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MarylandHB 01742026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Motor Vehicles and Marine Vessels - Transfer-on-Death Designations

Sponsored By: Jon S. Cardin (Democratic)

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: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Name a beneficiary for your car

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you are the sole owner or co‑owners with right of survivorship (or tenants by the entirety), you can name a beneficiary on your car title. The title can show “transfer‑on‑death” or “TOD.” You keep full ownership while alive and can change or cancel the designation without consent; no money or title delivery is needed to set it. When the last owner dies, if the beneficiary survives, ownership passes to them outside probate. The beneficiary must apply to the MVA for a new title with the TOD title, death certificate(s), ID, and pay any taxes or fees; the MVA may charge only its costs and may set rules. If the beneficiary died first, the car goes to the estate, and creditors can still make lawful claims.

Name a beneficiary for your boat

Beginning October 1, 2026, if you are the sole owner or co‑owners with right of survivorship (or tenants by the entirety), you can name a beneficiary for your boat through the Department of Natural Resources. The title can show “TRANSFER‑ON‑DEATH” or “TOD.” You keep ownership while alive and can change or cancel the designation; no money or title delivery is needed to set it. When the last owner dies, if the beneficiary survives, ownership passes to them; they must apply for a new title with the TOD title, death certificate(s), ID, and pay any taxes or fees. If the beneficiary died first, the boat goes to the estate. Creditors can still make lawful claims; the Department may charge only its costs and may set rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 39 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/26/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 72

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (39-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    4/8/2026Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    2/27/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    2/26/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed

    2/24/2026House

  9. Favorable Adopted

    2/24/2026House

  10. Favorable Report by Environment and Transportation

    2/23/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  12. Hearing canceled

    1/19/2026House

  13. Reassigned to Environment and Transportation

    1/19/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  15. Hearing canceled

    1/16/2026House

  16. Hearing 2/04 at 2:00 p.m.

    1/16/2026House

  17. First Reading Judiciary

    1/14/2026House

  18. Pre-filed

    10/22/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/24/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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