How long it takes to get a car title in Mississippi

In Mississippi, most standard car titles are issued in roughly 4 to 8 weeks after the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) receives a complete, error-free application from your county tax collector or a designated agent; some transactions can be processed faster through an expedited channel used by dealers and lenders, while complex cases can take longer. Below, we break down what affects timing, what you can do to avoid delays, and when to follow up.

What the timeline looks like from start to finish

After you buy a vehicle or otherwise change ownership, your application is submitted through your county tax collector or a designated agent and routed to the DOR Title Bureau for processing in Jackson. The state’s typical window for issuing a standard title falls between four and eight weeks, reflecting both review time and mail delivery. Peak seasons, application errors, and special title types can extend this window, while certain expedited processes used by licensed dealers and financial institutions can shorten it.

Standard processing vs. expedited options

Standard processing

For most individuals applying through a county tax collector, plan on approximately 4–8 weeks from the date the DOR receives a complete application. Mail times to and from the state can add a few days. If there is an active lien, Mississippi often holds the title electronically under its Electronic Lien and Title framework and mails a paper title once the lien is released, which can shift when you actually receive a physical document.

Expedited handling through designated agents

Mississippi offers an expedited pathway, commonly used by licensed dealers and lienholders (designated agents), that can reduce processing time significantly—often to a matter of business days once the DOR has all required documents. Availability, eligibility, and fees for expedited handling vary and not all title types qualify. Mailing time still applies after the expedited approval is complete.

What can speed things up—and what causes delays

These are the most common factors that affect how quickly your Mississippi title is issued.

• Completeness and accuracy: Missing signatures, incorrect names, or title reassignment mistakes typically trigger rejections or requests for more information.
• Taxes and fees: Unpaid sales/use tax or incorrect fee amounts can stall issuance until resolved.
• Lien status: Active liens place the title into electronic holding; paper titles generally print and mail after lien release is recorded.
• Out-of-state transfers: Extra verification (VIN/odometer checks or prior-state records) can add time.
• Special designations: Salvage, rebuilt, flood, or bonded titles undergo additional review, extending processing.
• Odometer disclosures: Any mismatch or missing federal odometer disclosure can pause processing.
• Name and identity discrepancies: Name changes, power-of-attorney use, or estate documents require careful documentation.

If your case involves any of these issues, expect the upper end of the timeline or additional follow-up. Clean, complete files without special circumstances generally move faster.

How to apply without delays

Before submitting your application, focus on the essentials that most often avoid back-and-forth with the state.

1. Verify ownership chain: Ensure the seller properly assigned the title to you and that the VIN matches across all documents.
2. Complete odometer disclosures: Include federally required mileage statements for vehicles within the applicable model-year range.
3. Handle lien paperwork: If financed, confirm your lender’s details are correct; if paid off, include a proper lien release.
4. Pay correct taxes/fees: Confirm sales/use tax and title fees with your county tax collector to prevent underpayment delays.
5. Use a designated agent when possible: Dealers and lenders can submit electronically and may access expedited channels.
6. Keep copies: Retain scans of your application, bill of sale, and any releases in case you need to follow up.

Taking these steps up front greatly increases your odds of landing in the 4–6 week range and reduces the risk of a resubmission.

Special cases: what to expect

Duplicate or replacement titles

If your title is lost or damaged, duplicate titles are typically faster than complex transfers but still allow several weeks for processing and mailing. If there’s an active lien, the duplicate may be issued electronically to the lienholder rather than mailed to you.

Bonded titles

When ownership evidence is incomplete, a bonded title may be required. These undergo additional review and often take notably longer than standard titles due to the surety bond and verification steps involved.

Salvage and rebuilt titles

Vehicles branded salvage or rebuilt involve inspections and additional documentation. Expect extended processing beyond ordinary transfers while the DOR confirms compliance with safety and branding rules.

Tracking and when to follow up

If a dealer or lender handled your paperwork, start by asking them for status—they can check submission and receipt dates and whether the DOR requested more information. If you applied through a county tax collector, the office can confirm when your application was sent and whether any issues were flagged. As a rule of thumb, follow up if it has been more than eight weeks since the DOR received a complete application, or sooner if you’ve been told a correction is needed.

Bottom line

Mississippi titles usually arrive within 4–8 weeks under standard processing once the DOR receives a complete, accurate file. Designated-agent expedited channels can shorten that time for qualifying transactions, while special cases like bonded, salvage, or out-of-state transfers can run longer. Submit a clean application, confirm taxes/fees, and use a designated agent when possible to minimize delays.

Summary

Expect about 4–8 weeks for a standard Mississippi car title from the DOR’s receipt of a complete application, with mailing time included. Expedited processing via designated agents can be much quicker for eligible cases. Errors, liens, special branding, or out-of-state transfers extend timelines. If more than eight weeks pass without an update, contact your dealer, lender, or county tax collector to check status.

How long until a title comes in the mail?

After you purchase a vehicle, you typically get the car’s title in the mail within two to six weeks if you’re in a title-holding state. Title-holding states send the title to the owner/operator of the vehicle.

How long does it take to get a Mississippi car title?

2-3 weeks
Application Process: Complete the Fast Track Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form 78-026). Fees: The Fast Track service costs an additional $30 on top of the standard $9 duplicate title fee, totaling $39. Processing Time: Fast Track titles are typically issued within 2-3 weeks of application receipt.

How do I get my car title in Mississippi?

To get a car title in Mississippi, visit your local county tax collector’s office and complete the required Application for Certificate of Title (form 78-002) with the necessary documents, which include your state-issued photo identification, the vehicle’s manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) or previous title, and a bill of sale. You will pay applicable taxes and fees, and the title will be issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR). 
1. Gather Your Documents

• Completed Application: The Application for Certificate of Title (Form 78-002). 
• Proof of Ownership: The vehicle’s Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) for a new vehicle or the previous title assigned to you. 
• Bill of Sale: A document detailing the vehicle’s purchase price from the seller, especially for private sales where the title doesn’t have a field for the price. 
• Odometer Statement: A statement of the vehicle’s mileage. 
• Identification: A valid, state-issued photo ID. 

2. Locate Your Local Office 

• Go to your nearest county tax collector’s office to submit your application.

3. Complete the Application Process

• Submit Application and Documents: Hand in the completed application and all required documents to the tax collector’s office. 
• Pay Taxes and Fees: Pay the required sales tax, which is 5% for vehicles like cars and pickup trucks, and the title and tag fees. 
• Vehicle Inspection: Obtain a Vehicle Inspection Number (VIN) from the vehicle. 

4. Receive Your Title 

• The Mississippi Department of Revenue is responsible for issuing the title. The title will be mailed to you by the DOR after the county tax collector’s office processes your application.

Important Considerations

• Taxes: You will pay sales tax and registration fees when you apply for your title. 
• Fast Track: If you are in a hurry, there is an optional “Fast Track” application (form 78026178) for an increased fee. 

How long does it take for your title to be mailed to you?

Most states require time and, in some cases, two to six weeks to mail the new title. Here we will provide a broad outline of how to secure a replacement title and what background documents you may need to complete the process.