How to Sell a Boat Privately in Mississippi (2026)
| Titling agency | Mississippi DMV |
| Transfer deadline | 7 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 5% (Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Lien release form | Mississippi Title (lien section) |
How to Sell a Boat Privately in Mississippi — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the HIN — the 12-character hull identification number is stamped on the starboard (right) transom on all boats manufactured after 1972. Mississippi requires this on every bill of sale.
- 2Determine registration class — boats under 26 ft register with Mississippi DMV only. Boats 26 ft+ may need USCG documentation (federal title) in addition to state registration. Check vessel length and use.
- 3Clear any liens — if the boat was financed, request a payoff and lien release letter. Mississippi uses Mississippi Title (lien section).
- 4Gather documentation — current Mississippi registration card, state title (if titled), USCG documentation (if applicable), trailer title, engine serial number records.
- 5Price the vessel — check NADA Guides (boats), BUCValu, or recent Mississippi dealer comps. Factor in trailer condition, engine hours, and recent service.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — HIN, vessel make/year/length, engine make/model/serial, trailer VIN (if included), sale price, sale date, both parties' full legal names and addresses.
- 7Sign the title or registration — endorse the back of the Mississippi registration or title. For USCG-documented vessels, complete Form CG-1340 (notarized).
- 8Notify Mississippi DMV — buyer must register within 7 days of the sale. Seller files release of ownership with Mississippi DMV to remove liability for future fines.
Mississippi lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes the lien release section on the back of the existing Mississippi title.
- Owner submits the released title and title application at the county tax collector's office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Mississippi title.
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Start My Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a boat in Mississippi?▾
Yes. Mississippi requires a written bill of sale for private boat transfers to document the hull identification number (HIN), engine details, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vessel with Mississippi DMV.
What is the Mississippi boat title transfer deadline?▾
Mississippi requires the buyer to transfer registration within 7 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Is sales tax owed on a private boat sale in Mississippi?▾
Mississippi charges 5% sales/use tax on private boat sales. Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate The buyer typically pays tax at the registration office when registering with Mississippi DMV.
Do I need a notary for a Mississippi boat bill of sale?▾
Mississippi does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. However, USCG-documented vessels (26+ feet) require notarization on Form CG-1340 regardless of state.
How does a buyer register a boat purchased privately in Mississippi?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title (or prior registration) to Mississippi DMV and pays the registration fee plus 5% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 7 days of the sale date.
Source: Mississippi DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07