Arizona MVD Beneficiary Designation (96-0561): Vehicle TOD

Who fills this out

The vehicle's sole titled owner fills out and signs; the MVD describes the form as being for a sole owner. If the vehicle is jointly titled with right of survivorship, the survivor names the beneficiary after the first owner dies. For any other joint-ownership situation, confirm the filing process with the MVD before relying on the form.

When to file

Any time during the owner's life. The designation becomes part of the title record and is honored by the MVD at death.

What you will need

• Current Arizona certificate of title.
• Owner's driver license number.
• Beneficiary's full legal name and date of birth.
• $4 title fee.
• Notarization is not required for the beneficiary form itself, but the title transfer at death requires the surviving beneficiary's signed application.

What it covers, and what it does not

The MVD's official description says the form is for a sole owner of a vehicle. Two boundaries worth knowing:

• Boats are not covered. Arizona does not title watercraft through the MVD. Boats are registered with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, which has its own ownership and transfer records, so Form 96-0561 cannot name a beneficiary for a boat.
• Other MVD-titled property is unconfirmed. Whether the MVD honors this form for trailers, RVs, or manufactured homes is not addressed in its published materials. Confirm with the MVD before relying on the form for a trailer, RV, or manufactured home.

Common mistakes

• Skipping a lienholder release. If the vehicle has a loan, the lien must be cleared before the new title issues to the beneficiary.
• Naming multiple beneficiaries without clarifying shares. The MVD treats multiple beneficiaries as joint tenants; selling later requires every beneficiary's signature.
• Confusing it with a will provision. A vehicle named to a beneficiary on title passes outside the will; will provisions for that vehicle are ignored.