doesn’t require a bill of sale when buying or selling a car. However, you can use a generic template for your records. Just be sure to include the purchase price of the vehicle, the date of sale, a full description of the car (including the VIN), and the current odometer reading.

Despite not being required in the state of Mississippi, a bill of sale is an important part of buying or selling a personal vehicle. You should always keep detailed records of major transactions—especially ones as important as transferring ownership of a vehicle.

Whether you’re using a template from the internet or making one on your own, we've compiled all the information you’ll need to create a Mississippi

bill of sale

What is a bill of sale?

A bill of sale is a receipt that records all the major details involved in the sale or purchase of a car.

Generally, a bill of sale records when the transaction happened, who the buyer and seller are, a detailed description of the vehicle being sold or bought (make, model, year, and VIN), the odometer reading at the time of the sale, and the purchase price of the vehicle.

It’s important to note that the bill of sale does not transfer ownership of the vehicle. To do that, you need to file a title transfer with your local DMV. A bill of sale only outlines the agreed-upon terms of the transaction.

Is a bill of sale required in Mississippi?

Generally, you are not required to have a bill of sale when buying or selling a car in Mississippi. However, it is always important to keep detailed records of major transactions. Additionally, a bill of sale can serve as some protection should there be any legal trouble because it records the date of the transaction, the price both parties agreed to, and the general state of the car when sold or bought.

The only instances in which you will be required to have a bill of sale in Mississippi is when you’re applying for a

vehicle registration

or title for an imported car.

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How to write a bill of sale

What is required in a Mississippi bill of sale?

Because the state of Mississippi does not provide a bill of sale form through the DMV, you can either use a template online or create your own.

When you’re filling out a bill of sale, it’s important to document this information:

Date of the sale

Make, model, and year of the vehicle

A complete description of the vehicle (color, body style, any visible damage)

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Current odometer reading

Buyer’s full name and address

Seller’s full name and address

Purchase price of the vehicle

Signatures of both the buyer(s) and the seller(s)

What should I do after I get a bill of sale?

Once the bill of sale has been filled out and signed by both parties, you must complete a

title transfer

. Without a title transfer, the vehicle hasn’t legally changed ownership! Remember: a bill of sale is only a receipt.

Contact your local DMV for the specifics of how to file a transfer of title and any additional steps you may need to take to make the sale official.

MORE:

How to transfer a car title when buying or selling

How to find affordable car insurance

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