Buying and Selling FAQs

I just purchased a car from another state. How long do I have to register it here?

If you're a Mississippi resident, you have only seven days to get the car registered with the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Licensing (MVL) Bureau. Take the current title, signed over to you, down to your local tax collector's office to register and title the vehicle in your name.

I'll be moving to Mississippi next month. Do I have to register my vehicles with the state in seven days?

No. New residents have up to 30 days to get their vehicles titled and registered.

I want to sell my car and buy another used one, but I don't even know where to start. Can you help?

Sure! DMV.ORG has an entire section devoted to buying and selling cars. Check out those pages to get started. You'll also want to review some online auto classified ads like those on AutoTrader.com, Cars.com, and MotoClassifieds.US. There are many others, but these will help you get started on some research.

I'm going to sell my car. Do I let the new owner keep the tag?

No. In Mississippi, the license plate (tag) belongs to the owner, not the car. When you sell your car, you'll need to surrender the tag at your local tax collector's office, and the new owner will need to register and title the vehicle in their own name and get their own license plate.

I was just overseas and have decided to buy a car from there. How do I bring it to Mississippi?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides a great resource to learn all about importing vehicles, so check there first. Then for specifics, contact your local tax collector's office to get details for your county.

When I purchase a car, can I get a temporary tag until I can get it registered?

Mississippi's temporary tag is valid for only seven working days, but yes, you can purchase one from the dealer who sold you the vehicle.

How much will my new car cost me in registration fees and taxes?

You'll pay $10 for a first-time registration and $8.75 for renewals. You'll also pay other fees and taxes based on the type of vehicle, its purchase price, and where you live.

The state offers an online chart to figure the privilege tax and the details on how to figure your ad valorem tax. Each county assesses its own fees too, so check with your local tax collector's office to get the exact amount due.

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