The bill amends Section 31-3.1-37 of the General Laws regarding the transfer of motor vehicle titles upon the death of the owner. It establishes that, unless specified otherwise in a will, the title of any motor vehicle owned by a decedent will pass to the surviving spouse. The bill also outlines the process for the surviving spouse to register the vehicle without incurring fees, provided certain conditions are met. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that allows for a transfer-on-death designation to be included in the certificate of title, enabling the owner to designate a beneficiary who will receive the vehicle upon the owner's death.

Effective September 1, 2025, the bill allows for the creation of a transfer-on-death form that can be included in the vehicle's title, specifying the beneficiary or beneficiaries. This form can be executed during the owner's lifetime and can be revoked or changed at any time without the beneficiary's consent. The bill also clarifies that the designated beneficiary will not have any interest in the vehicle until the owner's death and that if no beneficiary survives, the vehicle will belong to the deceased owner's estate. The Department of Motor Vehicles is tasked with providing the necessary forms and ensuring that any fees associated with the transfer do not exceed the annual registration fee for the vehicle.

Statutes affected:
210: 31-3.1-37