All Roll Calls
Yes: 179 • No: 0
MarylandSB 01452026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Motor Vehicles and Marine Vessels - Transfer-on-Death Designations
Sponsored By: Chris West (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Natural Resources - GenerallyVehicle Laws - Licensing and RegulationApplicants and ApplicationsBeneficiariesBoats and ShipsClassifications and DesignationsDeath -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesIdentification -see also- Biometrics; Fingerprinting; DrLicsMotor Vehicles -see also- Aband Veh; Ambulances; Buses; etc.Motor Vehicle AdministrationNatural Resources, Department ofRules and RegulationsTitles -see also- DeedsTransfer of Goods -see also- Goods&Svc; Leas&Rnt; RetailSale
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Name a beneficiary on car or boat titles
Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland lets you add a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary to a car or boat title. You can do this if you are the sole owner, or co-owners hold title as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants by the entirety. The named person gets ownership when the sole owner or last surviving co-owner dies, but only if they outlive you. You can change or remove the beneficiary anytime before death without their consent by applying to the Motor Vehicle Administration (cars) or the Department of Natural Resources (boats).
Claiming a car or boat after death
Beginning October 1, 2026, a named beneficiary who outlives the owner must apply for a new title. Apply to the Motor Vehicle Administration for cars, and to the Department of Natural Resources for boats. You must submit the old title showing the designation, the death certificate(s), your ID, and pay any taxes or fees. The agencies may charge a fee, capped at their cost to issue the title. If the named person dies first, the vehicle or vessel goes into the owner’s estate and follows probate rules, and creditors can still make lawful claims against it.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Chris West
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/7/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 3
Senate vote • 2/19/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 4
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 73
4/14/2026Returned Passed
4/8/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (137-0)
4/7/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/3/2026HouseFavorable Report by Environment and Transportation
4/3/2026HouseHearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
3/25/2026HouseReferred Environment and Transportation
2/20/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (42-0)
2/19/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed
2/17/2026SenateFavorable Adopted
2/17/2026SenateFavorable Report by Judicial Proceedings
2/16/2026SenateFirst Reading Judicial Proceedings
1/14/2026SenateHearing 1/28 at 11:00 a.m.
1/13/2026SenatePre-filed
10/21/2025Senate
Bill Text
Enacted
4/14/2026
Third Reading
2/17/2026
First Reading
1/14/2026
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