Where to renew and what you need

You renew your Mississippi car tag through your county tax collector's office, not through the state. The tax collector handles all vehicle registration renewals in your county. You can renew in person at their office, by mail, or online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website if your county participates in online renewal.

Before you go or submit anything, gather your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill or lease works. If someone else's name is on the title, you may need their signature on the renewal form, depending on your county's rules.

The renewal process itself is straightforward: you fill out the process, pay the fee, and receive your new tag and registration card. The fee varies by vehicle weight and county, so call your tax collector's office for the exact amount before you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You renew through your county tax collector's office, which you can find by searching "[your county name] Mississippi tax collector" online.
  • Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your VIN; if your address changed, bring a utility bill or lease showing the new one.
  • You can renew in person, by mail, or online if your county offers it through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.
  • Renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and your county, so call ahead to confirm the cost.
  • Your registration expires on the date printed on your current tag, and renewing late may result in a penalty fee added to your renewal cost.

Renewing in person at your tax collector's office

Walk into your county tax collector's office during business hours with your registration card, proof of insurance, and VIN. The staff will hand you an process form to fill out on the spot. If your address or vehicle information has changed, tell them before you complete the form so they can note it correctly.

Once you submit the form and pay the fee, you will receive your new tag and registration card when ready. You can drive legally with your old tag until you install the new one, but do not delay — your old tag expires on the date printed on it. If you miss that date, the tax collector will add a late penalty to your next renewal.

Hours vary by county, so call your tax collector's office before you go. Many offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. You can find the phone number and address by searching "[your county name] Mississippi tax collector" online.

Renewing by mail

Contact your county tax collector's office and ask them to mail you a renewal form. Fill it out, include a copy of your proof of insurance, and mail it back with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include your current registration card so they can match it to your account.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically two to three weeks. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your tag expires to avoid driving with an expired registration. Once the tax collector processes your renewal, they will mail your new tag and registration card to the address on file.

If your address has changed, call the tax collector's office before mailing your renewal to update it in their system. Otherwise, your new tag will arrive at your old address and you will have to request it be reissued.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue

Not all Mississippi counties offer online renewal yet, but the number that do is growing. To check if your county participates, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website and look for the online renewal portal. You will need your current registration card and proof of insurance to start.

The online process asks you to enter your vehicle information, confirm your address, and upload a photo of your proof of insurance. You pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Once approved, the tax collector's office will mail your new tag and registration card to your address on file.

Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks from submission to delivery. If your county does not offer it yet, you can still renew in person or by mail through your tax collector's office.

What happens if your tag expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Mississippi. If a police officer stops you, you can receive a citation and a fine. The amount varies, but expired registration fines typically range from $25 to $100 depending on how long your tag has been expired.

If you realize your tag has expired, renew it when ready through your tax collector's office. When you renew late, the tax collector will add a penalty fee on top of your regular renewal cost. The penalty amount depends on your county, so call ahead to find out what you will owe.

Your registration is valid from the date the tax collector processes it, not from the date your old tag expired. So if you renew two months late, you are still legal once the renewal is complete, but you will pay the penalty.

Renewing a tag for a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you still owe money on your vehicle, the lender's name appears on your title. You can still renew your registration through your tax collector's office without the lender's permission — the registration and the title are separate documents. Bring your current registration card and proof of insurance as usual.

The only time a lender's signature matters is if you are selling the vehicle or transferring the title to someone else. For renewal purposes, you proceed normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag before it expires?

Yes. Most tax collectors allow you to renew up to six months before your current tag expires. Renewing early is a good idea if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. Your new tag becomes valid on the date your old one expires, so you will not have a gap in coverage.

What if I lost my registration card?

Bring your vehicle title and proof of insurance to your tax collector's office instead. They can look up your registration in their system using your VIN and issue a replacement card along with your renewal. If you do not have your title, call the tax collector's office to ask what documents they accept as proof of ownership.

Do I need an emissions test to renew my tag?

Mississippi does not require emissions testing statewide. Some counties may have local air quality rules, so call your tax collector's office to confirm whether your county requires it. If it does, you will need to complete the test before you renew and bring the certificate with you.

What if my vehicle's information changed since my last renewal?

Tell your tax collector's office about any changes — new address, new owner name, or different vehicle details. Bring documents that support the change, such as a utility bill for an address change or a title transfer for an ownership change. The tax collector will update your registration record before issuing your new tag.

How long does my new tag take to arrive if I renew by mail?

By mail, expect two to three weeks from the date the tax collector receives your renewal. Online renewal typically takes one to two weeks. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with your new tag the same day. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your tag expires to be safe.