneficiary?

• A spouse
• A child or grandchild
• A friend or other relative
• A legal entity (like a trust)

Note: The beneficiary has no ownership interest in the vehicle while you are alive. You retain full control and can sell, gift, or change the beneficiary at any time.

📝 How to Designate a Beneficiary with the Nevada DMV

Step 1: Obtain Form VP 239

Download or pick up the “Transfer on Death – Beneficiary Designation for Vehicle Title” form (VP 239) from the Nevada DMV website or a local DMV office.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

You’ll need:

• Vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year)
• Your full legal name (as listed on the title)
• The full legal name and address of your chosen beneficiary

You can designate more than one beneficiary, but they must take ownership jointly unless otherwise stated in legal documentation.

Step 3: Submit the Form

Bring the completed form to a Nevada DMV office or mail it to the address on the form. There is no fee to file this form if you’re not requesting a new title right away.

Step 4: Update the Title (Optional)

If you want the new title to show the beneficiary designation, you may request an updated title and pay the standard title fee.

📌 Important Notes

• You can revoke or change the beneficiary at any time by submitting a new VP 239 form.
• The vehicle does not automatically go to the beneficiary until your death.
• Upon your passing, the beneficiary must bring:
  • Your death certificate
  • Proof of identity
  • The current title
  • A completed title transfer form (VP 222)

⚠️ When the Beneficiary Claims the Vehicle

The Nevada DMV allows the beneficiary to transfer the title without probate. They must:

• Visit a DMV office
• Present the required documents (death certificate, ID, title)
• Pay standard title and registration fees

✅ Why Use the TOD Designation?

• Avoids probate court
• Reduces legal costs
• Gives peace of mind
• Keeps ownership simple while you’re alive

Final Thoughts

Designating a Transfer on Death (TOD) beneficiary for your vehicle in Nevada is a quick and easy way to make sure your loved ones are taken care of without legal complications. It’s a smart, low-cost step in your broader estate planning process.

For the most current forms and instructions, visit the Nevada DMV website or contact your local DMV office.