How to Use ADOT’s Beneficiary Form to Leave Your Car to a Loved One or Your Trust

October 4, 2025

ADOT beneficiary form, Estate Planning, probate avoidance

Did you know you can name a beneficiary for your car—just like you can for a bank account or life insurance policy?

In Arizona, the Department of Transportation (ADOT) makes it easy to make sure your car, truck, RV, or motorcycle goes exactly where you want it to go when you’re gone—without going through probate.

What’s the “Beneficiary Designation” Form?

ADOT’s Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form 96-0561) lets you name who should inherit your vehicle after your death. Think of it as a “Transfer on Death” (TOD) for your vehicle. You stay the owner while you’re alive, and your chosen person (or trust) takes ownership when you pass.

➡️ You can download the free form directly from ADOT here:
ADOT Beneficiary Designation for a Motor Vehicle (Form 96-0561)

How It Works

Grab the form using the link above or at any MVD office.
List your vehicle info — the VIN, year, make, and model.
Name your beneficiary — this can be an individual or your trust.
Sign and date the form.
Keep it with your estate planning documents. The beneficiary will give the form, along with the title and your death certificate, post-death to change ownership with ADOT.

Pro Tip: Consider Naming Your Trust

If you already have a revocable trust, naming your trust as the vehicle’s beneficiary keeps things simple and consistent. Your vehicle will pass under the terms of your trust, right alongside your other assets, without headaches for your loved ones.

✅ A Few Quick Notes

You can change or revoke the designation anytime.
It only applies to the vehicles listed on the form.
After your passing, your beneficiary will need a death certificate and a title application to finalize the transfer.

This small step can save your family time, stress, and unnecessary expense later on.

If you’d like help making sure your vehicle (and everything else you own) fits neatly into your estate plan, we’re here to make the process easy and stress-free. Call us at 480-922-1010 or email info@bivenslaw.com to schedule your estate planning consultation.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as offering legal advice or creating an attorney client relationship between the reader and the firm or author. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this article without seeking appropriate legal advice about your individual facts and circumstances from an attorney licensed in your state. Bivens and Associates, P.L.L.C. expressly disclaims all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all information contained in this article.