How to Perform a Title Transfer in Mississippi
Completing a car title transfer in Mississippi is a mandatory step after a vehicle ownership is passed from one legal entity to another. Note that title transfers for cars must be completed through the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR), which is in charge of handling car title transactions.
When finalizing the vehicle title transfer process, you may also be asked to obtain a new car registration during the same visit. To review the MS title transfer requirements and to learn how to fill out transfer of title documents, continue reading the following sections.
What is a car title transfer in Mississippi?
Before transferring a car title in Mississippi, vehicle owners must learn more about the auto title transfer process and the principal document used to legally transfer the vehicle ownership. The MS auto title transfer is a procedure that results in the passing of possession of a certain motor vehicle from the original owner to a new owner.
The document that is used to conclude the transfer of car title is the DOR-issued certificate of title, which contains information about the current vehicle owner.
Note that both the buyer and the seller must ensure they transfer a vehicle title in Mississippi in order to avoid potential future inconveniences. For instance, failure to complete the MS title transfer for cars will impede the buyer from registering the vehicle.
When is a vehicle title transfer required in Mississippi?
Finalizing the Mississippi car title transfer is a necessary step in several different situations. For example, in addition to transferring a vehicle title after a private sale, car owners will also have to initiate the MS transfer of car title in instances where the vehicle was transferred as a donation, gift or inheritance.
However, if you are transferring your car title in such cases, you may be required to meet slightly different requirements. For further information regarding when an MS vehicle title transfer must be completed, contact the state DOR.
Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Mississippi
When completing a title transfer for vehicles in Mississippi, applicants will be required to submit several types of documents and information as part of their car title transfer requirements in the state.
However, the criteria to finalize the corresponding title transfers for cars in MS may vary depending on factors such as the car owner’s circumstances and the details of the ownership transfer. The following list outlines the MS title transfer requirements for the documents necessary to transfer a car title after a private sale:
- A properly signed-over title certificate containing the seller’s name and signature and the mileage statement
- A completed title application, if required
- The odometer disclosure statement if the statement cannot be provided on the title certificate
- A bill of sale, if a separate section for this purpose is unavailable on the certificate of title
Note: If you are unable to produce a vehicle title when selling your vehicle, you will first be required to apply for a duplicate car title certificate by submitting the replacement title application.
If you are transferring a vehicle title in certain unique situations, you will also be required to submit additional paperwork. For instance, if you have received the vehicle as a gift from a close family relative, you will also be required to submit a certain affidavit.
If you would like to complete an MS transfer of auto title for an inherited vehicle, on the other hand, you will have to submit the decedent’s will or a special affidavit.
Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Mississippi
Vehicle owners must finalize the Mississippi car title transfer by submitting the necessary documents and cost payments through the DOR in their county of residence, since they cannot complete the title transfer online in the state.
Since the vehicle title transfer requirements may vary under different circumstances, motorists must ensure they have collected paperwork that applies to their situation prior to making their office visit.
The DOR agents will process requests for a transfer of car title in MS as soon as they verify the authenticity of the submitted documentation and fee payments. The newly manufactured title will be sent to the new owner’s address within a few weeks. Applicants who utilize the DOR Fast Track service will receive their title within a few days.
Note: After completing a title transfer for vehicles, vehicle sellers must remove the license plates from the sold vehicle and deliver them to their county treasurer.
Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Mississippi
When preparing to order a new car title in Mississippi, vehicle owners need to become familiar with the difference between applying for a new car title and transferring a title between two legal entities. Getting a new car title is a procedure that motorists need to perform after purchasing a new motor vehicle.
In most cases, the Mississippi Department of Revenue (MS DOR) issues a new title for a car that is titled and registered within the state for the first time. However, motorists may also apply for a title when they have just moved to Minnesota and they want to title their vehicles in the new state.
Motorists who are preparing to get a DMV new title in Mississippi or a title transfer procedure may have to follow different regulations and satisfy other requirements. The title transfer process is mandatory when motorists want to transfer the ownership rights from one person to another.
A title transfer must be performed in situations when MS residents are either selling or purchasing a motor vehicle, or when the vehicle is received as gift, inheritance or donation.
Car Title Transfer Fees in Mississippi
To successfully transfer a car title in Mississippi, applicants will be required to pay the fees imposed by the department. Note that the total price of the vehicle title transfer procedure may include several types of fees. The standard titling fee is $9. However, expedited titles, referred to as Fast Track titles, cost $30.
While the principal titling fee is not very high, vehicle owners will often be required to pay the applicable registration fees as well, since both the titling and registration procedures can be completed simultaneously.
Motorists who finalize their MS title transfers for cars by utilizing the Fast Track service for expedited titles will be required to pay an additional fee. Also, certain locations may charge an extra transaction fee. To learn more about the costs to transfer a car title in Mississippi and the fees of other related procedures, such as the title replacement transaction, contact the department.
Note: The sales tax payable on the purchase of the vehicle is based on the current vehicle value.
Sources
- Title Frequently Asked Questions from DOR.MS.gov