MarylandSB 01452026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

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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.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Chris West
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 179 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 137 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/19/2026