To complete a title transfer for a private vehicle sale in Mississippi
, the seller must complete the certificate of title
and both parties must sign it. Then, the buyer can submit an application for a new title to their county Tax Collector. Buying or selling a car privately can be a daunting task, and the process of transferring a vehicle’s title is the most crucial step. A title transfer legally changes the ownership of a vehicle.
Because it’s a binding legal process, it’s important to make sure that you follow all the rules and regulations set by your state’s DMV.
If the words “Department of Motor Vehicles” make your eyes glaze over, don’t worry! Jerry
is here to break down all the steps to transferring a title in Mississippi. What is a title transfer?
A car’s title is the document that certifies ownership of the vehicle. So, a title transfer is the legal process that allows you to sell your car to a new owner and releases you from financial and legal liability.
Regardless of your state’s individual rules, there are two basic steps to a title transfer:
The seller signs the title, releasing ownership of the vehicle to the new owner
The exact information and paperwork needed to complete a title transfer vary from state to state. Some states require additional documents, such as a bill of sale
. Who does the title transfer?
If you buy a car from a dealer, they will typically handle most of the paperwork to complete the title transfer, although you may need to bring some forms to the DMV to apply for a new title. For private sales, the seller and buyer must work together to complete the title transfer.
Reasons for a title transfer
You might need to complete a title transfer for a vehicle for a number of different reasons. The most common include a change of residency or buying or selling a car.
Here are some other reasons for a title change:
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Car title transfer in Mississippi
If you purchase your car from a Mississippi dealer, they’ll handle most of the paperwork to complete the title transfer. All you need to do is take the yellow copy of the title application to your local Tax Collector’s office to apply for new license plates.
Buying or selling a car privately in Mississippi? Here’s what you’ll need to do to transfer the title:
The seller must complete the reverse side of the title form, including the car’s current mileage, purchase price, and the names of all owners.
In addition to the certificate of title, the seller must include a bill of sale if there is no space for the purchase price on the title. If the buyer is a family member, the seller must fill out an Affidavit of Relationship form.
The buyer must print their full name and address under the line “Assignment of title by registered owner.”
Both parties must sign the title.
The buyer must apply for a new title with their county Tax Collector.
Be sure to bring proof of identification, proof of Mississippi residency, and proof of Mississippi auto insurance when you apply for a new title. The fee for a new title is $9, with an additional $1 fee in some locations.
If the seller has lost the vehicle title, they must apply for a duplicate title using Form 78-006
. If you cannot wait for the usual four-week processing time, you can use Form 78-026
to apply for a 72-hour Fast Track title replacement. Key Takeaway It’s essential that both parties sign the certificate of title in order to transfer ownership of a car.
Registering a car in Mississippi
After a title transfer, you’ll need to register the vehicle in order to legally operate it on public roads. In Mississippi, you must register your vehicle at the county Tax Collector’s office within seven days of purchase.
To register your car in Mississippi, you’ll pay a privilege tax, vehicle registration fees, and the ad valorem tax. The motor vehicle ad valorem tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the vehicle by the mileage rate determined by your county government. If you’re buying a car, you’ll also need to pay a 5% sales tax.
| | |
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| | Motorcycles can be registered for $8, but all passenger cars are charged a $14 registration fee. |
Mississippi Road and Bridge Privilege Tax | | |
| Assessed value of vehicle multiplied by mileage rate | Amount decreases based on your car’s value. |
Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, license plate type, county of residence, or driving record.
Finding insurance for your vehicle
Transferring a title is a relatively straightforward process, but it involves a lot of paperwork and visits to your local Tax Collector’s office. The last thing you want to do when you’re done transferring the title is to sit down and compare insurance rates—but it’s illegal to drive without car insurance.
Don’t waste hours on hold with insurance companies searching for that elusive low rate. Instead, download the Jerry
app for expert comparison shopping assistance that takes you from start to finish in just a few minutes. You won’t just save time and energy: the average Jerry user saves $879 a year on car insurance! “I got my first car and didn’t have a clue about insurance. Jerry
is a great app that’s super helpful AND super free. It’s a great resource for young people.” —Helena O.
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