Mississippi Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale Overview
Mississippi regulates livestock health through the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Bureau of Animal Health. The state requires Coggins testing for equine transactions and has active livestock health enforcement. Mississippi does not require brand inspections. A written bill of sale is standard practice for horse and livestock sales. Mississippi has a significant cattle industry and growing equine population.
7%
Sales tax
No
Brand inspection
Required
Health certificate
Required
Coggins test
Mississippi Livestock Transfer Requirements
Here's what you need to know for a smooth horse or livestock transaction in Mississippi:
Important: Mississippi Health Documentation
Mississippi requires a current negative Coggins test for all equine change of ownership. Ensure your Coggins test is within the required timeframe before completing the sale. For interstate transport, both a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and negative Coggins are required.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Bill of Sale: Complete bill of sale with animal description, sale price, and both parties' information
- Current Negative Coggins: EIA test within 12 months performed by an accredited veterinarian
- Registration Papers: Signed transfer section on breed registration certificate (if registered)
- Health Records: Vaccination history, deworming schedule, and veterinary records
- Disclosure of Known Issues: Any known health problems, lameness, vices, or behavioral issues
What the Buyer Should Obtain
- Signed Bill of Sale: Original copy with both signatures
- Coggins Test Certificate: Copy of the current negative Coggins report
- Registration Certificate: With signed transfer (if registered animal)
- Health Certificate: If transporting across state lines, CVI within 30 days
How to Fill Out a Mississippi Horse Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Mississippi horse or livestock bill of sale.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name, farm or ranch name (if applicable), Mississippi mailing address, phone number, and email. If the seller is a licensed dealer or breeder, include the license or business registration number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, farm or ranch name, Mississippi address, phone number, and email. The buyer's location determines which local tax rates apply to the transaction.
Describe the Animal
Provide a detailed description: species (horse, cattle, goat, etc.), breed, registered name and number (if applicable), sex, age or date of birth, color, height (in hands for horses), weight, and all identifying markings, brands, tattoos, or microchip numbers.
Document Health Status
Record the Coggins test date and result (for equines), health certificate number and date, vaccination history, and deworming schedule. Attach copies of all health documentation to the bill of sale.
State Sale Price and Terms
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Note the payment method and any installment terms. State whether the sale is as-is or includes warranties (soundness, breeding, vice-free, etc.). Disclose any known health issues or behavioral concerns.
Sign and Complete Documentation
Both buyer and seller sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies. Transfer breed registration papers by signing the transfer section. Ensure Coggins and health certificates are current. Complete any required brand inspections before transport.
Mississippi Brand Inspection Requirements
Mississippi does not have a brand inspection program or state brand board. Livestock ownership is documented through bills of sale, breed registration papers, and other written documentation. Mississippi's livestock identification relies on standard methods including ear tags, tattoos, and individual animal records.
Mississippi Health & Veterinary Requirements
Mississippi requires a negative Coggins test within 12 months for all equine change of ownership, shows, and events. Interstate imports of horses require a CVI issued within 30 days and negative Coggins. Mississippi requires entry permits for livestock entering the state. Cattle must meet brucellosis and tuberculosis requirements. The warm, humid climate makes EIA prevention especially important, and Mississippi actively enforces Coggins testing requirements.
Mississippi Livestock Fees & Taxes
Here's a breakdown of the typical costs associated with a horse or livestock transaction in Mississippi:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coggins Test | $20 - $40 |
| Health Certificate (CVI) | $25 - $55 |
| State Sales Tax | 7% (agricultural exemptions may apply) |
| Entry Permit | No fee |
| Brand Inspection | Not required |
Sample Mississippi Horse Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Mississippi-specific horse bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required for Mississippi livestock transactions.
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
HORSE / LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE
Equine & Livestock Transfer Document
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Mississippi Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Farm/Ranch: [Farm Name]
Address: [Mississippi Address]
ANIMAL DESCRIPTION
Species: [Species] Breed: [Breed]
Registered Name: [Name]
Reg. #: [Number] Sex: [Sex]
Coggins Date: [Date] Result: [Negative]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Mississippi Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Mississippi horse and livestock bills of sale, health requirements, and transfer regulations.
Official Mississippi Resources
Use these official state resources to verify requirements, check import regulations, and access government information for your Mississippi livestock transaction.
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Livestock regulations and agricultural services
Mississippi State Veterinarian
Animal health, Coggins testing, and import requirements
USDA APHIS — Veterinary Services
Federal animal health regulations and accredited veterinarians
USDA — Interstate Livestock Movement
Federal requirements for transporting livestock across state lines
Other Mississippi Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Mississippi? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
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Create Your Mississippi Horse / Livestock Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Mississippi-compliant document in minutes. Includes Coggins test and health certificate fields.
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