Where to renew your Mississippi tag

You can renew your Mississippi vehicle tag at your county tax assessor's office or through the mail. The tax assessor's office is the official body that handles all vehicle registration in Mississippi, so that is where you will go in person if you choose to renew face-to-face. You can find your county assessor's office address and phone number on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website — search for your county by name.

Mail renewal is available if your vehicle passed inspection and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid taxes. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your tag expires. That notice includes a payment envelope and instructions specific to your vehicle. Mail your payment and the completed form to the address shown on the notice.

Some counties also offer online renewal through their tax assessor's website, though not all do. Check your county assessor's site first to see if that option is available to you. Online renewal is usually the fastest method if your county supports it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county tax assessor's office is the only place that can renew your Mississippi tag, whether you go in person, mail your payment, or renew online.
  • You must have a current vehicle inspection and no outstanding violations or unpaid taxes to renew by mail or online.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration and includes the payment amount, the form you need, and the mailing address.
  • Some counties offer online renewal through their assessor's website, which is faster than mail but not available everywhere in Mississippi.
  • Your new tag is valid for one year from the expiration date of your old tag, not from the date you renew.

What you need to bring or submit

For in-person renewal at the tax assessor's office, bring your current vehicle registration card, proof of a current vehicle inspection, and a valid form of payment (cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts). Some assessor's offices also accept online payment before you arrive, which can speed up the process.

For mail renewal, include the completed renewal form from your notice, your payment, and a copy of your current inspection certificate if this is your first renewal or if your inspection has changed. Do not send your registration card itself — just the form and payment.

For online renewal, you will typically enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), current tag number, and the amount shown on your renewal notice. You will pay by credit or debit card. The system will confirm your inspection status automatically.

Inspection requirements before renewal

Mississippi requires all vehicles to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew your tag. Your inspection is valid for one year. If your inspection has expired, you must get a new one before you renew your tag — the tax assessor's office will not process your renewal without proof of a current inspection.

You can get an inspection at any Mississippi state inspection station. These are independent garages and service centers licensed by the state, not just one central location. Search "Mississippi vehicle inspection station" plus your county name to find stations near you. The inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs a set fee that does not vary by station.

Bring your vehicle registration card and proof of insurance when you go for inspection. The inspection station will check your brakes, lights, windshield, wipers, horn, and emissions (for vehicles in certain counties). Once you pass, you will receive an inspection certificate. Keep that certificate until you renew your tag.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Mississippi tag renewal fees depend on your vehicle's weight and age. The fee is shown on your renewal notice, so you will know the exact amount before you pay. Fees typically range from around $25 to $50 per year for most passenger vehicles, but heavier vehicles and commercial vehicles pay more. Your renewal notice lists your specific fee.

You can pay by cash, check, or card at the tax assessor's office in person. By mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash. Online, you can pay by credit or debit card. Some counties also accept electronic bank transfers if you renew online.

Your payment is due by the expiration date on your current tag. If you renew after that date, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The exact late fee varies by county, so contact your assessor's office if you are past the expiration date.

Timeline for receiving your new tag

If you renew in person at the tax assessor's office, you will usually receive your new tag the same day or within a few days. Some offices issue tags on-site; others mail them to you. Ask when you arrive whether you can take the tag with you or if it will be mailed.

If you renew by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing and delivery. Mail your renewal form and payment at least 3 weeks before your tag expires to avoid driving with an expired tag. If your renewal arrives after the expiration date, you can still use the old tag until the new one arrives, but do not delay.

If you renew online, your new tag will be mailed to the address on file with your registration. Processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. You will receive a confirmation email or number when your renewal is processed.

What to do if your renewal notice does not arrive

If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail 30 days before your tag expires, contact your county tax assessor's office directly. They can look up your vehicle by VIN or tag number and tell you the renewal fee. You can renew without the notice — you just need to know the amount owed and have proof of a current inspection.

If your address has changed recently, your notice may have been mailed to an old address. Update your vehicle registration address with your county assessor as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone or in person at the assessor's office.

Do not wait for the notice to arrive if your tag is about to expire. Contact the assessor's office and renew when ready, either in person or by phone if they offer that option. Driving with an expired tag can result in a traffic citation.

Renewing a tag for a vehicle you recently bought

If you recently bought a vehicle in Mississippi, you will need to register it before you can renew a tag. Registration and tag renewal are separate steps. First, go to your county tax assessor's office with your bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to register the vehicle. The assessor will issue your first tag at that time.

If you bought the vehicle from a dealer, they may handle the initial registration for you, but confirm this before you leave the lot. If you bought it privately, you must register it yourself within a certain timeframe — contact your assessor's office to confirm the important date in your county.

Once your vehicle is registered and you have your first tag, you will receive a renewal notice the following year, and the renewal process works the same as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired tag while I wait for my renewal to arrive?

No. Once your tag expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If you renew by mail or online, mail your payment at least 3 weeks before expiration so the new tag arrives on time. If your renewal is delayed, contact the assessor's office — they may issue a temporary permit to drive while you wait.

What happens if I miss the expiration date?

You will owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The late fee amount varies by county. Renew as soon as possible and bring proof of the late fee to the assessor's office. Do not drive the vehicle until it is renewed.

Do I need to renew my inspection and tag on the same day?

No. Your inspection and tag are separate. You can get an inspection anytime during the year, and it is valid for 12 months. Renew your tag before it expires. If your inspection expires before your tag, get a new inspection before you renew the tag.

Can someone else renew my tag for me?

Yes. If you give someone a signed letter authorizing them to renew on your behalf, they can go to the tax assessor's office with that letter, your registration card, and proof of inspection. Some counties also accept phone or mail renewals without a signature, so ask your assessor's office what they require.

What if my vehicle failed inspection?

You cannot renew your tag until the vehicle passes inspection. Fix the failed items and return to the inspection station for a retest. Once you pass, you can renew your tag when ready. There is usually no additional fee for a retest at the same station.