Mississippi Title Transfer Guide (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 |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · |
| Lien release form | Mississippi Title (lien section) |
Mississippi title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (Mississippi Title (lien section)) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Mississippi requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Mississippi requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Mississippi DMV or a licensed inspector.
- 5Buyer files at Mississippi DMV — within 7 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Mississippi DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 5% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Mississippi DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Mississippi DMV the same day as the sale.
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.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Mississippi estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Mississippi DMV.
Need a Mississippi bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Mississippi DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Mississippi Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Mississippi?▾
Mississippi requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 7 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Mississippi title transfer cost?▾
Mississippi charges 5% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Sales tax applies at the reduced 5% vehicle rate The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Mississippi?▾
Yes — Mississippi requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Mississippi DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Mississippi?▾
In Mississippi, the lender must complete Mississippi Title (lien section) confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Mississippi DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Mississippi?▾
Mississippi inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Mississippi DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Mississippi DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07