Mississippi Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trailers, Trucks, and Boats
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.
Mississippi Bill of Sale Form
Get the bill of sale template to simplify the vehicle recording process. Download one for free!
What's the Function of 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.
Be Aware of the Vehicle’s Past With a Vehicle History Report!
Plan to buy a used vehicle? Remember to check the vehicle thoroughly before you decide to get them home. A vehicle history report has all the detailed information about the vehicle that you can read and examine before making a purchase.
Instantly check for past accidents, mileage discrepancies, maintenance history, and potential fraud before purchasing.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Can You Find 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 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.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
For sellers, a bill of sale is a crucial document that provides protection and ensures transparency in the sale. Here’s why it is beneficial:
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.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
For buyers, a bill of sale offers security and proof of purchase. It plays an important role in ensuring that the transaction is legally sound.
Confirms Ownership Before Title Transfer
Before a title is officially transferred, a bill of sale is temporary proof that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle.
Prevents Fraudulent Transactions
A bill of sale details the seller’s information and the sale terms, helping buyers verify that the purchase is legitimate and free from scams.
May Be Required for Registration
Some situations require a notarized bill of sale for registration and tax purposes. It ensures compliance with Mississippi’s motor vehicle and boating laws.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
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.
How to Register a Vessel in Mississippi?
Buying a vessel? Before you can operate a vessel legally in the Mississippi’s water area, you must register with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
Here’s how you can register the vessel easily:
Prepare Ownership Documents
The Mississippi MDWFP requires proof of ownership, such as a signed title (if applicable) or a bill of sale.
Complete the Registration Form
Obtain and complete a boat registration form from the MDWFP website or visit a local licensing office.
Pay Fees and Receive Registration
Submit the completed form with the required fees to the MDWFP. Once processed, you’ll receive registration decals and documentation.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can write down the sale bill on paper. However, you can use our free bill of sale template by clicking on the form above for your convenience.
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.
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.