Mississippi Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
A vehicle bill of sale is a required document for private party vehicle sales in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees motor vehicle titling and registration throughout the state, with transactions processed at county tax collector offices. Mississippi requires the bill of sale to be notarized, adding an important layer of authenticity to every private party transaction.
One unique aspect of Mississippi's vehicle tax system is the different sales tax rates for private sales versus dealer purchases. Private party vehicle sales are taxed at 5%, while new vehicles bought from licensed dealers are taxed at just 3%. Used vehicles from dealers are also subject to the 5% rate. On top of the one-time sales tax, Mississippi imposes an annual ad valorem property tax on vehicles, which is assessed based on the vehicle's value and collected at registration renewal.
Mississippi does not have a strict statutory deadline for title transfers, but the state recommends completing the transfer immediately. The state does not require emissions testing or vehicle safety inspections, keeping the process relatively straightforward once you have the necessary paperwork in order.
5%
Private party sales tax
ASAP
Transfer immediately
Yes
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Mississippi DOR Requirements
Mississippi's Department of Revenue sets the requirements for vehicle title transfers. All transactions are handled at your local county tax collector's office. Here's what you need for a successful transfer.
Important: Notarization Required in Mississippi
Mississippi requires your vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. Both parties should sign the document in the presence of a notary public. Plan to have notary services available at the time of the sale — many banks, shipping stores, and county offices offer notary services for a small fee.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the title on the assignment line and complete the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Notarized Bill of Sale: A completed and notarized bill of sale including all vehicle details, VIN, price, and both parties' signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must disclose the exact mileage and its accuracy for vehicles under 20 years old
- Lien Release: If a lender held a lien on the vehicle, a signed release of lien is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Tax Collector
- Signed Title: With the seller's signature and all fields properly completed
- Notarized Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties and notarized
- Valid Photo ID: Mississippi driver's license or state ID
- Proof of Insurance: Mississippi minimum liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($9), registration ($12.75-$30.75), 5% sales tax, and ad valorem tax
How to Fill Out a Mississippi Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Mississippi vehicle bill of sale. Remember that Mississippi requires the finished document to be notarized before it can be used for a title transfer.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name as it appears on the Mississippi vehicle title, current mailing address including county, and phone number. If the title shows multiple owners connected by "and," all owners must sign. If connected by "or," either owner may sign.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name exactly as it should appear on the new Mississippi title, current address including county, and phone number. The county of residence determines which tax collector office will process the transfer and the applicable ad valorem tax rate.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Copy the full 17-character VIN from the vehicle's dashboard plate or door jamb. Verify that the VIN matches the title exactly — the county tax collector will not process a transfer if there is any discrepancy in the VIN.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 model years or older and those over 16,000 lbs GVWR are exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Mississippi's 5% private party sales tax is calculated based on this price. If the vehicle is a gift, write "$0 — Gift" and check with the county tax collector about any applicable tax exemptions for family transfers.
Notarize, Sign, and Date
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale in the presence of a notary public. The notary will stamp and sign the document, making it officially valid for the Mississippi title transfer. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Take the notarized bill of sale and signed title to the county tax collector's office promptly.
Mississippi Title Transfer Process
After completing and notarizing the bill of sale and signing the title, the buyer must visit their county tax collector's office to complete the transfer. Mississippi handles all vehicle title and registration transactions at the county level.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale before a notary, sign the title, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Mississippi minimum liability insurance before visiting the tax collector
Visit Your County Tax Collector's Office
Bring the notarized bill of sale, signed title, photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($9), registration ($12.75-$30.75), 5% sales tax, and ad valorem tax
Receive Your New Title and Tag
Mississippi issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides a license plate
Mississippi Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Mississippi has a unique tax structure where private party sales are taxed at a higher rate than new dealer purchases. The state also charges an annual ad valorem tax on all registered vehicles. Here's a complete breakdown of costs:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax (Private Party) | 5% of sale price |
| Sales Tax (New from Dealer) | 3% of sale price |
| Title Transfer Fee | $9 |
| Registration Fee | $12.75 - $30.75 (based on vehicle class) |
| Ad Valorem Tax | Annual tax based on assessed vehicle value (varies by county) |
| License Plate | Included with registration |
| Duplicate Title | $9 (if title is lost) |
Sample Mississippi Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Mississippi-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by Mississippi county tax collector offices, including the notary acknowledgment section.
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Mississippi Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Mississippi Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Mississippi Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Mississippi vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and DOR requirements.
Official Mississippi Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your county tax collector, and access forms for your Mississippi vehicle transaction.
Mississippi Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle
Title transfers, registration, and tax information
Mississippi — Title & Registration Guide
Official guide to titling and registering vehicles in Mississippi
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
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.
Mississippi Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Mississippi Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Mississippi Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Mississippi Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Mississippi General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Mississippi ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Mississippi Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Mississippi Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Mississippi Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Mississippi-compliant document in minutes. Includes notary section as required by state law.
No account required. Free to create and preview.