What you need to know about Mississippi plates

Mississippi issues standard passenger plates, specialty plates tied to causes or organizations, and commercial plates depending on your vehicle type and registration status. The state's Department of Revenue handles all plate issuance. You'll get a plate when you register a vehicle for the first time in Mississippi, and you'll renew it every three years when your registration comes due — the expiration date appears on both your plate and your registration card.

The standard plate format shows your county of registration, a combination of letters and numbers, and the current year. If you move to a different county within Mississippi, you can keep your existing plate or request a new one with your new county designation. Specialty plates cost more than standard plates but support specific causes like wildlife conservation, military service, or university alumni associations.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi plates renew every three years through the Department of Revenue, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your county tax assessor's office.
  • Standard plates cost less than specialty plates, which range from about $15 to $50 extra depending on the cause or organization.
  • You need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew; new registrations also require proof of ownership and a bill of sale.
  • Personalized plates are available but require a separate request and additional fees beyond your standard registration cost.
  • If your plate is damaged, stolen, or lost, you can request a replacement from your county tax assessor's office.

Registering a vehicle for the first time in Mississippi

When you buy a vehicle in Mississippi or move to the state with an out-of-state vehicle, you must register it within 30 days. Go to your county tax assessor's office with your bill of sale or title, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The tax assessor will assign you a plate based on your county and process your registration on the spot. You'll pay registration fees based on your vehicle's age and type; newer vehicles cost more to register than older ones.

If you're registering an out-of-state vehicle, bring your current out-of-state registration and title. Mississippi will issue you a new title and plate. The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour at the tax assessor's office. You cannot drive legally in Mississippi on an out-of-state plate after the 30-day grace period expires.

Renewing your plate and registration every three years

Your Mississippi registration expires on a date printed on both your plate and your registration card. You can renew starting 90 days before the expiration date. The Department of Revenue offers three renewal methods: online at mdor.ms.gov, by mail using the renewal notice sent to your address, or in person at your county tax assessor's office.

Online renewal is the fastest option if your information hasn't changed and your vehicle passed inspection (if required). You'll need your current registration card and proof of insurance. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; send your renewal notice with payment to the address listed on the form. In-person renewal at the tax assessor's office is when ready. Bring your registration card, proof of current insurance, and payment. If you renew before your current plate expires, you'll keep the same plate number.

Specialty plates and personalized options

Mississippi offers over 30 specialty plate designs supporting causes like wildlife conservation, military branches, universities, and charitable organizations. Each specialty plate costs $15 to $50 more than a standard plate, and a portion of that extra fee goes to the organization or cause. You can request a specialty plate when you first register or during renewal by visiting your tax assessor's office or explore online through the Department of Revenue website.

Personalized plates let you choose your own letter and number combination instead of receiving a random assignment. Personalized plates cost an additional $25 to $50 depending on the combination you choose. You can request a personalized plate at the same time as registration or renewal. The Department of Revenue checks your requested combination against existing plates and reserved words; some combinations are unavailable or restricted. Processing takes about two weeks by mail or can be done when ready in person.

Replacing a damaged, lost, or stolen plate

If your plate is damaged, faded, or unreadable, you can request a replacement from your county tax assessor's office. Bring your registration card and ID. Replacement plates cost around $15 to $20 depending on your county. You'll receive the replacement when ready if you explore in person.

If your plate is stolen, report it to local police and get a report number. Bring the police report and your registration card to the tax assessor's office. The replacement process is the same as for damaged plates. If you lose your plate, you can request a duplicate without a police report, though some counties may ask for an explanation. Until you receive your replacement, you cannot legally drive the vehicle.

Commercial and special-use plates

Commercial plates are required for vehicles used for business purposes, including trucks, vans, and cars operated as part of a trade or profession. Commercial plates have different fee structures than passenger plates and may require additional documentation like proof of business registration. Apportioned plates are available for vehicles that operate across multiple states; these require a trip permit or apportioned registration through the Department of Revenue.

Temporary plates are issued when you purchase a vehicle and are waiting for your permanent plate to arrive. Temporary plates are valid for 30 days and allow you to drive legally while your registration is being processed. If you need a temporary plate, ask for one at the tax assessor's office when you register.

Fees and payment methods

Standard registration and plate fees in Mississippi vary by vehicle age, type, and county. A typical passenger vehicle registration costs between $25 and $35 annually, though the exact amount depends on when your vehicle was manufactured. Specialty plates add $15 to $50 to your registration cost. Personalized plates add $25 to $50. Replacement plates cost $15 to $20.

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at your county tax assessor's office. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards through the Department of Revenue website. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. Some counties may accept additional payment methods; call your local tax assessor's office to confirm what they accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old plate number if I move to a different county?

Yes. You can keep your current plate number even if you move to a different Mississippi county. You can also request a new plate with your new county designation if you prefer. Either option is available when you update your registration at your new county's tax assessor's office.

What happens if I don't renew my plate on time?

Driving with an expired plate is illegal in Mississippi. You can be stopped and cited. If your registration has expired, renew it when ready at your county tax assessor's office or online. If you're more than 30 days late, you may owe a late fee in addition to your renewal cost.

Do I need to inspect my vehicle before renewing my plate?

Mississippi does not require vehicle safety inspections for most passenger vehicles. However, some counties or specific vehicle types may have inspection requirements. Check with your county tax assessor's office before renewal to confirm whether your vehicle needs inspection.

How long does it take to get a personalized plate?

In-person requests at your tax assessor's office are processed when ready, and you'll receive your plate within a few days. Mail requests take about two weeks. The Department of Revenue checks your requested combination against existing plates, so some combinations may be unavailable.

What do I do if my registration card is lost or damaged?

You can request a duplicate registration card from your county tax assessor's office. Bring your ID and proof of vehicle ownership. Duplicates cost around $5 to $10 and are usually issued the same day. You can also print a temporary registration from the Department of Revenue website if you need to drive before receiving your replacement card.