Where to renew and what you need

You renew your Mississippi license plate through your county tax collector's office, not through a state office. The tax collector handles all vehicle registration renewals in your county. You can renew in person, by mail, or online depending on your county and whether your vehicle passes inspection.

Before you go, gather your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your address has changed since your last registration, bring proof of your new address—a utility bill or lease works. If you're renewing online or by mail, you'll upload images of these documents or mail them in.

Your county tax collector's office location and hours are listed on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website under "County Tax Collector Offices." Call ahead if you're unsure whether your office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment, as policies vary by county.

Key Takeaways

  • Renew through your county tax collector's office, which handles all Mississippi vehicle registrations—there is no state office to contact.
  • You need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your VIN; if your address changed, bring proof of your new address.
  • Most counties allow online renewal if your vehicle has a valid inspection sticker; mail and in-person renewal are always available.
  • Renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age; the tax collector's office will calculate the exact amount when you renew.
  • Your registration expires on the date printed on your current plate, and renewing late may result in a penalty fee added to your renewal cost.

Online renewal through your county

Many Mississippi counties offer online renewal through their tax collector's website. To renew online, your vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker (the safety inspection, not emissions—Mississippi does not require emissions testing). You'll need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid payment method.

Go to your county tax collector's website and look for a "renew registration" or "online services" link. You'll enter your vehicle information, upload or enter proof of insurance, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After approval, you'll receive a new registration card by mail within one to two weeks.

Not all counties offer online renewal yet. If your county does not have an online option, you can renew by mail or in person. Check your county tax collector's website first—it will clearly state whether online renewal is available.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, contact your county tax collector's office and request a renewal form, or read it from their website if available. Fill out the form completely, including your vehicle's VIN, current registration number, and the odometer reading. Include a copy of your current registration card and proof of insurance.

Mail the form, documents, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to your county tax collector's office. The address is on the form or on the tax collector's website. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your envelope. Your new registration card will be mailed to you after processing.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you do not receive your new registration card within four weeks of mailing, call your county tax collector's office to confirm they received your renewal.

Renewing in person at the tax collector's office

Walk into your county tax collector's office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your vehicle's VIN. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. Tell the clerk you want to renew your registration.

The clerk will verify your information, check that your vehicle has a valid inspection sticker, and calculate your renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and age. You'll pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on what the office accepts. In-person renewal usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new registration card on the spot or by mail within one to two weeks, depending on your county's process.

Some counties require an appointment for in-person renewal, especially during busy periods. Call your tax collector's office before you go to confirm they can see you without an appointment or to schedule one.

Understanding renewal fees and inspection requirements

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (GWR)—not what it weighs on a scale, but the manufacturer's rated capacity. Heavier vehicles cost more to register. The fee also depends on whether your vehicle is new to Mississippi registration or has been registered here before. Exact fees vary by county because each county sets its own rate within state guidelines.

Your vehicle must have a valid safety inspection sticker to renew. The inspection sticker is valid for one year from the date it was issued. You can get an inspection at any Mississippi inspection station—these are typically independent repair shops, dealerships, or service stations. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. An inspection costs between $10 and $20 depending on the station.

If your inspection sticker has expired or is about to expire, get the inspection done before you renew your registration. You cannot renew online without a valid sticker, and in-person or mail renewal will be delayed if the sticker is invalid.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If your registration expired before you renewed, you may owe a late penalty in addition to your renewal fee. The penalty amount varies by county. Do not drive with an expired registration—Mississippi law requires current registration to be displayed on your vehicle.

Renew as soon as possible by visiting your tax collector's office in person, mailing in your renewal, or renewing online if your county offers it. Bring the same documents you would for a normal renewal. The clerk or office will calculate any penalty owed and add it to your renewal fee. Once you renew, your new registration is valid from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection sticker has expired?

You cannot renew online without a valid inspection sticker. You can renew by mail or in person, but your renewal will be delayed until you provide proof of a valid inspection. Get your vehicle inspected first, then complete your renewal.

What happens if I lose my registration card before renewal?

Contact your county tax collector's office and request a duplicate registration card. You'll need to provide your VIN and vehicle information. Once you have the duplicate, you can renew normally. You can also renew without the card if you have your VIN and can provide other identifying information.

Do I need to renew my license plate itself, or just my registration?

You renew your registration, not the plate. Your plate stays on your vehicle. When you renew your registration, you receive a new registration card and a new sticker that goes on your plate to show the current year. The metal plate itself lasts for years.

How long before my registration expires should I renew?

You can renew up to 30 days before your registration expires. Renewing early gives you time to receive your new registration card by mail and avoid driving with an expired registration. Your new registration is valid from the date you renew.

What if I moved out of state—do I need to renew my Mississippi registration?

No. If you no longer live in Mississippi and have registered your vehicle in another state, you do not need to renew your Mississippi registration. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department to register your vehicle there instead.