What Mississippi requires for tags and registration

Mississippi calls its license plates "tags" and requires you to register your vehicle with the Mississippi Department of Revenue before you can legally drive it on public roads. Registration and tags are issued together — you cannot have one without the other. When you register, you receive a certificate of registration (your proof of ownership for that year) and a set of license plates stamped with your registration number.

You must register within 30 days of becoming a Mississippi resident or purchasing a vehicle in the state. If you move to Mississippi from another state, you have 30 days to surrender your old plates and register locally. Driving with out-of-state tags after that window closes can result in a citation.

Registration is valid for 12 months from the month you register, not the calendar year. Your renewal month depends on when you first registered, so you may renew in any month of the year depending on your registration date.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your vehicle and obtain Mississippi tags within 30 days of moving to the state or purchasing a vehicle.
  • Registration and tags are issued together by the Mississippi Department of Revenue, and you need both to drive legally.
  • You can register in person at your county tax assessor's office, by mail, or online through the Department of Revenue website.
  • You will need your vehicle title, proof of insurance, a bill of sale or purchase agreement, and proof of residency to complete registration.
  • Registration is valid for 12 months from the month you register, and renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before your expiration date.

Documents you need to bring or submit

The Mississippi Department of Revenue requires a specific set of documents to register your vehicle. You must have your vehicle title (the ownership document from your previous state or the manufacturer if the vehicle is new). If you do not yet have the title in hand, you can register with a bill of sale or purchase agreement from the dealer, but you will need to provide the title within a set timeframe after registration.

Proof of insurance is mandatory. Mississippi requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance. You must show proof of current coverage — your insurance card, a declaration page from your insurer, or a letter from your insurance company stating your policy number and coverage dates. The insurance must be active on the day you register.

You also need proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail showing your current Mississippi address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you are registering a vehicle titled to a business, you will need the business registration documents and an authorized representative's identification.

Where to register and how long it takes

You can register your vehicle at your county tax assessor's office in person. Every county in Mississippi has a tax assessor's office, and staff there handle vehicle registration. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find your county assessor's office address and phone number on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.

You can also register by mail. read the process form from the Department of Revenue website, gather your documents, and mail them to the address listed on the form along with your registration fee. Processing by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your packet. You will receive your certificate of registration and tags by mail.

Online registration is available through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website for vehicle owners who have already registered in Mississippi and are renewing. New registrations and out-of-state transfers must be completed in person or by mail. In-person registration at a tax assessor's office is usually completed the same day, and you can drive home with your temporary registration while your permanent tags are prepared.

Registration fees and what they cover

Mississippi registration fees are based on the vehicle's age and weight. A passenger vehicle typically costs between $25 and $35 for the first year, though the exact amount depends on the vehicle's model year and gross vehicle weight rating. Trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules. The Department of Revenue website has a fee calculator where you can enter your vehicle information and see the exact cost.

Your registration fee covers the certificate of registration (your proof of registration for that year) and one set of license plates. If you need a replacement tag because one is lost, stolen, or damaged, there is a separate fee of around $10 to $15 for a duplicate. Specialty plates, such as those for disabled veterans or environmental causes, may have different fees.

When you renew your registration, you pay the renewal fee. If your vehicle's weight or classification changes, your renewal fee may change as well. Renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before your registration expires, and the notice includes the renewal fee amount.

Transferring tags from another state

If you are moving to Mississippi from another state, you cannot transfer your old license plates to your new vehicle. Mississippi requires you to surrender your out-of-state tags and register with Mississippi plates. You have 30 days from the date you establish residency to complete this transfer.

To transfer your registration, bring your out-of-state title, your out-of-state registration, proof of insurance, and proof of Mississippi residency to your county tax assessor's office. The assessor will process the transfer, issue you a new Mississippi title, and provide your new tags. If you are financing the vehicle, the lienholder's information from your out-of-state title will carry over to your Mississippi title.

Some states allow you to keep your old plates if you are moving temporarily, but Mississippi does not. Once you are a Mississippi resident, you must use Mississippi tags. If you move out of Mississippi later, you will need to register in your new state and surrender your Mississippi plates.

Renewing your registration

Your registration expires 12 months after the month you registered. The Mississippi Department of Revenue mails renewal notices about 30 days before your expiration date. The notice includes your renewal fee, instructions for renewing, and your current registration information.

You can renew by mail, in person at your county tax assessor's office, or online through the Department of Revenue website. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle information has not changed and you have a valid email address on file. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is completed the same day.

If you miss your renewal date, your registration becomes expired and you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. You can still renew after expiration, but you may face a late fee. If your registration has been expired for more than a certain period (usually 90 days), you may need to re-register as if it were a new registration rather than a straightforward renewal.

Special plates and vanity tags

Mississippi offers specialty license plates for specific groups, including disabled veterans, military service members, conservation supporters, and university alumni. These plates have different designs and may have different fees. You can request a specialty plate when you register or renew your registration.

Vanity plates (custom plates with a personalized combination of letters and numbers) are also available. You choose your plate combination, subject to approval by the Department of Revenue. Vanity plates have an additional annual fee beyond your standard registration fee. You can request a vanity plate through the Department of Revenue website or at your county tax assessor's office.

If you want to change from a standard plate to a specialty or vanity plate, you can do so at renewal or by visiting your tax assessor's office during your registration year. You will pay the difference in fees if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my license plate is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft to your local law enforcement agency and obtain a report number. Then visit your county tax assessor's office with your registration certificate and the police report. You will pay a replacement fee (typically $10 to $15) and receive a new plate with the same registration number. If the plate was stolen, the report helps protect you if the plate is used illegally.

Can I register a vehicle I am still paying off?

Yes. If the vehicle is financed, the lender's name will appear on the title as the lienholder. You can register the vehicle, and the lienholder information carries over to your Mississippi registration. You do not need the lender's permission to register, but the lender has a legal interest in the vehicle until the loan is paid off.

What happens if I drive with expired tags?

Driving with expired registration is a traffic violation in Mississippi. You can be cited and fined. If your registration has expired, renew it as soon as possible. If you are unable to renew before your expiration date, contact your tax assessor's office to ask about grace periods or late renewal options in your county.

Do I need to register a vehicle I am not driving?

If the vehicle is parked on public property or driven on public roads, it must be registered. If you are storing a vehicle off public property and do not plan to drive it, you may be able to request a non-operational registration status, though this varies by county. Contact your tax assessor's office to ask about options for vehicles not in active use.

How do I change my address on my registration?

If you move within Mississippi, you can update your address at your tax assessor's office or online through the Department of Revenue website. Bring your registration certificate and proof of your new address. The update is usually processed the same day in person or within a few business days online. Your renewal notice will be mailed to your new address.