SF0039

Establishes a process for automatic transfer of vehicle titles to named beneficiaries upon the owner's death through beneficiary designation forms filed with county clerks.

• Requires county clerks to make available beneficiary designation forms that allow vehicle owners to name a beneficiary to receive the vehicle's title upon the owner's death. Forms must include vehicle identification information, owner names, beneficiary name, and signatures of all owners. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(a))
• Establishes the process for a beneficiary to obtain a new certificate of title after the owner's death by presenting the beneficiary designation form, proof of death, and the certificate of title application fee to the county clerk. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(b), W.S. 31-2-104.1(c))
• Provides that county clerks may rely on death certificates, records, or reports that constitute prima facie evidence of death when processing title transfers under beneficiary designation forms. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(c))
• Exempts the estate of a deceased vehicle owner and successors from liability for obtaining a new certificate of title if they lack actual knowledge of a valid beneficiary designation form. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(d), W.S. 31-2-104.1(e))
• Provides that during the owner's lifetime, the beneficiary's signature or consent is not required for any vehicle transactions, and the owner may revoke or change the beneficiary designation by transferring ownership or executing a new beneficiary designation form. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(f))
• Specifies that the beneficiary's interest in the vehicle is subject to any existing liens, security interests, contracts of sale, or assignments to which the deceased owner was subject. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(g))
• Establishes that beneficiary designations may only be changed or revoked during the owner's lifetime by transfer of ownership or execution of a new beneficiary designation form, not by will or other instruments. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(h))
• Classifies transfers of vehicles pursuant to beneficiary designation forms as nonprobate transfers under the Wyoming Probate Code. (W.S. 31-2-104.1(j))