How To Get a Car Title in Mississippi 2026
Mississippi residents are mandated by law to have all motor vehicles titled with the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Vehicle owners must obtain a certificate of title within 30 working days of purchase (exclusive of the delivery date) or upon establishing Mississippi residency. The Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau, through its network of county tax collector offices, administers the vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all motor vehicles registered throughout Mississippi's 82 counties.
Where to Apply for a Mississippi Certificate of Title
Mississippi residents must process title applications through authorized facilities designated by the Department of Revenue:
- County Tax Collector Offices – Local offices located in all 82 Mississippi counties
- Licensed Mississippi Vehicle Dealers – Authorized dealerships with electronic title processing capabilities
- Mississippi Department of Revenue Regional Offices – State-operated facilities in select locations
- Online Services Portal – Electronic submission platform for eligible title transactions through the Department of Revenue website (Motor Vehicle E-Services)
Required Documents for Title Application in Mississippi
Applicants seeking a Mississippi certificate of title must provide specific documentation to county tax collector offices or authorized agents:
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Previous Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Document must contain a valid assignment to the applicant with all seller signatures properly executed, or display the applicant as the original purchaser |
| Application for Mississippi Certificate of Title | Completed form containing accurate vehicle identification information, owner details, and transaction data |
| Proof of Ad Valorem and Privilege Tax Payment | Documentation establishing that applicable taxes have been paid or exemption status verified |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials may be required based on transaction type and vehicle history:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Mississippi Driver's License or State Identification | Establish applicant identity and residency | Out-of-state identification requires additional proof of Mississippi residency dated within 60 days |
| Proof of Mississippi Residency | Verify physical address within state boundaries | Acceptable documents include utility bills, property tax receipts, mortgage statements, or lease agreements |
| Bill of Sale | Document transaction details and purchase price | Required when the previous title originates from another state or for casual sales between individuals |
| Insurance Verification | Confirm minimum liability coverage | Mississippi requires proof of automobile insurance meeting state minimum requirements |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Record accurate vehicle mileage | Mandatory for vehicles less than 20 years old under federal disclosure requirements |
| Lien Release Documentation | Verify satisfaction of outstanding security interests | Necessary when previous title indicates lienholder information |
| Inspection Certificate | Demonstrate vehicle identification verification | Required for certain out-of-state vehicles and reconstructed title applications |
Mississippi Title Fees and Costs
The Mississippi Department of Revenue establishes fee structures applicable to title transactions processed throughout the state:
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Title (Original/Transfer/Duplicate) | $9.00 |
| Manufactured Home Title | $9.00 |
| Electronic Title | $9.00 |
| Electronic Lien Title | $9.00 |
| Replacement/Duplicate Title | $9.00 |
| Fast Track Title (72-hour processing) | $39.00 |
Mandatory Taxes and Fees
| Tax/Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Sales Tax | 5% | Calculated on purchase price or wholesale value of the vehicle |
| Ad Valorem Privilege Tax | Varies by county | Based on assessed vehicle value multiplied by county-specific millage rates set by local government; contact your county tax collector for exact amount |
| County Tax Collector Service Fee | $5.00–$10.00 | Varies by county; charged for transaction processing services |
| Late Payment Penalty (New Vehicle Registration) | $250.00 | One-time penalty applied when vehicle is not registered within 30 working days; standard privilege tax penalties also apply |
| Late Payment Penalty (Registration Renewals) | 5% first, then 5% per 30 days | Penalty of 5% assessed on 16th day overdue; additional 5% for each 30 days thereafter (maximum 25% total) |
| VIN Inspection Fee | $3.00 | Charged when physical inspection of vehicle identification number is required |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Compile Necessary Documentation
Gather the properly assigned previous title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, completed application form, bill of sale, valid identification, residency verification, insurance documentation, and any additional materials specific to your transaction type.
Step 2: Determine Tax Obligations
Calculate the applicable taxes for your vehicle purchase. Certain transactions qualify for exemptions or reduced assessments, including gifts between immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, grandchild, or grandparent), inheritance transfers, or disabled veteran purchases.
Step 3: Verify Insurance Coverage
Ensure the vehicle is covered by an automobile insurance policy meeting Mississippi statutory minimum liability requirements. Proof of insurance must be presented at the time of title application submission to the county tax collector.
Step 4: Visit the County Tax Collector's Office
Present all documentation to your county tax collector's office during regular business hours. Staff will examine materials for accuracy and compliance with Mississippi Code provisions before accepting the application for processing. Alternatively, you may apply online through Motor Vehicle E-Services for eligible transactions.
Step 5: Complete Payment Transaction
Pay the $9.00 title fee, 5% motor vehicle sales tax, $14.00 first-time registration fee (or $12.75 for renewals), county-specific ad valorem privilege tax, county service fee, and any applicable late penalties. Payment methods accepted include cash, personal checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards at most county offices.
Step 6: Receive Title Certificate and Registration
Upon successful application submission, you will receive confirmation of your title application including a reference number for tracking purposes.
Standard Processing: Titles are issued within 3–4 weeks after the application is received by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (unless additional documentation is required).
Fast Track Processing: For an additional $39.00 fee (beyond the standard $9.00 title fee), you may request fast track processing and receive your title within 72 hours of receipt by the Department of Revenue.
The Department of Revenue will mail the certificate of title to the owner's address of record, or to the lienholder if a security interest has been recorded. Registration plates and decals will be mailed separately or may be picked up at the county tax collector's office, depending on local procedures.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicle classifications are excluded from Mississippi's mandatory titling requirements under state law:
- Vehicles model year 1969 or older that have never been previously titled in Mississippi
- Trailers with a gross weight rating not exceeding 5,000 pounds (trailers exceeding 5,000 pounds must be titled as of 1999)
- Off-road vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes not operated on public roads
- Farm tractors and agricultural implements used exclusively for farming operations
- Vehicles owned by the United States government or its agencies
- Special mobile equipment and machinery not designed for highway use
- Implements of husbandry operated primarily for agricultural purposes on farm property
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan for interstate commercial transport
Contact Information
Questions regarding title applications, processing timeframes, documentation requirements, or tax obligations should be directed to the Mississippi Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau or your local county tax collector's office.
Mississippi Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7700
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue
