MD HB244

Sole owners of vessels may apply to the Department of Natural Resources to designate a transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary who will automatically receive ownership of the vessel upon the owner's death

Owners can cancel or change the beneficiary designation at any time without the beneficiary's consent, and no consideration or delivery of the title to the beneficiary is required for the designation to be effective

Surviving beneficiaries must apply for a new certificate of title by submitting the original title, the owner's death certificate, proof of identity, and applicable taxes or fees

If the designated beneficiary does not survive the owner, the vessel becomes part of the deceased owner's estate and creditor rights under other state laws are preserved

Effective date: October 1, 2026