Where to renew your Mississippi car tag

You can renew your Mississippi car tag at your county tax assessor's office or through the Mississippi Department of Revenue's online portal. The county tax assessor handles most renewals in person, and you'll find the office in your county courthouse or a separate county building. The online option through the state website lets you renew without leaving home, though not all vehicle types are may be able to access for online renewal.

Some counties also offer mail-in renewal if you meet certain conditions — typically if your vehicle has no liens, your address hasn't changed, and your tag is not suspended. Call your county tax assessor's office to ask whether mail renewal is available in your county and what documents they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Mississippi car tags renew annually, and you can renew in person at your county tax assessor's office, online through the state website, or by mail in some counties.
  • You'll need your current tag, vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of insurance, and a valid ID; some renewals also require an emissions test.
  • The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type, and you may owe back taxes or penalties if your tag has been expired for more than a few months.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle is may be able to access, but commercial vehicles and vehicles with liens usually require in-person renewal.

Documents and fees you'll need

Bring your current registration card and tag number, your vehicle's VIN (found on the dashboard or in your owner's manual), proof of current auto insurance, and a valid photo ID. Mississippi requires proof of insurance before you can renew — your insurer can provide a declarations page or you can show your insurance card.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross weight rating and type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $25 and $35 to renew, but trucks and commercial vehicles cost more. If your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, you may owe a late penalty on top of the renewal fee. The tax assessor's office can tell you the exact amount when you contact them.

Some vehicles also require an emissions test before renewal. This applies mainly to vehicles in certain counties and model years. Ask your tax assessor's office whether your vehicle needs one — if it does, you'll have to get the test done at a certified emissions station before you renew your tag.

Online renewal through the state website

The Mississippi Department of Revenue's online renewal system lets you renew without visiting an office. Go to the state's vehicle registration page, enter your tag number and VIN, and follow the prompts to pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The system will issue a temporary tag number when ready, and your permanent tag will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Online renewal works for most standard passenger vehicles, but not for commercial vehicles, vehicles with outstanding liens, or tags that have been expired for more than a year. If your address has changed, you'll need to update it in person or by mail before renewing online. If the online system tells you that your vehicle isn't may be able to access, contact your county tax assessor's office to renew in person.

In-person renewal at the tax assessor's office

Walk into your county tax assessor's office with your documents and tag number. The staff will verify your insurance, check your vehicle's weight and type, calculate the fee, and process the renewal. You'll receive a temporary tag to use when ready and your permanent tag by mail. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Bring all documents with you — the assessor's office won't send you home to get something you forgot. If your tag has been expired for more than a year, the office may require you to pay a penalty or provide proof that your vehicle wasn't driven during that time. Ask about office hours before you go; many county offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

Mail renewal in your county

Some Mississippi counties allow mail renewal if your vehicle has no liens, your address hasn't changed, and your tag isn't suspended. Contact your county tax assessor's office to ask whether mail renewal is available and what documents to send. You'll typically mail your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person or online renewal — expect two to four weeks for processing plus mail time. Your temporary tag won't be issued until the office receives and processes your documents. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, use your current tag and keep proof that you've mailed in your renewal request.

What to do if your tag is expired

If your tag has been expired for 30 days or less, you can renew it without penalty at your tax assessor's office, online, or by mail. If it's been expired for more than 30 days, you'll owe a late penalty in addition to the renewal fee. The penalty amount varies by county but is typically $10 to $25.

If your tag has been expired for more than a year, the tax assessor's office may require additional documentation or proof that your vehicle wasn't driven. Some counties require an emissions test even if your vehicle normally wouldn't need one. Contact your tax assessor's office before you renew to find out what you'll need to bring and what penalties explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi tag if my vehicle has a lien on it?

In-person renewal at your county tax assessor's office is your option if your vehicle has a lien. Online and mail renewal typically aren't available for vehicles with outstanding liens. Bring your current registration card and the lienholder's information if the assessor's office asks for it.

What happens if I drive with an expired tag?

Driving with an expired tag is a traffic violation in Mississippi and can result in a fine. If you're stopped, you'll be cited. Renew your tag as soon as possible, and if you've already been cited, contact the court listed on your ticket about payment or court options.

How long does it take to get my new tag in the mail?

After you renew in person, online, or by mail, your permanent tag typically arrives within two to three weeks. You'll receive a temporary tag number when ready (in person or online) or when your renewal is processed (by mail) that you can use to drive legally while you wait.

Do I need an emissions test to renew my tag?

It depends on your vehicle's model year and which county you live in. Some counties require emissions tests for vehicles under a certain age; others don't require them at all. Call your county tax assessor's office with your vehicle's year and model to find out whether you need one before you renew.

Can I renew my tag if my insurance has lapsed?

No. Mississippi requires proof of current auto insurance to renew your tag. If your insurance lapsed, contact your insurer to reinstate it or find a new policy, then renew your tag. You can't legally drive without both current insurance and a valid tag.