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When buying a car from a private seller in Mississippi, you must obtain the original Certificate of Title. The seller needs to complete the "Assignment of Title" section on the back, including the date of sale and the current odometer reading. Both the seller and the buyer must sign this section. While Mississippi titles generally do not require the signatures to be notarized, ensuring all information is legible and accurate is crucial to avoid rejection at the Tax Collector's office.
No. Mississippi repealed its mandatory vehicle safety inspection sticker law in 2015. You are no longer required to have a valid inspection sticker to register or drive a vehicle in the state. However, this means the state does not verify the safety of the car before you buy it. It is strongly recommended that you perform a detailed inspection yourself or pay a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection.
There are two main costs when registering a vehicle in Mississippi:
Sales Tax: You will pay a 5% "casual sales tax" on the purchase price of the vehicle. This is paid to the County Tax Collector when you register the car.
Ad Valorem Tax: This is an annual personal property tax based on the assessed value of the vehicle and the millage rate of your specific county/city. You must pay this for the coming year at the time of registration. This can be a significant cost, so budget accordingly.
Yes, a bill of sale is generally required by the County Tax Collector to verify the purchase price for the 5% sales tax calculation. It also serves as your legal proof of ownership before you get the new title. The bill of sale should include the vehicle description (VIN, make, model, year), the sale price, the date of sale, and the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller.
Check the front of the title for any listed lienholders. If a bank or finance company is listed, the seller must provide a lien release document, or the title must be stamped/signed by the lender indicating the lien has been satisfied. If the lien is not released, the Tax Collector will not let you register the car in your name.
You have 7 business days from the date of purchase to register the vehicle and pay the taxes at your county Tax Collector's office. If you wait longer than 7 business days, you may be charged legislative penalties on the taxes owed, and you will no longer be legal to drive the vehicle on public roads without a tag.
Simplify Private Car Buying in Mississippi: Key Steps and Expert Tips.
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