Mississippi tag renewal happens through your county tax collector's office, and you can renew by mail, in person, or online depending on your county

Your vehicle tags expire on a date printed on the tag itself — usually the last day of the month shown. Mississippi does not have a single statewide renewal system; instead, each of the 82 counties runs its own tag office through the tax collector. This means the process, fees, and available methods vary by where you live. Most counties now offer online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website, but some still require you to visit in person or mail in your documents.

You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. If your vehicle has changed ownership, been repaired after damage, or has a lien on it, you may need additional paperwork. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age; Mississippi charges based on a formula that typically ranges from around $15 to $30 for most passenger vehicles, though older vehicles and those with certain modifications may differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county tax collector's office handles tag renewal, not a state office, so the process and fees vary by county.
  • Most counties now allow online renewal through the Mississippi Department of Revenue website, but you should check your specific county's website first to confirm the method available to you.
  • You will need your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid ID to renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Tags expire on the last day of the month shown on your current tag, and driving with an expired tag is illegal and can result in a traffic stop and fine.
  • If your vehicle has a lien, was recently repaired, or changed ownership, contact your county tax collector before renewing to find out what extra documents you need.

Renewing online through the Mississippi Department of Revenue

The fastest way to renew is online if your county participates in the state system. Go to the Mississippi Department of Revenue website, select your county from the dropdown menu, and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee.

You will need to upload a photo of your current registration card and proof of insurance. Once you submit payment by credit or debit card, the system generates a temporary tag receipt that you can print and display on your windshield while you wait for your physical tags to arrive by mail. Physical tags typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Not all counties use this system yet, so if your county does not appear in the dropdown, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail or in person at your county tax collector

If your county does not offer online renewal, or if you prefer to renew in person, contact your county tax collector's office directly. You can find the address and phone number on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website by searching for your county. When you call, ask whether they accept mail-in renewals and what documents to send.

For mail-in renewal, you will typically send your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a note with your name, phone number, and email address. Mail it to your county tax collector at least two weeks before your tags expire to allow time for processing and delivery. If you renew in person, bring the same documents plus a valid ID, and the office will issue your new tags on the spot or mail them to you depending on the county's process.

What happens if your tags expire

Driving with expired tags is a traffic violation in Mississippi. A law enforcement officer can stop you, and you may receive a citation and fine. The fine amount varies but typically starts around $25 to $50 for a first offense. If you are stopped, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal request — for example, a receipt from an online renewal or a mailed process with a tracking number — and the officer may use discretion, but you are not may provide to avoid a citation.

If your tags expire while you are waiting for renewal documents to arrive, keep the temporary receipt or proof of submission in your vehicle. This shows you have taken action to renew and may help if you are stopped. However, the safest approach is to renew before the expiration date printed on your current tag.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or recent damage

If your vehicle has a lien — meaning a bank or finance company holds the title — you may still renew your tags, but the lienholder's name will appear on your registration. Contact your county tax collector before renewing to confirm whether you need a letter from the lienholder or any other documentation. Most counties do not require it for tag renewal, but it is better to check than to submit incomplete paperwork.

If your vehicle was recently repaired after an accident or damage, your insurance company may have issued a salvage or rebuilt title. In that case, bring documentation of the repair and the rebuilt title to your county tax collector. Some vehicles with rebuilt titles have restrictions on renewal or may require an inspection, so call your county office before you renew to understand what is required.

Finding your county tax collector and renewal fees

The Mississippi Department of Revenue website lists all 82 county tax collectors with their addresses, phone numbers, and office hours. You can also search online for "[your county name] Mississippi tax collector" to find contact information quickly. Renewal fees are set by state law and based on your vehicle's weight; the tax collector's office can tell you the exact fee for your vehicle when you call or visit their website.

Some counties post their renewal fees online, while others require you to call or visit in person to find out the cost. If you are renewing online, the fee will be displayed before you submit payment, so you will know the total before you commit. If you are renewing by mail, ask the tax collector's office for the fee amount so you can include the correct check or money order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tags if my vehicle registration is suspended?

No. If your registration is suspended — usually because of unpaid traffic fines, child support arrears, or insurance lapses — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact your county tax collector or the Mississippi Department of Revenue to find out why your registration is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

What if I lost my current registration card?

You can still renew, but you will need to provide your VIN and vehicle information. Call your county tax collector and explain that you lost your registration card. They can look up your vehicle in the system and tell you what information or documents they need from you to process the renewal. You may be able to renew online if your county offers it, since the system can pull up your information by VIN.

Do I need to renew my tags if I sold my vehicle?

No. Once you sell your vehicle, the new owner is responsible for renewing the tags. You should notify your county tax collector that you sold the vehicle so your name is removed from the registration. The buyer will need to register the vehicle in their name and renew the tags if they are expired.

How long does it take to receive new tags in the mail?

Physical tags typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you renew online or submit your renewal by mail. If you renew in person at your county tax collector's office, you may receive your tags when ready or they may mail them to you depending on your county's process. Always ask the office what to expect when you renew.

Can I renew my tags early?

Yes. You can renew your tags up to 30 days before they expire. Renewing early can be helpful if you want to avoid a rush or if you are planning a trip and want to make sure your tags are current. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or on the expiration date.