How To Transfer a Car Title in Mississippi 2026
Mississippi requires every motor vehicle owner to hold a valid certificate of title issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Pursuant to Mississippi Code Annotated § 63-21, all transfers of motor vehicle ownership — whether through private sale, gift, or inheritance — obligate both parties to execute a complete and accurate title assignment. Governing regulations are further detailed in the Mississippi Administrative Code, Title 35, Part VII, which establishes the procedural standards for titling and registration in the state. Buyers must submit a title application and register the vehicle at their county Tax Collector's office within 30 business days of the purchase date to avoid late registration penalties.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Mississippi
All documentation listed below must be submitted to the county Tax Collector's office at the time of application. Incomplete submissions, improperly executed, or missing required forms will be rejected.
| Document | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | Original title with the seller's completed assignment section; the buyer's printed name and signature are executed at the Tax Collector's office | Required for all transfers |
| Title Application (Form 78-002) | Official Mississippi application for a new certificate of title | Required for all transfers |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 78-015) | Written mileage disclosure by the seller at the time of ownership transfer, as mandated by federal and state law | Required for applicable vehicles |
| Proof of Sales Tax or Use Tax Payment | Evidence of applicable tax remitted on the net purchase price | Required for private-party purchases |
| Lien Release Documentation | Written confirmation from the lienholder that any security interest on the vehicle has been fully satisfied | Required when a lien appears on the title |
| Power of Attorney (Form 78-003) | Notarized authorization for a designated representative to conduct the transaction on behalf of the vehicle owner | Required when an agent acts for either party |
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Mississippi
Step 1: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller must complete the assignment section on the certificate of title prior to delivering the vehicle to the buyer. The following information must be entered in full:
- Date of sale
- Agreed sale price
- Buyer's full legal name and current address
- Seller's signature and printed name
- Current odometer reading
The seller is responsible for completing every field in the assignment section — except for the buyer's printed name and signature, which must be completed in the presence of a representative of the Tax Collector's office. Leaving the buyer's name blank for subsequent completion constitutes a violation of Mississippi law. Upon delivery of the vehicle, the seller must remove the license plate and surrender it to the county Tax Collector's office, as the plate is registered to both the vehicle and its owner under Mississippi law.
Step 2: Obtain the Odometer Disclosure Statement
Both federal and state law mandate written odometer disclosure in connection with the transfer of motor vehicle ownership. The Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form 78-015) must be completed by the seller and co-signed by the buyer. The form requires the following information:
- Full vehicle description, including year, make, model, and VIN
- The actual odometer reading recorded at the time of transfer
- A certification by the seller of the reading's accuracy
- Signatures of both the transferor and transferee, along with the date of transfer
If the odometer reading is known to be incorrect or the instrument's accuracy is in question, the seller must disclose this discrepancy on the form. Falsifying odometer records is subject to penalties under applicable state and federal statutes.
Step 3: Assemble All Required Documentation
Prior to appearing at the county Tax Collector's office, the buyer must verify that all documents listed in the table above are properly completed, signed, and available for submission. Incomplete applications will be returned without processing.
When the buyer and seller share an immediate family relationship, an Affidavit of Relationship must be attached to the application. If a third party is conducting the transaction on behalf of the vehicle owner, a notarized Power of Attorney (Form 78-003) must accompany the filing. Buyers purchasing from an out-of-state dealer must provide a copy of the purchase invoice and pay applicable use tax at the time of title application.
Step 4: Submit the Application at Your County Tax Collector's Office
Title applications for motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less must be filed at the county Tax Collector's office in the county where the vehicle is domiciled or parked overnight. At the time of submission, the applicant must:
- Present the properly assigned certificate of title along with all required supporting documents
- Complete and execute the Title Application (Form 78-002)
- Remit all applicable title fees, first-time registration fees, and sales or use taxes
- Surrender the seller's license plate, if not previously returned to the Tax Collector
All submitted materials must be originals or properly certified copies. Applications containing errors or omissions will be rejected and must be resubmitted with corrected documentation.
Step 5: Pay All Required Fees and Taxes
The following fee and tax schedule applies to title transfers processed through the Mississippi Department of Revenue:
| Fee / Tax Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Title Fee | $9.00 | Applies to motor vehicles, manufactured homes, electronic titles, and electronic lien titles |
| Fast Track Title Fee | $39.00 | Includes the standard $9.00 fee plus a $30.00 expedited processing surcharge; title issued within 72 hours of receipt |
| First-Time Registration Fee | $14.00 | Assessed at initial in-state registration |
| Registration Renewal Fee | $12.75 | Assessed at annual renewal |
| Sales Tax — Light Vehicles | 5% of net purchase price | Applies to passenger cars, vans, buses, and trucks under 10,000 lbs GVW |
| Sales Tax — Heavy Trucks | 3% of net purchase price | Applies to trucks over 10,000 lbs GVW used for property transport |
| Ad Valorem Tax | Varies | Determined by vehicle type, assessed value, and county of residence |
Buyers who require accelerated title issuance may optionally elect the Fast Track program. To qualify, the application must be submitted by U.S. Mail to the designated Fast Track P.O. Box (P.O. Box 22845, Jackson, MS 39225-2845) or delivered by hand to the Title Bureau at 500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056. For current information on accepted submission methods, contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue at (601) 923-7200. All required documents must be fully completed and included — incomplete Fast Track submissions are rejected without refund of the surcharge.
Step 6: Receive Your Certificate of Title
Following the successful processing of the application, the Mississippi Department of Revenue will issue the new certificate of title and mail it to the address on record. Expected processing timeframes are as follows:
| Title Type | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Title | 3–4 weeks | Timed from receipt by the Department; additional documentation may extend processing |
| Fast Track Title | Within 72 hours | Timed from receipt at the central office; mail transit time not included |
| Electronic Title | 3–4 weeks | Timed from receipt by the Department |
| Electronic Lien Title | Next business day | Issued upon receipt |
If the certificate is not received within the applicable processing window, contact the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Services division directly for assistance.
Contact Information
Mississippi Department of Revenue — Motor Vehicle Services
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7200
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
