# Transportation (GTR)

## Title 13. Vehicle Laws -- Certificates of Title and Registration of Vehicles

### Subtitle 1. Certificates of Title

#### Section 13-115

(a) An individual who is the sole owner of a motor vehicle or multiple individuals who co-own a motor vehicle as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants by the entirety may apply to the Administration to designate a beneficiary to take ownership of the motor vehicle on the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner.

(b) The designation of a beneficiary may be shown by the words "transfer-on-death" or the abbreviation "TOD" after the name of the registered owner on a certificate of title.

(c)

  (1) The designation of a beneficiary for a motor vehicle does not affect the ownership of the motor vehicle until the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner of the motor vehicle.

  (2) The designation of a beneficiary may be revoked or changed at any time before the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner without the consent of the beneficiary by applying to the Administration.

(d) The designation of a beneficiary is not required to be supported by consideration, and the certificate of title of the motor vehicle for which the designation is made is not required to be delivered to the beneficiary in order for the designation to be effective.

(e) On the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner of a motor vehicle who has designated a beneficiary, ownership of the motor vehicle shall pass to the beneficiary if the beneficiary survives the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner.

(f)

  (1) A designated beneficiary who survives the sole owner or the last surviving co-owner shall apply to the Administration for a new certificate of title for the motor vehicle.

  (2) An application for a certificate of title by a beneficiary following the death of the sole owner or last surviving co-owner shall include:

    (i) The original certificate of title designating the beneficiary;

    (ii) A death certificate for the deceased sole owner or each deceased co-owner;

    (iii) Proof of the identity of the beneficiary; and

    (iv) Any applicable taxes or fees.

(g) If a designated beneficiary does not survive the death of the sole owner or last surviving co-owner, the motor vehicle is part of the estate of the deceased sole owner or last surviving co-owner.

(h) This section does not limit the rights of creditors of motor vehicle owners against beneficiaries and other transferees under other laws of this State.

(i) The Administration may charge a fee, not to exceed its costs, for issuing a certificate of title under this section.

(j) The Administration may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

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Md. Code Ann., Transp. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)