Allows on and after September 1, 2026, an owner of motor vehicle(s) to transfer ownership and registration of said vehicle on their death, by a certificate of title designation and requires DMV to amend title forms, to include transfer-on-death language.

Rhode Island Transfer-on-Death Vehicle Title Bill

This bill would allow Rhode Island vehicle owners to name a beneficiary directly on their car's title, so that when the owner dies, the vehicle automatically passes to that named person without going through the court process known as probate. Starting September 1, 2026, owners could add a "transfer-on-death" designation to their certificate of title, similar to how people can already name beneficiaries on bank accounts or life insurance policies. The Rhode Island DMV would be required to update its title forms to include this option.

Under current law, when a vehicle owner dies, transferring ownership of the car typically requires going through the estate settlement process, which can be time-consuming and costly. This bill would simplify that process significantly. The named beneficiary would only need to present a copy of the death certificate and the existing title to claim ownership and re-register the vehicle in their name.

This bill would affect any Rhode Island vehicle owner who wants a straightforward way to leave their car to a specific person, as well as their surviving family members or other intended beneficiaries. It could be especially helpful for people with modest estates where a vehicle is one of their most significant assets. The bill is currently in committee and has been held for further study, meaning lawmakers are still reviewing it before deciding whether to move it forward.