Last year Gov. Murphy signed a bill that made it easier for the owners of motor vehicles to pass the vehicles to their heirs at death without the necessity of a formal estate administration. The Division of Motor Vehicles recently issued the requisite form to implement the legislation. We think this is an excellent idea.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 39:3-30.1b, an individual owning a vehicle titled in New Jersey may now designate a beneficiary to receive ownership upon his or her death. The form entitled “Transfer on Death Beneficiary Designation” requires the owner to include his or her driver’s license number or Social Security number and the same information for the beneficiary. Information about the vehicle is also required. The form must be notarized. Lienholders are protected.