Mississippi tag renewal is handled by your county circuit clerk's office, and you can renew in person, by mail, or online through the state's system

Your vehicle tag in Mississippi expires on a date printed on the tag itself — usually the last day of the month shown. The circuit clerk in the county where your vehicle is registered handles all renewals. You have three ways to renew: visit the clerk's office in person, mail in your renewal documents, or use the online renewal system if your vehicle meets certain requirements. The process takes a few minutes in person or a few days by mail; online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access.

You must renew before the expiration date to avoid a late fee. Driving on an expired tag is a traffic violation in Mississippi and can result in a fine. If your tag has been expired for more than a few months, you may need to renew in person rather than by mail or online, because the state requires a vehicle inspection for late renewals.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your county circuit clerk's office to find the renewal important date printed on your current tag and confirm which documents you need to bring or mail.
  • In-person renewal at the circuit clerk's office is the fastest option and usually takes less than 15 minutes if you have all required documents.
  • Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Revenue is available only if your vehicle has a current inspection, no outstanding violations, and your registration is not more than 60 days past expiration.
  • If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice and payment to your county circuit clerk at least two weeks before your tag expires to account for mail delivery time.
  • Late renewal fees explore if you drive on an expired tag, and a vehicle inspection becomes required if your tag has been expired for more than a few months.

What documents you need to renew your tag

The main document you need is your renewal notice — a form the state mails to you before your tag expires. This notice shows your vehicle information, current registration details, and the renewal fee. If you cannot find your renewal notice, you can still renew by providing your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration information to the circuit clerk.

You will also need proof of a current vehicle inspection. In Mississippi, inspections are valid for one year and must be completed before you renew your tag. The inspection checks that your vehicle's lights, brakes, windshield, and emissions systems meet state standards. You can have an inspection done at any authorized inspection station — the circuit clerk's office can direct you to nearby stations if you need one.

Bring your driver's license or other photo ID when you renew in person. If someone else is renewing the tag on your behalf, they will need a signed power of attorney or a letter from you authorizing them to act as your agent, along with their own ID.

Renewing in person at your county circuit clerk's office

This is the fastest and most straightforward method. Locate your county circuit clerk's office — each county has one, usually in the courthouse. Bring your renewal notice, proof of current inspection, and your driver's license. The clerk will verify your information, collect the renewal fee, and issue your new tag on the spot. The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes unless the office is busy.

Renewal fees vary by vehicle type and weight. For most passenger vehicles, the fee is a base amount set by the state, plus any county-specific fees. The clerk's office can tell you the exact amount before you visit. Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

If your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, you may be required to renew in person rather than by mail or online. The clerk can confirm whether your situation requires an in-person visit when you call ahead.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, send your renewal notice, proof of current inspection, and payment to your county circuit clerk. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash through the mail. Write your vehicle's license plate number on the check for reference.

Mail your renewal at least two weeks before your tag expires to allow time for the clerk to process it and for the new tag to reach you. The clerk's office will mail your new tag to the address on file with your registration. If you have moved and your address is not current, update it before mailing your renewal, or contact the clerk to provide your new address.

If your tag expires before your renewal arrives, you are driving on an expired tag and subject to a traffic violation. For this reason, mail renewal works best if you start the process at least three weeks before expiration.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue

The Mississippi Department of Revenue operates an online renewal system for vehicles that meet specific requirements. Your vehicle is may be able to access if your current registration is not expired, you have a current vehicle inspection on file, you have no outstanding violations or holds on your account, and your tag has not been expired for more than 60 days.

To renew online, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your license plate number, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number. The system will verify your inspection status and calculate your renewal fee. You can pay by debit or credit card. Your new tag will be mailed to your registered address within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle requires a new inspection, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if there are any flags on your account. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

What happens if your tag expires

Driving on an expired tag is a traffic violation in Mississippi. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation and fine. The amount of the fine depends on how long your tag has been expired and whether you have previous violations. In addition to the fine, you will owe a late renewal fee when you eventually renew your tag.

If your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, you are required to have a vehicle inspection before you can renew. This adds time and cost to the renewal process. If your tag has been expired for more than a year, you may need to re-register your vehicle rather than straightforward renewing, which involves additional paperwork and fees.

To avoid these consequences, renew your tag before the expiration date shown on it. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar a month before expiration so you have time to gather documents and complete the renewal process.

Updating your address or vehicle information during renewal

If you have moved since your last registration, you must update your address before or during renewal. When you renew in person, the clerk can update your address on the spot. When you renew by mail, include a note with your new address, or contact the clerk's office before mailing to confirm they received the change.

If you have made changes to your vehicle — such as adding safety equipment or changing the engine — you may need to have a new inspection before renewing. The inspection station will note any changes, and you can then proceed with renewal. If you are unsure whether your changes require a new inspection, ask the inspection station or call your circuit clerk's office.

If you have sold your vehicle or no longer own it, do not renew the tag. Instead, contact your circuit clerk to cancel the registration and request a refund of any unused portion of your registration fee if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if my vehicle inspection is expired?

No. You must have a current vehicle inspection before you renew your tag in Mississippi. If your inspection has expired, schedule one at an authorized inspection station first, then renew your tag. The inspection is valid for one year from the date it is completed.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Contact your county circuit clerk's office and provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current license plate number. The clerk can look up your registration and process your renewal. You may be able to renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.

How much does it cost to renew a Mississippi tag?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type and weight. Most passenger vehicles have a base state fee, and some counties add a local fee on top. Call your county circuit clerk's office to find out the exact cost for your vehicle before you renew.

Can someone else renew my tag for me?

Yes, if you give them written permission. They will need a signed letter from you authorizing them to act as your agent, along with your renewal documents and their own photo ID. Some circuit clerk offices accept a power of attorney form instead of a letter.

What if my tag expired more than a year ago?

You will likely need to re-register your vehicle rather than straightforward renewing. Contact your county circuit clerk's office to find out what documents and fees are required. You will also need a current vehicle inspection before you can complete the process.