Renewing your Mississippi tag online or by mail takes 15 minutes, and you can do it up to six months before expiration

Mississippi lets you renew your vehicle tag through the Mississippi Department of Revenue online system, by mail, or in person at your county tax collector's office. The online method is fastest — you pay the fee, print your new tag receipt, and can drive legally while your physical tag arrives in the mail. You do not need an inspection or emissions test to renew in Mississippi, which makes the process straightforward.

You can renew starting six months before your tag expires. Your current tag shows the expiration month and year in the upper right corner. If you renew early, your new tag's expiration date will be one year from the month you renew, not from when your old tag expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard tag fee, which varies by vehicle type and county.
  • You will need your current tag number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method (credit or debit card) to renew online.
  • After online renewal, you receive a temporary receipt to print and display until your physical tag arrives by mail, usually within two weeks.
  • If you renew by mail or in person, bring your current tag, proof of ownership (title or registration), and payment to your county tax collector's office.
  • Mississippi does not require a safety inspection or emissions test to renew your tag, unlike some other states.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue

Visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website and look for the vehicle tag renewal section. You will enter your current tag number and vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card and on the dashboard at the base of your windshield on the driver's side. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.

The fee depends on your vehicle's weight and your county. Mississippi charges based on gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not the make or model. A passenger car typically costs between $25 and $35 to renew, but trucks and heavier vehicles cost more. Some counties add a local option tax on top of the state fee. The system will show you the exact amount before you pay.

Pay with a credit or debit card. After payment, the system generates a temporary renewal receipt with a confirmation number. Print this receipt and keep it in your vehicle. It is valid when ready and serves as proof of renewal while you wait for your physical tag to arrive by mail, which usually takes 10 to 14 business days.

Renewing by mail or at your county tax collector's office

If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail your renewal to your county tax collector or visit their office in person. To renew by mail, send your current tag, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a note with your name, address, and phone number to your county tax collector's office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can return your new tag to you.

Contact your county tax collector before mailing to confirm the exact fee and the office's mailing address. County offices are listed on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website by county name. Processing by mail typically takes three to four weeks from the date the office receives your materials.

If you visit in person, bring your current tag, your vehicle title or current registration, and payment in cash, check, or card (depending on what the office accepts). In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you can drive home with your new tag when ready.

What happens if your tag expires before you renew

Driving with an expired tag is a violation in Mississippi. If you are stopped, you face a fine and the officer may issue a citation. If your tag has expired, you can still renew it at any time — there is no grace period, but the renewal process is the same whether your tag expired last month or last year.

If your tag expired more than a few months ago, renew as soon as possible. Some counties may require you to renew in person rather than by mail if the tag is significantly overdue, so call your tax collector's office first if you are uncertain.

Renewing a tag for a vehicle you recently bought

If you bought a vehicle in Mississippi and received a temporary tag or registration, you will need to register the vehicle and obtain an initial tag before you can renew. This is different from renewing an existing tag. Contact your county tax collector's office with your bill of sale, proof of ownership, and identification to register the vehicle and receive your first tag. Once you have that tag, you can renew it using the methods described above.

If you bought the vehicle out of state and moved to Mississippi, you must register it in Mississippi before you can renew. Bring your out-of-state title, bill of sale if applicable, and proof of residency to your county tax collector's office.

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 tag without the lender's permission — the tag renewal and the loan are separate transactions. Renew your tag the same way you would for any other vehicle, using your current tag number and VIN.

The only time a lender's involvement matters is if you are trying to sell the vehicle or pay off the loan early. Tag renewal does not affect your loan status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Mississippi tag if I moved out of state?

No. If you no longer live in Mississippi, you must register your vehicle in your new state instead of renewing your Mississippi tag. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for registration requirements. You cannot legally drive with a Mississippi tag if you are a resident of another state.

What if I lost my current tag or it is damaged?

Contact your county tax collector's office to request a replacement tag. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $5 to $10) and provide proof of ownership. Once you have the replacement tag, you can renew it like any other tag. If your tag is damaged but still readable, some offices will let you renew without replacing it first.

Do I need an inspection or emissions test to renew in Mississippi?

No. Mississippi does not require a safety inspection or emissions test for tag renewal. You only need your current tag, vehicle information, and payment. Some other states do require these tests, but Mississippi does not.

How long is my new tag valid after I renew?

Your new tag is valid for one year from the month you renew. If you renew in March, your tag expires in March of the following year, regardless of when your old tag expired. The expiration month and year are printed on the tag itself.

What if the online system will not accept my tag number?

The system may reject your tag number if it is entered incorrectly or if your vehicle information does not match the state's records. Double-check that you entered the number exactly as it appears on your tag, including any letters. If the problem continues, call your county tax collector's office or the Mississippi Department of Revenue to verify your vehicle's information before you renew.