What is Transfer on Death (TOD) ?
What is Transfer on Death (TOD)
Transfer on Death is a designation that allows an asset, such as a vehicle, to pass directly to a named beneficiary upon the owner’s death. The main benefit of TOD is that it avoids the lengthy and costly probate process, allowing your vehicle to transfer quickly and privately to your chosen heirs.
How Does TOD Work?
Designating Beneficiaries: You choose one or more beneficiaries for your vehicle No Immediate Transfer: While you’re alive, you maintain full control of the vehicle Upon Death: When you pass away, the Vehicle is transferred directly to your named beneficiary, bypassing probate.
Why Should You Consider TOD?
Avoid Probate: The most significant benefit of TOD is that it bypasses probate. Simplicity: Adding or changing a TOD beneficiary is usually a simple process just sign the back of the registration. Control: You maintain control of the vehicle during your lifetime. Privacy: Unlike a will, which becomes a public document after probate, TOD transfers are private.
How to Set Up TOD Designations?
- Review Your Assets
- Contact Your Financial Institutions
- Consult a Professional
Conclusion
Transfer on Death is an effective, straightforward way to ensure your assets pass smoothly to your loved ones after your death, without the complications of probate. If you have questions about TOD or want help, feel free to reach out to us at: www.bmv.vi.gov.
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**REAL ID Design Updated for Security Measures; BMV Awaits TSA Approval**
In the meantime, all customers will be issued a regular driver’s license or ID card. If you hold a passport, we recommend using it for travel until this situation is resolved. We are actively working to secure approval for these IDs to ensure your travel experience is hassle-free. Once the Real IDs are available, all customers who have already paid will be contacted to receive their Real ID at no additional cost.
We have already met with TSA representatives, and they have assured us that while this is a nationwide issue, they are optimistic that the Virgin Islands driver’s licenses and ID cards will be added to their database before the May 7, 2025 deadline.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we strive to enhance your experience with us.
Best regards,
Media Contact:
Carl Bølling
Public Information Officer
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President Carter’s Day of Mourning 01/09/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2025
Press Contact: Carl Bølling
Public Information Officer
(340)713-4268
BMV Closure Announcement in Observance of President Carter’s Day of Mourning
[St. Croix, U.S.V.I]-Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has announced that Thursday, January 9, 2025, will be observed as a local holiday, as a result, all Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices will be closed.All locations will resume normal operating hours on Friday at 8:00 a.m.
We appreciate the public’s understanding as we join the nation in commemorating this solemn occasion. Please visit us online if you have any questions or concerns at: www.bmv.vi.gov
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Carl Bølling
Public Information Officer
340)713-4268
carl.Bolling@bmv.vi.gov
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Christmas Holiday Schedule 2024-2025
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed on certain government holidays throughout the year. We encourage the public to take note of these closures to avoid any inconvenience when planning their visits. Your understanding is appreciated as we observe these important days.
· Tuesday, December 24, 2024: Christmas Eve – Executive Branch employees will be granted administrative leave from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· Wednesday, December 25, 2024: Christmas Day Holiday – Closed
· Thursday, December 26, 2024: Boxing Day Holiday – Closed
· Wednesday, January 1, 2025: New Year’s Day Holiday | Food, Arts, and Crafts Fair,
· Thursday, January 2, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival –Festival J’ouvert – Closed
· Friday, January 3, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival – Children’s Parade – Executive Branch employees Territory-Wide will be granted Administrative Leave from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
· Saturday, January 4, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival – Adult’s Parade
· Monday, January 6, 2025: Three Kings Day – Closed
· Monday, January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday – Closed
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE ST. CROIX ONLY:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to participate in the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival J’ouvert.
Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to participate in the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival Food, Arts and Craft Fair.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE TERRITORY-WIDE:
Friday, January 3, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to participate in the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival Children’s Parade.
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BMV St. Croix to close Early on Thursday 11/21/24 at 1:00 PM to Celebrate Employees’ Retirement
Ms. Leatrice Potter-James and Ms. Jacqueline Menders have made invaluable contributions to the BMV, serving with dedication and professionalism throughout their career. Their unwavering commitment to public service has positively impacted countless individuals in our community. As they embark on this next chapter, we invite all employees and customers to join us in honoring their legacy.
The BMV St. Croix office will close at 1:00 PM to accommodate this special event on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Normal business hours will resume the following day, Friday, November 22, 2024.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage customers to plan their visits accordingly. For more information or to schedule services, please visit www.bmv.vi.gov.
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Message from Director
Welcome to the U.S. Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ website. I hope you will find this site helpful and informative; we have designed this site with you in mind. We have placed all our forms online for easy access and downloading.
The BMV continues to focus on the use of technology to enhance your experience with us, therefore, this site will continue to grow as the BMV moves forward with its technology plan. We know your time is precious, therefore we will continue to identify ways to improve customer service by streamlining our processes and create an online presence to allow you access to all of our services. Please be sure to check this site often for changes or updates.
I hope that the customer service email (info@bmv.vi.gov) will provide the most timely and accurate response to any questions you might have. However, I do ask that you exercise patience when sending questions to this email. Responding to emails is only one of the many daily tasks that are performed by BMV staff. We welcome your feedback about your experience and recommendations for change as we strive to provide you with the premier customer service you deserve.
Barbara Jackson-McIntosh
Director
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The Bureau of Motor Vehicles Reminds the Public that all Vehicles in the Territory must be registered with the BMV or a citation will be issued by Law Enforcement
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS— Director Barbara Jackson-McIntosh is reminding the motoring public that ALL vehicles in the territory must be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Effectively immediately, the Virgin Police Department will issue citations for unregistered vehicles to include vehicles that were never titled or registered in the Virgin Islands.
In addition, if there is a change of ownership of a vehicle bought locally, 20 V.I.C. § 335 requires that vehicles must be transferred into the new owner’s name within twenty-four hours of the transaction. If you fail to properly transfer the ownership of the vehicle at the BMV and you are stopped by law enforcement officers, you will receive a citation. The application that is required to apply for a Certificate of Title and a list of the required documents are available on our website at bmv.vi.gov, click on the FORMS tab, and download the pdf fillable Certificate of Title Application.
For more information, please feel to contact the BMV at (340) 713-4268 on St. Croix, (340) 774-4268 on St. Thomas, and (340) 776-6262 on St. John or via email at info@bmv.vi.gov.
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Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Online Services Currently Under Maintenance
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS— Director Barbara Jackson-McIntosh would like to inform the motoring public that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ (BMV) Online Services is currently under maintenance. We anticipate the E-Servicing website to be operational on Wednesday, July 22, 2020.
Director McIntosh apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. For more information, please feel to contact the BMV at (340) 713-4268 on St. Croix, (340) 774-4268 on St. Thomas, and (340) 776-6262 on St. John or via email at info@bmv.vi.gov.
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