Thinking about selling your car in Mississippi? Whether you’re in Jackson, Biloxi, Gulfport, or Tupelo, this guide breaks down the entire process, from paperwork and pricing to getting paid, with Mississippi-specific rules and tips to make everything easy.
Sell My Car in Mississippi: 5 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you list or sell your vehicle, be sure to have the following documents ready:
- Mississippi Certificate of Title: Must be in your name and properly filled out. The title assignment must be completed by the seller and notarized before transfer.
- Valid ID: A Mississippi driver’s license or government-issued ID is required for the title transfer.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles under 10 years old. This may be completed on the title or as a separate declaration.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): While not always mandatory, a bill of sale helps document the transaction details and protects both parties.
- Lien Release (if applicable): You must provide this if the vehicle was financed and the loan has been paid off.
- Current Registration Certificate: Helpful for completing the transfer process.
Mississippi Department of Revenue Forms You May Need
Mississippi vehicle sales may involve these forms:
- Form 78-002 – Application for Mississippi Title and License
- Form 78-003 – Power of Attorney to Transfer Motor Vehicle (if using a representative)
- Odometer Declaration (if needed as separate document)
All forms are available through the Mississippi Department of Revenue or your local county tax collector’s office.
Sell Your Car in Mississippi — Fast & Easy
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Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Want to get top dollar? Clean your vehicle, gather maintenance records, and fix small issues. Mississippi’s Gulf Coast humidity and occasional severe weather can affect vehicle condition, so addressing any rust or storm damage can help your value.
But if you don’t have the time or patience, we’ve got a better solution.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars in any condition — no cleaning, no fixing, no stress. Just request a quick offer and sell your vehicle as-is.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Understanding your car’s market value helps you price it right:
- Use Our Free Appraisal Tool: Get an instant quote in under 2 minutes.
- Kelley Blue Book: Helps assess value based on mileage, condition, and features.
- Edmunds or NADA: Use these to see depreciation trends and current market pricing.
Values vary across Mississippi. Compare listings in Jackson, Biloxi, Gulfport, Tupelo, Hattiesburg, and Meridian to see what similar vehicles are going for.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
There’s more than one way to sell your car. Here’s how they compare:
Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest & Easiest): No meetups, no haggling, and no notarization hassles. We give you a fair offer and handle the transfer.
Trade In at a Dealership: Dealers offer trade-in credit, but values are often tied to buying something from their lot.
Private Sale: You’ll handle everything, including ads, buyers, payments, notarization, and title transfer. This requires finding a notary and coordinating with the buyer.
Want speed and peace of mind? Choose Ken Ganley Buying Center.
Step 5: Get Paid
Mississippi’s notarization requirement adds a step to private sales, but also creates opportunities for scams. When you sell to Ken Ganley Buying Center, you get secure, verified payment — often on the same day.
No bouncing checks. No shady apps. No notary appointment coordination. Just a reliable process and peace of mind.
What Affects Car Values in Mississippi? Local Market Insights to Know
Mississippi’s unique geography and economy create specific automotive preferences that affect resale value:
Gulf Coast considerations: Mississippi’s coastal areas see high demand for vehicles that can handle salt air and occasional hurricane conditions. Rust-resistant vehicles and those with higher ground clearance hold value better near the coast.
Pickup truck dominance: Mississippi’s strong agricultural and construction sectors drive consistently high demand for pickup trucks and work vehicles throughout the state.
Affordability focus: Mississippi’s economic profile means fuel-efficient, reliable vehicles with lower maintenance costs are particularly valued by buyers.
Casino and tourism influence: The Gulf Coast’s casino industry and tourism create demand for reliable commuter vehicles and some luxury cars in areas like Biloxi and Gulfport.
Hurricane preparedness: Vehicles with reliable starting systems, higher ground clearance, and good emergency features are preferred due to Mississippi’s hurricane exposure.
Rural vs. urban preferences: Rural areas favor trucks and SUVs for practical needs, while urban areas like Jackson show growing interest in fuel-efficient sedans and compact SUVs.
Military presence: Keesler Air Force Base and other military installations create a market for reliable, well-maintained vehicles among military families.
Classic car culture: Mississippi hosts events like “Cruisin’ the Coast” in Biloxi, indicating strong classic and collector car interest along the Gulf Coast.
Knowing what sells in your area helps maximize your offer.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Mississippi?
Selling your vehicle shouldn’t be a hassle, especially when you’re dealing with Mississippi’s notarization requirements. Skip the classifieds, strangers, and stress. Get a real offer from Ken Ganley Buying Center, fast.
Get your free instant offer now or call 330-427-3656 to talk with a team member today.
We make it easy to sell your car in Mississippi, no matter where you are.
Need help selling your car in Mississippi? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi requires the title assignment to be completed by the seller and notarized before transfer.
What happens to my plates after I sell the car?
License plates typically stay with the seller. Check with your local county tax collector about transfer or return procedures.
Is a bill of sale required in Mississippi?
While not always mandatory, a bill of sale is recommended to document the transaction and protect both parties.
Can I sell my car without the title in hand?
No. You must have the title or request a duplicate from the Mississippi Department of Revenue before proceeding with the sale.
Where do I complete the title transfer?
Title transfers are handled through your local county tax collector’s office using Form 78-002.
Do I pay sales tax when I sell a car?
No. The buyer is responsible for sales tax when registering the vehicle.