Just Sold My Boat in Mississippi — What’s Next? (2026)
Need Mississippi bill of sale documentation?
If you haven’t generated a Mississippi-compliant bill of sale yet, do it now — your proof-of-sale window closes the moment the buyer leaves.
Start My Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale →Mississippi boat sale facts
| Titling agency | Mississippi DMV ↗ |
| Title transfer deadline | 7 days from sale |
| Release of liability | File with Mississippi DMV within 5 days |
| Buyer’s sales / use tax | 5% (Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate) |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| Title fee (buyer pays) | $9 |
| Boat identifier | HIN (Hull Identification Number) |
Your Mississippi boat post-sale checklist
- 1
Keep your signed Mississippi bill of sale
This is your proof that you sold the boat on the sale date. If the buyer gets a ticket, is in an accident, or fails to transfer the title within 7 days from the sale date, the Mississippi bill of sale shields you from liability. Keep both your copy and a scan for at least 5 years.
- 2
File a release of liability with Mississippi DMV
Most Mississippi sellers file this online through Mississippi DMV within 5 days of the sale. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents become the buyer's responsibility, not yours. Mississippi requires the buyer to title the boat within 7 days — your release filing protects you if the buyer misses that deadline.
- 3
Cancel or transfer your boat insurance
Contact your insurer the same day you hand over the keys. Mississippi does not require you to maintain insurance on a vehicle you no longer own, but you must not cancel before the sale is complete. If you are replacing the boat with another, transfer the policy instead — many insurers offer a short grace period to bind coverage on the new vehicle.
- 4
Remove your registration decal and registration decal
In Mississippi, the registration decal stays with the seller, not the boat. Remove the decal before handover and return any current registration to the Mississippi boating authority. The buyer will register the vessel in their name and receive new decals.
- 5
Verify the 7-day title transfer window
Mississippi requires the buyer to retitle the boat at Mississippi DMV within 7 days of the sale date. If you have not received confirmation that the title has been transferred by day 12, contact Mississippi DMV with your bill of sale and release-of-liability filing number to confirm the change of ownership.
- 6
Confirm your Mississippi tax obligations (seller's side)
Mississippi charges 5% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales — the buyer pays this at Mississippi DMV when titling. Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate. Sellers generally do not owe Mississippi sales tax, but if the boat sold for more than your original purchase price you may owe federal capital gains tax. Consult a tax advisor.
- 7
Watch for liens or loan payoff confirmation
If you had a loan on the boat, confirm the lender received the buyer's payoff and has released the lien on the Mississippi title before you deliver the title. Mississippi uses Mississippi Title (lien section) as the lien release form — your lender will file this with Mississippi DMV to clear the title record.
Boat-specific note
Boats use a Hull Identification Number (HIN) instead of a VIN — confirm the HIN on the transom matches the title and bill of sale. If the vessel is U.S. Coast Guard documented (5+ net tons, typically 26ft+), file an abstract-of-title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi
How long do I have to file a release of liability in Mississippi?▾
Mississippi sellers should file a release of liability with Mississippi DMV within 5 days of the sale. Most Mississippi sellers can file this online directly through Mississippi DMV. Filing removes you from records as the registered owner so any post-sale tickets, tolls, or accidents fall on the buyer.
What is the Mississippi title transfer deadline for a boat?▾
Mississippi requires the buyer to title the boat within 7 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties.
Do I owe Mississippi sales tax on the boat I just sold?▾
Mississippi charges 5% sales/use tax on private-party boat sales. Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate. The buyer typically pays this at Mississippi DMV when titling — sellers generally owe no Mississippi sales tax on the proceeds. You may owe federal capital gains if you sold for more than the original purchase price.
Does Mississippi require a notary on the boat bill of sale?▾
No. Mississippi does not require notarization for a private boat bill of sale. A signed bill of sale with both parties' full names, addresses, signatures, and the date is sufficient for Mississippi DMV.
How does the buyer register the boat in Mississippi?▾
The buyer brings the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Mississippi DMV, pays the title fee (~$9) plus 5% sales/use tax, and receives a new Mississippi title in their name. Transfer must be completed within 7 days of the sale date.
What is U.S. Coast Guard documentation and do I need to file anything with the USCG?▾
USCG documentation is a federal title for vessels 5+ net tons (typically 26ft+) used in commerce or international waters. Recreational boats under 26 feet usually do not need USCG documentation — state registration and a bill of sale are sufficient. If your boat IS USCG-documented, file an abstract of title transfer with the National Vessel Documentation Center in addition to state registration.
Where do I find the HIN on my boat?▾
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a 12-character serial stamped on the starboard side of the transom (back of the boat) above the waterline. It is also recorded on the title. Confirm the HIN on the transom matches your bill of sale and title before the buyer pulls away on the trailer.
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Source: Mississippi DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07