How to Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Mississippi

Transferring a car title to a family member in Mississippi is easier than you might think

Many people are hesitant to undertake the car title transfer process, believing it to be far more complex than it truly is. In reality, it’s a fairly straightforward process that can be easily accomplished with adequate preparation.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how to transfer a car title in Mississippi, including relevant and essential details like the step-by step process, the required documentation, and even the fees you may have to pay.

What is a Vehicle Title?

A vehicle title is simply a legal document stating who has legal ownership of a vehicle. It is essential in certain legal situations, or when the car owner wants to apply for something like a title loan.

The vehicle title states a lot of specific information about the vehicle, like the Vehicle Identification number and the vehicle’s mileage at the time of each title transfer. It also contains pertinent information about the vehicle’s owners.

Having a vehicle title in place helps the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) keep track of vehicles, and even return recovered stolen vehicles to the rightful owner. This document can also be a powerful preventative measure that keeps thieves from selling stolen vehicles with ease.

How do I Transfer a Car Title to a Family Member in Mississippi? Step-By-Step Guide

When transferring a title to a family member in Mississippi, it’s important to understand exactly how the title transfer process works.

Transferring a Title at the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS)

Transferring a title at the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) is a fairly simple process. Here’s how to get it done:

  1. Collect all the relevant documentation, ensuring that you have all the appropriate signatures and that all the relevant fields have been completed. You’ll find a comprehensive list of all the required documentation below.
  2. Go to your nearest Department of Public Safety (MS DPS), submit all the documentation and pay the required fees. If you want an expedited title transfer, ensure that you tell the clerk so and pay the fees involved.
  3. Wait for the completion of the title transfer process. It may take anything from a couple of days to a couple of months, depending on the backlog at the MS DPS, and which kind of transfer you paid for.

Bear in mind that some situations may require extra documentation and steps, so always check with your local MS DPS to hear what’s required.

Transferring Ownership of a Titleless Vehicle

In the state of Mississippi, it is entirely illegal to transfer ownership of a titleless vehicle. The current owner of the vehicle must obtain a replacement or duplicate title before transferring the title to the recipient.

There are a few exceptions to this, one being when the vehicle owner passes away and the beneficiary of the vehicle wishes to sell it.

If you have purchased a titleless vehicle without knowing that you can’t legally transfer the title, contact the Title Bureau for advice and more information. 

Family Title Transfer in Mississippi: Required Documentation

When transferring a car title in Mississippi, you will need to collect several different types of documentation to complete the process. These may include the following:

  • The original vehicle title, notarized – all title transfers require the original title, completed by the current vehicle owner and properly notarized.
  • Replacement certificate of title application – In order for the recipient of the title to get full ownership, they need to complete the application for a replacement certificate of title.
  • An Odometer Declaration – If the car is less than ten years old, you’ll need to submit an odometer declaration.  
  • The car’s Vehicle Identification Number
  • Bill of Sale – Even in the case of a gifted vehicle, a bill of sale is required to complete a title transfer in this state.

How to Complete the Transfer of Title Form

When doing a title transfer in Mississippi, it is essential that you complete the transfer of title form correctly. Ensure that you read the title carefully before you complete the form, because mistakes can extend the process significantly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filling out the form:

  1. Flip the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) title transfer form over, the part you need to complete is on the back.
  2. Find the “Assignment of title by registered owner” section.
  3. Print the name and full address of the title recipient in the appropriate fields.
  4. Fill in the car’s mileage in the appropriate field (the next line).
  5. Allow the car’s current owner or owners to complete the next section. All owners must sign and print their names in the appropriate fields.
  6. Fill in which date the car was sold or given away.

Family Title Transfer in Mississippi: Related Fees

When transferring a title in Mississippi, there is a consistent fee of $9 for every transfer. In the case that you want to expedite the title application process, you can opt for a $30 fast-track application.

When you have purchased a vehicle, you will also need to pay a sales tax of 5% of the vehicle’s net value. When you give a car to a family member, this sales tax becomes unnecessary.

Real-Life Examples of Family Title Transfer in Mississippi

While it is easy to understand that it may be necessary to transfer a car title to a family member, that doesn’t always translate in terms of practical application. Let’s take a look at a few practical examples when car title transfer may become necessary.

Transferring a Car Title From A Deceased Owner in Mississippi

Sadly, one of the common reasons why it may become necessary for a title to transfer to a relative is when a family member passes away and the title needs to pass to their heir. In the case of a title transfer due to death, you may require some additional documentation.

You will require the certificate of title (as with all transfers), a death certificate for the previous owner, the letters testamentary or letters of administration, and a vehicle odometer disclosure statement.

After this, simply visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue to submit the documents and pay the related fees. After this, you can simply await the completion of the process and undertake the required steps to register the vehicle.   

Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle to a Son or Daughter

Another reason why you may wish to transfer a vehicle title to a family member in Alabama is that you may give a car to your son or daughter. In this case, all of the usual title transfer processes will apply, 

You will, however, need to provide a gifted car bill of sale to show that it is a gift. The rest proceeds as normal, but they won’t need to pay sales tax.

Final Thoughts

After reading this guide, you should have all the essential information about how to transfer a car title to a family member in Mississippi. You should have a clear knowledge about how and where to do the transfer, which fees are involved, and even the documentation that you may require.

It’s important to bear in mind that doing a car title transfer early on can save you, and your loved ones, a lot of trouble later on. For instance, if the person driving the car wants to take out a title loan in Mississippi, they require full ownership and title of the vehicle.

Family Title Transfer in Mississippi: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer ownership of a car in Mississippi?

This is a fairly simple process in Mississippi. If you buy a car, simply have the original owner sign the title over to you, then visit your nearest Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) with all the requisite documents. After paying the transfer fees, they’ll transfer the title of the car to your name. 

What documents do I need to register my car in Mississippi?

Mississippi requires several important documents in order to process a vehicle title transfer. These include the following: the title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, a bill of sale, a  state-issued photo ID, an odometer disclosure statement, the vehicle’s VIN, and a completed vehicle registration application: You’ll need to complete a vehicle registration application form, and you’ll also need the seller to sign the title over to you (in the case of a vehicle title transfer).

How long does it take to get a fast track title in Mississippi?

This is truly an expedient process, and the title may be processed within as little as 72 hours of the Department of Public Safety (MS DPS) having received the application as well as all the required documentation they need in order to process the title transfer.

Do you need a bill of sale to transfer title in Mississippi?

Yes, you will require a bill of sale when transferring a car title in Mississippi. In the case of a gifted car (either given or received) you will require a gift bill of sale in order to legally transfer ownership of the car.