Mississippi Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template
Buying or selling a vehicle in Mississippi? Without proper paperwork, you risk problems with ownership, taxes, and registration. A Mississippi bill of sale helps protect both parties by documenting the transaction, proving ownership transfer, and assisting with tax and registration requirements.
What is the Mississippi Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is a written document that records the transaction of a vehicle or vessel that marks an official ownership transfer from the seller to the buyer. For the seller, it provides vital protection against future liability, proving they no longer own the vehicle.
For the buyer, it establishes legal ownership, which is crucial for registration and insurance. In all cases, it’s not strictly mandatory, but getting a bill of sale is highly recommended.
Why Do You Need a Mississippi Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is a crucial document that provides protection and ensures transparency in the sales process. Here’s why the sellers and buyers need to have a bill of sale.
For Seller
Prevents Liability Issues: If the buyer is involved in an accident or commits a crime with the vehicle, the bill of sale protects the seller from legal responsibility.
Documents Sale Price for Tax Reporting: Accurately recording the sale price ensures the seller pays the correct taxes and avoids any disputes with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Serves as Legal Proof in Case of Disputes: A bill of sale provides concrete proof of the transaction. If any disputes arise regarding ownership or payment, the document serves as key evidence.
For Buyers
- Confirms Ownership: It serves as legal proof of purchase, documenting the details needed for registration and tax purposes.
- Prevents Fraud: It records the agreed sale price and terms, which prevents fraud and confirms what was promised.
- Protection Against Disputes: It protects the buyer from future disagreements or hidden liabilities related to the vehicle’s history.
- Â
Types of Mississippi Bill of Sale
In Mississippi, the main types of bills of sale include those for vehicles and general personal property. A vehicle bill of sale is used for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, and records important details such as the VIN, make, model, and odometer reading.Â
A personal property bill of sale is more general and can be used for items like furniture, electronics, or firearms, providing a legal record of ownership transfer.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Purpose: Documents the transfer of ownership for a vehicle, which is necessary for the buyer to obtain a title and register the vehicle with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR).
- Items Details: Includes buyer and seller information, vehicle description (make, model, year, VIN), odometer reading, sale price, and date of the transaction.
- Mississippi Specifics: In private sales where the title does not show the purchase price, a bill of sale may be needed for sales tax purposes. Additionally, notarization may be required for imported vehicles to validate the transaction.
Personal Property Bill of Sale
- Used for general property transfers, ensuring both parties have proof of sale.
- Covers items such as furniture, electronics, tools, or firearms.
- Includes the buyer and seller’s names, item description, sale price, date, and signatures.
What Should be Written on the Mississippi Bill of Sale?
A Mississippi bill of sale serves as proof of a transaction. It records essential details about the sale, ensuring buyers’ and sellers’ clarity and security.
Buyer and Seller Information
The bill of sale must include the buyer’s and seller’s full names, addresses, and contact details. This ensures that both parties can be identified if needed.
Date of the Transaction
The document should mention the exact date when the sale took place. This helps in resolving any future disputes related to the purchase timeline.
Vehicle, Boat, or Trailer Details
The bill of sale should specify the make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or HIN (Hull Identification Number), and the odometer reading to verify vehicle history.
Sale Price and Payment Method
It is important to record the final sale price and payment method, whether cash, check, or another transaction, to prevent disagreements.
Signatures of Both Parties
The buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale to make it legally valid. Some transactions may also require a witness for added verification.
How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi
If you buy a used car in Mississippi through a dealer in the same area, you must register the vehicle with the Mississippi Department of Revenue before you can drive the vehicle legally on the road.
Here’s the step to register the vehicle as soon as possible.
Gather Required Documents
The Mississippi DOR requires the vehicle title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and an application for registration.
Complete the Application
Fill out the necessary registration and title transfer forms from the DOR website or at a local office.
Submit Documents and Fees
Visit a local DOR office to submit the required documents and pay any applicable taxes and registration fees.
Mississippi VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy
Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase or sell used vehicles. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.
Mileage History
Title Brand
Ownership History
Warranty Status
Sales History
Salvage Title
Usage History
Repair Cost
Auction History
Hail Damage
Ownership Duration
Recalls History
Accident History
Flood Damage
Lien & Loans
Maintenance Schedule
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Â
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mississippi Bill of Sale
Can a piece of paper be a bill of sale?
Yes, you can write down the sales bill on paper. However, you can use our free bill of sale template by clicking on the form above for your convenience.Â
Do the Mississippi bill of sale need to be notarized?
No, a bill of sale does not need to be notarized for a private vehicle sale in Mississippi. However, the vehicle title itself must be notarized to complete the transfer.
How long does a notarized bill of sale last?
Generally, notarized documents maintain their validity permanently, except where specific legal requirements mandate updates or renewals. Knowing your local regulations is crucial for ensuring your documents remain legally effective.
Can a bill of sale be signed electronically?
Absolutely, a bill of sale can be signed electronically. The legal framework supporting this is quite robust. In the United States, state laws have explicitly recognized the validity of electronic signatures, granting them the same legal standing as traditional handwritten signatures.
Do the seller and buyer need to be present to notarize the bill of sale?
If both the buyer and seller need to sign, they must each appear before a notary. However, they don’t have to be at the same time or with the same notary. Each person’s signature can be notarized separately if that is more convenient.
