What you need to renew your Mississippi plate

Mississippi renews your license plate every two years. The state sends you a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your plate expires—that notice tells you the exact important date and what you owe. You can renew in person at your county tax assessor's office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website if you meet certain conditions.

The basic requirement is that your vehicle registration is current and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid traffic fines in Mississippi. If your address has changed since your last registration, you'll need to update it before or during renewal. If your vehicle has been in an accident or had major repairs, some counties may require an inspection before they'll renew your plate.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, and you have until the date on that notice to renew without penalty.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county tax assessor's office, depending on your vehicle type and registration history.
  • The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type, and you'll also pay a county privilege tax that differs across Mississippi counties.
  • If you renew after your plate expires, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.
  • Vehicles with salvage titles, commercial plates, or certain specialty registrations cannot renew online and must go to the tax assessor's office in person.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle is may be able to access. You can renew on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website if your vehicle has a standard passenger plate, your registration has no liens or holds, and you have a valid email address. The system accepts payment by debit card or credit card, and you'll receive your new plate sticker by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, you'll need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license number. The website will ask you to confirm your address and vehicle information. If any information is incorrect or if the system flags your registration as ineligible for online renewal, you'll be directed to renew by mail or in person instead.

Renewing by mail or in person at the tax assessor's office

If you cannot renew online, you can mail your renewal notice and payment to your county tax assessor's office, or visit in person. The renewal notice includes the mailing address for your specific county. Mail renewal takes longer—typically 2 to 3 weeks—so send it at least three weeks before your plate expires to avoid a late fee.

When you renew in person, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Some counties require a vehicle inspection if your vehicle has been salvaged, rebuilt, or significantly damaged. The tax assessor's office will issue your new plate sticker on the spot if everything is in order. Hours vary by county, so call ahead or check your county's website to confirm when the office is open.

Renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross weight rating and type. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $25 and $35 for the two-year renewal, but the exact amount is set by your county. You'll also pay a county privilege tax, which varies significantly—some counties charge $10 to $15, while others charge more. The renewal notice you receive in the mail will show the total amount due for your specific vehicle and county.

If you renew after your plate expires, Mississippi charges a late fee. The amount depends on how late you are, but it is typically $10 to $25 added to your regular renewal cost. Renewing before the expiration date shown on your notice avoids this penalty. If your vehicle is a commercial vehicle, a truck over a certain weight, or has a specialty plate (such as a veteran or disabled plate), the fee structure is different and you must renew in person.

What happens if your plate expires before you renew

Driving with an expired plate is illegal in Mississippi and can result in a traffic citation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a fine and be required to show proof of renewal before you can continue driving. The citation will appear on your driving record.

If your renewal notice was lost or you missed the important date, you can still renew at any time by visiting your county tax assessor's office or renewing online if your vehicle is may be able to access. You will owe the late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. If your plate has been expired for more than a few months, the tax assessor may require you to bring your vehicle in for inspection to confirm it is still roadworthy and properly registered.

Updating your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last registration, update your address before you renew. When you renew online, the system will ask you to confirm your current address and will flag any mismatch with your driver's license. If your address on file is incorrect, correct it during the renewal process—the new registration card will be mailed to your updated address.

If you are renewing by mail or in person, write your new address clearly on the renewal notice or tell the tax assessor's office staff. Providing an incorrect address means your next renewal notice will go to the wrong place, and you may miss the important date for your next renewal.

Specialty plates and vehicles that require in-person renewal

Certain vehicle types and plate categories cannot renew online and must be handled at your county tax assessor's office. These include commercial vehicles, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, trailers, motorcycles with sidecar attachments, and specialty plates such as veteran, disabled, or personalized plates. If you have one of these registrations, bring your renewal notice, current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to your tax assessor's office.

If your vehicle has a salvage or rebuilt title, the tax assessor may require a vehicle inspection to confirm the repairs were done properly and the vehicle is safe to drive. Bring your vehicle to the appointment if an inspection is needed. The inspection typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new plate sticker after the inspection is complete and approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my new plate sticker after I renew?

Online and mail renewals typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewals at the tax assessor's office are issued when ready if your vehicle passes any required inspection. If you need your sticker urgently, renewing in person is the fastest option.

Can I renew my plate if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

No. Mississippi will not renew your registration if you have unpaid traffic fines or violations on record. You must pay the fine first, then renew. Contact the court or the law enforcement agency that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay it.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Visit your county tax assessor's office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID, or renew online if your vehicle is may be able to access. The tax assessor can look up your renewal information by your VIN or license plate number.

Do I need a vehicle inspection to renew my plate?

Most standard passenger vehicles do not require an inspection for renewal. However, vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, vehicles that have been significantly damaged, or vehicles that have been out of state may require an inspection. Your county tax assessor will tell you if an inspection is needed when you attempt to renew.

What if my vehicle registration has a lien on it?

If your vehicle has a lien (such as from a loan or lease), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail at your county tax assessor's office. Bring your current registration card and proof that the lien is still valid. The tax assessor will process the renewal with the lien notation on file.