How To Transfer Car Title in Mississippi
Are you a Mississippi resident in the market for a new car? Or perhaps you’re inheriting a vehicle from a family member? Either way, one thing is clear – transferring the car title is crucial to establish ownership.
Since the car title serves as proof of vehicle ownership, it’s necessary to transfer the title into your name whenever ownership changes. And in Mississippi, the Department of Revenue (DOR) issues an authorized and negotiable document that signifies ownership of a motor vehicle, trailer, or manufactured housing unit.
Whether you’re acquiring a new car or inheriting it, obtaining a car title is a must whenever there’s a change in ownership, and the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) handles all car title matters in Mississippi.
But don’t worry! We’ll cover everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Mississippi seamlessly. From providing necessary information to submitting relevant paperwork and paying required fees, we’ll guide you through the process accurately and confidently, so you can navigate it efficiently and confidently.
So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your car ownership journey, read on and discover the ins and outs of car title transfers in the Magnolia State!
Things To Consider When Signing a Mississippi Title
Take into account the following essential guidelines when filling out the title certificate:
- Any inaccuracies in spelling instantly invalidate the document.
- Strictly utilize blue or black ink, as any other color will void the title.
- Under no circumstances should white-out be used or any information deleted.
- Ensure clear and legible handwriting throughout.
- Exclusively provide full and legally recognized names.
How To Transfer Car Title in Mississippi After Buying or Selling Your Car
The vehicle title transfer process involves the following steps:
1. Face-to-face meeting
The buyer and seller meet in person to negotiate and agree upon the purchase price. The buyer inspects the vehicle and gives their approval. The buyer then pays the seller for the vehicle.
2. Title certificate completion
The seller and buyer must fill out and sign the title certificate indicating the transfer of ownership. This step legally establishes the buyer as the new owner of the vehicle.
3. Registration and formal title transfer
The buyer registers the vehicle and formally transfers the title into their name with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR).
During this process, the buyer pays the applicable sales tax, applies for new license plates, and handles other necessary details.
It is essential to point out that the first step, the face-to-face meeting between the buyer and seller, holds significant importance. The second step, involving the registration and title transfer, is a required formality.
Additional details for each party involved:
As a Seller
As the seller, you formalize the entire transaction by transferring ownership of the car. This is done by signing the title over to the buyer.
Once completed, you should remove your license plates and consider your involvement with the vehicle concluded.
As a Buyer
As the purchaser in a private car sale, you become the vehicle’s legal owner when the seller transfers the title into your name.
Complete the title and registration procedures with the Mississippi DMV to finalize the process. Additionally, you will be issued new Mississippi license plates and are required to obtain auto insurance.
How To Title and Register Your Car in Mississippi as a New Resident
After establishing residency in Mississippi, it is imperative to promptly register your vehicle at the county Tax Collector’s office within a 30-day timeframe. During this process, several requirements must be fulfilled:
1. Complete the Application for Mississippi Title and License
Per the regulatory framework, completing the Application for Mississippi Title and License at the esteemed Tax Collector’s office is mandatory for every vehicle under your ownership. This application serves as a formal request for the title and registration.
2. Pay applicable Taxes and Fees
Ensuring all applicable taxes and fees linked to vehicle registration are diligently settled at the Tax Collector’s office is crucial.
3. Provide Necessary Documentation
It is essential to possess the vehicle’s title and a valid registration receipt (license plate) from the state where it was last registered. These documents are proof of ownership and are required during registration.
If a lien holder holds the vehicle’s title or if the vehicle is leased, additional supporting documentation is necessary to validate ownership.
Such documents may include a registration receipt from another state or a duplicate title from another state.
When another state holds the vehicle’s title, the current valid registration receipt (license plate) is proof of ownership when applying for title and registration.
Failure to surrender the title may impede the processing of your application and result in the inability to renew your license plate.
It is essential to note that operating the vehicle without valid and current registration is legally prohibited.
How To Transfer Car Title in Mississippi If the Owner Is Dead
In the event of the vehicle owner’s demise and assuming the role of the beneficiary with intentions to retain the vehicle, it becomes necessary to transfer the vehicle’s title.
As the designated beneficiary, you can retain ownership, bestow it as a gift to a family member, or proceed with its sale.
It is important to note that as the beneficiary, joint-owner, or surviving spouse, you possess the legal authority to transfer the vehicle title to another party after the owner’s passing.
The critical factor in executing a vehicle title transfer in such circumstances is establishing the probate status.
Determining whether the vehicle is registered solely under the decedent’s name or held jointly with another party is pivotal in transferring the vehicle title following the owner’s demise.
Should the vehicle’s title solely bear the decedent’s name, it is essential to ascertain if the estate is undergoing probate proceedings.
How To Get a Duplicate Title in Mississippi
It is imperative to fulfill the requirements to obtain a duplicate certificate of title when the original is missing.
Firstly, completing Form 78-006, the “Application for Replacement Certificate of Title,” is mandatory. Additionally, a fee of $9.00 must be submitted alongside the application.
Alternatively, if an expedited processing option is preferred, completing Form 78-026, the “Fast Track title” application, is required.
Along with this form, a fee of $39.00 must be remitted to facilitate the accelerated processing of the duplicate title.
When buying or selling a vehicle whose original title is missing, the vehicle’s owner must obtain a duplicate title. The absence of an appropriately assigned title renders the sale null and void.
Consequently, if the title has been misplaced or rendered unusable, the vehicle owner must obtain a duplicate title to complete the sale.
Cost of Applying for a Mississippi
For acquiring a motor vehicle title or a manufactured home title, a fee of $9.00 is requisite.
However, if expedited processing of the title application is desired, an additional $30.00 can be paid to obtain a “Fast Track” title.
Notably, designated agents providing their proficient services may include a fee of $1.00 for the transaction.
How To Complete the Mississippi Title Transfer Form
To ensure thorough and accurate completion of the required document, it is imperative to carefully review the instructions before filling out the transfer of title form.
Follow this step-by-step process to ensure the comprehensive and precise completion of the form:
- Flip to the backside of the DMV title transfer form.
- Locate the “Assignment of title by registered owner” section, inscribe your name (as the buyer), and complete the address on the appropriate lines.
- Indicate the current mileage of the vehicle on the subsequent line.
- The sellers are then obligated to affix their signatures on the designated line. In cases of joint ownership, all partners must sign on this line.
- Following the signatures, the sellers should legibly print their names and provide the date of the vehicle’s sale on the subsequent lines.
- On the following line, the buyer is required to sign their name. In instances of joint ownership, all involved parties must sign on this line. Furthermore, their names must be printed on the provided line.
How To Transfer Car Ownership Without a Title in Mississippi
Engaging in the transfer of car ownership without possessing a title is deemed unlawful in Mississippi.
If you are contemplating procuring an automobile lacking a title, the seller will procure a replacement or duplicate title, enabling the seamless transfer of ownership to transpire.
There are certain exceptions to this customary practice. One exception arises when the rightful title owner has died, and the designated next of kin intends to sell the vehicle.
It is essential to emphasize that if you have already procured a vehicle without a title and are seeking a title bond, you should contact the Title Bureau at 601-923-7640 for further guidance and comprehensive information.
