What you need to register a car in Mississippi

To register a car in Mississippi, you need a completed process for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form 78-002), proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof of Mississippi residency. You'll also need to pay the registration fee, which varies based on the vehicle's age and weight. The Mississippi Department of Revenue handles all vehicle registration.

If you're registering a used car you just bought, bring the signed title from the previous owner or a bill of sale if the title isn't available yet. If you're registering a new car, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin. You cannot register a vehicle without proof that you own it.

Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address doesn't match your ID, bring both documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete Form 78-002 and bring it to your county tax assessor's office along with proof of ownership, identity, and Mississippi residency.
  • Registration fees depend on your vehicle's age and weight, and you can find the exact amount on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website before you go in.
  • If you're registering a used car, you need the signed title from the seller or a bill of sale; if it's new, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin.
  • Your county tax assessor's office processes registration, not a separate DMV office, so locate the correct office for your county before visiting.

Where to register your vehicle in Mississippi

You register your car at your county tax assessor's office, not at a state office. Mississippi does not have a central DMV location. Each county runs its own registration process through the tax assessor's office, so you must go to the office in the county where you live.

Find your county assessor's office by searching "Mississippi county tax assessor" plus your county name, or visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website, which lists all county offices and their hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some may have limited hours on certain days.

You can call ahead to confirm they have the forms you need and to ask about current wait times. Some offices allow you to fill out the process at home and bring it completed, which can speed up the process.

Documents to bring and how to prepare them

Bring the original or certified copy of the title if you have it. If the title is signed by the previous owner but not yet transferred to you, bring it as-is—the tax assessor will handle the transfer. If you don't have the title yet (common with recent purchases), bring a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, showing the vehicle identification number (VIN), sale price, and date of sale.

For a new vehicle, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin, which comes with the car from the dealer. This document proves ownership until the state issues your title.

Complete Form 78-002 before you arrive if possible. You can read it from the Mississippi Department of Revenue website. Fill in the vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), your name and address, and the odometer reading. Bring the completed form with you; if you fill it out at the office, it may take longer.

Bring your proof of identity (driver's license or passport) and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days). If your address on your ID doesn't match your current address, bring both documents to explain the change.

Registration fees and payment methods

Mississippi registration fees are based on your vehicle's age and gross weight. A newer vehicle typically costs more to register than an older one. The exact fee depends on the weight class of your specific vehicle, which the tax assessor will determine from your VIN.

You can find a fee calculator on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website where you enter your vehicle's year, make, and model to see an estimate. Bring cash, check, or a debit card—most county offices accept all three, though you should call ahead to confirm what your specific office takes.

Registration is valid for one year from the date of issue. Your renewal notice will arrive by mail before your registration expires, and you can renew by mail or in person.

Timeline and what happens after registration

The tax assessor will issue your registration and license plates on the same day if all documents are in order and you pay the fee. You'll receive a registration certificate and temporary tags to use while your permanent plates are made.

Permanent license plates are mailed to your address within two to four weeks. Until they arrive, use the temporary tags. Do not drive without either the temporary tags or permanent plates.

Your title will be mailed separately, usually within four to six weeks. Keep this document in a safe place; you'll need it if you sell the vehicle or renew registration later.

Special situations: Transfers, out-of-state vehicles, and salvage titles

If you're transferring registration from another vehicle you own, bring both the old registration and the new vehicle's documents. The tax assessor will cancel the old registration and issue a new one.

If you're moving to Mississippi from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle. Bring your out-of-state title or registration, proof of ownership, and the same residency and identity documents. The tax assessor will process the transfer and issue a Mississippi title and registration.

If you're buying a vehicle with a salvage title (a car that was declared a total loss by an insurance company), registration is possible but requires additional inspection. Bring the salvage title and ask the tax assessor what inspection is required in your county. Some counties require a state inspection before registration; others do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a car if I don't have the title yet?

Yes. If you just bought the car and the title hasn't been transferred, bring a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller. The tax assessor will process your registration and issue temporary tags while the title is being transferred. The new title will arrive by mail once the previous owner's title is received and processed.

What if the VIN on the title doesn't match the car?

Do not register the vehicle. Bring both the title and the car to the tax assessor's office and ask them to verify the VIN. A mismatch can indicate a stolen vehicle or a title error. The assessor will tell you what steps to take next, which may include contacting the previous owner or the state.

Do I need an inspection before I can register?

Most vehicles do not require an inspection to register in Mississippi. However, if you're registering a salvage title vehicle or if the tax assessor suspects an issue with the vehicle's condition or history, they may require one. Ask when you call ahead or when you arrive at the office.

Can I register a vehicle in someone else's name?

No. The person whose name appears on the title must be present to sign the registration documents, or they must sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to register on their behalf. Bring the signed power of attorney to the tax assessor's office if you're registering for someone else.

What happens if I register late?

Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in Mississippi. If you're stopped by police, you can face a fine. Register as soon as you purchase the vehicle. If you've already missed the important date, register when ready and bring documentation of when you purchased the vehicle to explain the delay to the tax assessor.