How to transfer a car title in Mississippi
For private sellers and buyers in Mississippi. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Mississippi, the seller fills in every part of the title assignment except the buyer's name and signature, then takes the plate off and turns it in at the county Tax Collector's office. The buyer applies for the title at the county Tax Collector's office and pays the $9 title fee and 5% sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Mississippi?
Seller
- Fill in every part of the title assignment except the buyer's printed name and signature.
- Never hand over a title that is incomplete or not properly signed over.
- If you and the buyer are close family, fill out an Affidavit of Relationship.
- Take the plate off when you hand over the car, and turn it in at the county Tax Collector's office. That takes the car off your record.
- Keep a copy of the front and back of the signed title.
Buyer
- Apply for the title at your county Tax Collector's office and pay the sales tax there.
- Sales tax is 5% of the net purchase price.
- Keep an insurance card in the car as proof of liability insurance.
- No emissions test is needed to register the car.
- If the seller cannot give you a title, you need a title bond to get a bonded title.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Mississippi Department of Revenue before you go: dor.ms.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Mississippi?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over.
Fill in every part of the assignment except the buyer's printed name and signature.
dor.ms.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Add an Affidavit of Relationship if needed.
Only when you and the buyer are close family.
dor.ms.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take the plate off.
Turn it in at the county Tax Collector's office.
dor.ms.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Mississippi requires a bill of sale. Check with the Mississippi Department of Revenue before you sell.
How do I put a car title in my name in Mississippi?
Step 1 · Buyer
Get the signed title.
Check that every part the seller fills in is complete.
dor.ms.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Go to your county Tax Collector's office.
Apply for the title and pay the title fee and sales tax.
78-002 · Title Applicationdor.ms.gov checked
After Mississippi DOR processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Mississippi guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Mississippi?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $9 | Buyer | dor.ms.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 5% | Buyer | dor.ms.gov Checked |
| Registration fee, first time | $14 | Buyer | dor.ms.gov Checked |
| Fast Track title, if you want it within 72 hours (if it applies) | $39 | Buyer | dor.ms.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $23 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Mississippi are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (78-006).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
What if the buyer and seller are related?
Fill out an Affidavit of Relationship along with the title.
dor.ms.gov checked
How does the seller get the car off their record?
Turn in the plate at the county Tax Collector's office. Keep a copy of the front and back of the signed title.
dor.ms.gov checked
Does Mississippi require an emissions test?
No. There is no emissions test to register a car.
dor.ms.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Mississippi sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.