Selling a car privately in Mississippi
Mississippi moves quickly: the buyer must title and register within 7 working days of the purchase at their county tax collector's office, where they pay Mississippi's vehicle sales tax. Complete the title assignment fully before handing it over; leaving the buyer's name blank for later is a violation of Mississippi law, and the state rejects marked-up titles. No notary is required.
Mississippi is stricter than most states about plates: remove your plate and surrender it to the county tax collector, which formally closes out your ownership record. Keep a copy of the front and back of the signed title plus a dated bill of sale; Mississippi has no separate notice-of-sale filing.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the full title assignment (Mississippi)
Fill in every seller field including buyer name, date, and odometer. A blank-buyer title violates Mississippi law.
- 2
Remove and surrender your plate
Take the plate off at handoff and surrender it to the county tax collector to close your ownership record.
- 3
Remind the buyer of the 7-working-day deadline
The buyer titles, registers, and pays sales tax at their county tax collector within 7 working days.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your Mississippi sale packet
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Start your free beta packetMississippi private sale FAQ
Does a Mississippi car title need to be notarized?
No. Mississippi requires a complete, unaltered assignment; fill in every field except the buyer's own printed name and signature, which the buyer completes. Never leave the buyer's name blank at handoff.
How long does the buyer have to register in Mississippi?
7 working days from purchase, at their county tax collector's office, where they pay Mississippi's vehicle sales tax.
What do I do with my Mississippi plate?
Remove it at handoff and surrender it to the county tax collector's office. The surrender is what closes the state's ownership record on your side.
How do I protect myself after a Mississippi sale?
Copy the signed title front and back, keep a dated bill of sale signed by both parties, and surrender your plate promptly. Together those establish the sale date.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.