How to Transfer Ownership of a Car in Mississippi

Because ownership of a car confirms ownership of a vehicle, it is important that ownership transfers when ownership changes. If you are buying a car from a private seller in Mississippi, you will need to transfer ownership in your name. Sellers will be required to transfer ownership to the buyer's name. The same applies to a vehicle donation, gift or inheritance. Of course, there are quite a few steps to be aware of when it comes to transferring car ownership in Mississippi.

What Buyers Should Know About Transfer of Ownership

Buyers only need to follow a few steps in the transfer of ownership process, but it is important to get them right. You need:

• Make sure to get the full title from the seller. The seller must complete all sections of the tasks on the back.
• Complete the Mississippi title and license application. This form is only available from the state tax office.
• Insure the car and provide evidence.
• Take this information to the DOR office along with your license and money to pay the transfer of title fee, registration fees and taxes. The transfer will cost $9 and check-in will be $14 plus the applicable MS Road and Bridge Privilege tax ($7.20 to $15).

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect completion of the title application

What Sellers Should Know About Transfers of Ownership

Sellers need to complete a few extra steps, but they're not particularly difficult. These include:

• Complete the task sections on the back of the title. Please note that if you have lost the title, you will need to pay for a duplicate, which will cost $9.
• If there is not enough space in the header to provide all the required information (odometer reading, buyer's name, etc.), you will need to complete the bill of sale and hand it over to the buyer.
• If you are selling or transferring a vehicle to a relative, you will need to complete an Affidavit of Relationship. This form is available from your county tax office.
• Remove license plates.

Common Mistakes

• Fields at the end of the title are not filled

Donating and Inheriting a Car in Mississippi

When it comes to donating a car, the steps are identical to those described above, with the caveat that an affidavit of relationship must be completed and filed with the DOR (only for family title transfers). For legacy vehicles, things change a bit. You'll need:

• Current name
• Signature of any surviving spouse if their name is also listed in the title.
• Copies of wills
• Administrative letter or will (only if the property has not passed a will)

Extra charges:

• If the owner died without a will, you will need to complete an affidavit when the owner dies without a will, which is available from the county tax office.
• Submit this information to the DOR office and pay the $9 transfer fee plus registration fees.

For more information on how to transfer ownership of a vehicle in Mississippi, visit the state DOR website.