Mississippi License PlatesMississippi license plates are essential identifiers for vehicles registered in the state. These license plates are commonly referred to as license tags and are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR): they are directly linked to the vehicles they are assigned. Each plate bears a unique alphanumeric combination known as a license plate number, which corresponds to the vehicle's registration information in state records. This linkage facilitates the identification of vehicles by law enforcement and other authorities, ensuring accountability for vehicle owners and aiding in the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.
The DOR offers various types of license plates to suit different needs and preferences. These include:
Under Mississippi law, every vehicle operated on public roads, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and recreational vehicles, must display a valid license plate on the rear (trucks and tractors may display theirs in front). The DOR also issues two license decals per license plate indicating the expiration month and year of the vehicle's registration; these decals should be placed in an upright position at the lower right corner of the license plate. Ensuring your tags are correctly displayed with up-to-date decals is crucial to avoid penalties like fines and vehicle impoundment.
Mississippi License Plate Design and FormatsMississippi license plates are rectangular-shaped plates fabricated with reflective aluminum material. The state typically issues new license plate designs for passenger vehicles every five years. The 2024–2029 design, which came into effect in January 2024, features a dark blue six-character license plate number embossed on a white background with a screened magnolia blossom against a blue circle acting as a separator. "MISSISSIPPI" is screened in dark blue at the top of the plate (above the license plate number), and the county name is embossed in dark blue at the bottom. The state also released a blackout version of this standard plate design that features the plate number, state name, and county name in white lettering over a black background. This version does not include the image of a magnolia blossom as a plate number separator.
Be aware that specialty plates (including NASCARâ„¢ Driver ones) typically include additional design elements like symbols, logos, or background images unique to the particular cause or organization linked to the plate.
Here are examples of Mississippi tags:
Regular and blackout passenger vehicle license plates (2024 – 2029 series):
Specialty license plates:
NASCARâ„¢ Driver license plates:
* Source: Mississippi Department of Revenue
Mississippi Vanity License PlateThe Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) offers vehicle owners the opportunity to showcase their individuality, passions, or sentiments by customizing their plate numbers. These personalized plates are typically allowed for private-use cars, motorcycles, vans, pickups, and non-commercial trailers. They can be ordered in person through your county Tax Collector's Office. The department does not currently provide any means for vehicle owners to check the availability of desired customizations before ordering a personalized tag. However, certain restrictions typically apply, such as:
Personalized license plates typically cost a $33 annual fee on top of your regular vehicle registration costs, and it typically takes about 4 – 6 weeks after payment for these plates to be processed and delivered. Note that the DOR makes the final determination on whether your desired plate number customization complies with its guidelines. In situations where the department issues a personalized plate in error or determines that it is inappropriate after it has been issued, you will be notified to surrender the plate. Under these circumstances, you may select a new customization at no cost or request a refund for the personalization fee.
Most Popular Mississippi Special Plate NumbersSome of the most popular specialty license plate themes in Mississippi include:
Mississippi License Plate LookupLicense plate lookup is a method used to retrieve information about a vehicle by entering the license plate number into a database or search tool. This information typically includes the vehicle's registration status, make, model, mileage, accident history, and maintenance records. License plate lookups also provide information on the vehicle's registered owner. Access to this information is typically restricted to law enforcement and other specific organizations. One of the most common reasons for performing license plate lookups in Mississippi is to verify details about used cars before purchasing.
You can request access to a Mississippi vehicle's records by submitting a written request to the state's Department of Revenue (DOR) using either a DOR-provided application packet or your company's letterhead. If you decide to use the latter, ensure the request includes as much detail about the vehicle in question as possible. Requests are typically processed within 14 days, and your fee will depend on the type and scope of information required. Be aware that, per federal law, the DOR will not release personal information on vehicle owners unless you have a permissible reason for requesting this information.
Alternatively, you can perform reverse license plate searches for Mississippi-registered vehicles online through third-party websites like RecordsFinder. These websites often provide free access to basic vehicle information and give you the option of purchasing a more comprehensive report on the vehicle for a nominal fee, all from the comfort of your home. Be aware that these websites also adhere to federal and state regulations and do not offer unauthorized access to vehicle owners' personal and sensitive information.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Mississippi?The first step to getting a license tag in Mississippi is registering your vehicle with the state's Department of Revenue. You must do this within seven working days of purchasing the vehicle. Suppose you bought the vehicle outside your county of residence. In that case, you have 48 hours to transport it to your home or workplace (in addition to the seven-day registration window). Likewise, if you just moved to Mississippi and have a current registration from your previous state of residence, you have 30 days to register your vehicle with the DOR.
Under state law, vehicle registration must be done at your local county tax collector's office. However, registration for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds that travel outside Mississippi is handled directly by the DOR at its Clinton office location. The specific requirements for registering your vehicle vary by location and situation (whether the vehicle was bought from a private party, dealership, or is from out of state). Nevertheless, you will generally be required to provide the following documentation:
You will be charged a registration fee and applicable taxes determined by your vehicle type, value, and location. These usually include privilege, ad valorem, and sales or use taxes. Note that your license tag will only be issued after your application has been processed and all required fees have been paid. This processing time varies by location and is determined by the office's workload at the time of the application.
Contact your county tax collector's office for more information on its license tag issuance process and requirements. General vehicle registration and license tag-related questions can also be directed to the DOR's Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau at (601) 923-7100.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in Mississippi?In Mississippi, any vehicle used or operated on public roads, highways, or bridges for business purposes is considered a commercial vehicle. There are no major visible differences between tags issued for passenger vehicles (vehicles used for personal use) and most commercial ones. However, commercial vehicles that either have more than two axles and weigh more than 26,000 or have more than three axles, regardless of their weight, may be issued apportioned tags if they are to be used for interstate commerce.
The table below summarizes the differences between passenger license plates and commercial license plates in Mississippi:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use | Personal use |
|
| Plate number arrangement |
Six-character license plate number with "ABC 123" serial format * specialty and personalized plates may have 2-7 characters |
Apportioned tags typically consist of seven characters with an "A123456" serial format |
| Design & Color |
A dark blue plate number is embossed on a white background with a screened magnolia blossom against a blue circle in the middle. State and county names are embossed in dark blue above and below the plate number. * design and background features/logos may vary for specialty tags |
Same as passenger tags for most commercial vehicles. However, apportioned tags typically feature a tag number embossed in black over a plain yellow background, with the words "MISSISSIPPI" and "APPORTIONED" embossed in black above and below the plate number. |
| Use Limitations | Typically intended for non-commercial purposes | Typically used for business and commercial purposes |
| Requirements for obtaining |
|
Same as passenger tags. *Additional documentation for IRP registration is required for apportioned tags. |
How to Renew License Plate in MississippiAs a vehicle owner in Mississippi, you must renew your registration and tags annually. The Department of Revenue (DOR) usually sends registrants renewal notices about a month before their registration expiration date. This notice typically indicates the necessary documents and steps you need to take to initiate the renewal process. It should be pointed out that even though renewal notices serve as a reminder to renew your registration, it is your sole responsibility to do this, even if you do not receive one. You risk traffic tickets and other legal consequences if you drive with expired tags.
License plate renewals are handled locally by county tax collector's offices. However, the DOR offers an online platform that you can use to estimate your tag renewal fees and initiate the renewal process. Note that only counties that have contacted the department about the availability of this option are listed on this platform. You will have to reach out to your local tax collector's office for available renewal options if your county is not listed as offering online tag renewals. Renewal processing times vary by location. You will be issued updated registration details and new decals once the renewal is processed - make sure you attach these decals to your tags.
How to Transfer a License Plate in MississippiYou cannot transfer license plates in Mississippi. These plates are typically registered to both the vehicle and the vehicle owner. As such, if either the vehicle or the owner changes, the tag must be removed and surrendered to the county Tax Collector.
However, concessions may be made for specialty tags (including personalized ones), provided these tags are transferred between vehicles owned by the same individual. Note that this is done at the discretion of the state's Department of Revenue – do not transfer your tags without a go-ahead from this department. You will typically be required to provide proof of ownership for both vehicles and complete a Special License Tag Registration Transfer Form. You may also be charged the cost of a new tag in addition to other applicable taxes and fees.
Contact your county tax collector's office if you wish to transfer a specialty plate from an old vehicle to a new one you own to get specifics on the requirements for doing this. Inquiries can also be directed to the DOR's Motor Vehicle Services' Customer Support Center at (601) 923-7200.
Mississippi License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)The Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law that protects personal information found in motor vehicle records. This act restricts access to a registered vehicle owner's name, address, telephone number, social security number, driver's license or identification card number, medical or disability information, and emergency contact details. Mississippi adheres to this act and only releases this information under specific circumstances, such as for law enforcement investigations, insurance purposes, in connection with court proceedings, or to give notice to towed or impounded vehicles.
As such, unless you have a valid legal reason to do so, you cannot find the owner of a Mississippi tag using their license plate number. Nonetheless, you can use plate numbers or a vehicle's identification number (VIN) to access public records for Mississippi-registered vehicles (and over 269 million registered vehicles nationwide) online through third-party websites like RecordsFinder.
Yes, you can get a replacement for lost tags in Mississippi. To do this, you need to obtain an Application for Replacement Tag and/or Decal (Form 76-903) from your county tax collector's office and get your local law enforcement agency to complete the form. You will be issued a substitute tag and decal after returning the completed form to your county tax collector's office and paying a $10 tag replacement fee. A separate $2.50 is also charged for the replacement decal.
State troopers and other law enforcement officials in Mississippi can access the following information when they run license plates:
License plate searches are useful for examining a vehicle's background. Mississippians typically utilize free license plate searches when buying pre-owned cars to verify details like the car's make, model, year of manufacture, engine type, tank, and body style and to ensure that the vehicle isn't being sold with a cloned VIN.
You can perform these license plate searches online using third-party websites like RecordsFinder. Please be aware that these websites are not allowed to facilitate searches that violate the Driver's Privacy Protection Act.
In Mississippi, vehicle registration and license tags are valid for one year and have to be renewed by the last day of the month indicated on your decal. However, vehicle owners are typically given a 15-day grace period to complete this renewal and affix their new decals to their tags. The penalty for late tag renewals starts on the 16th day of the month (after your tag expiration month). Vehicle owners who renew their tags from this date will be charged an additional five percent on top of their regular renewal fees. After that, an extra five percent is added for every additional 30 days the tag is overdue, up to 25 percent. Once this limit is reached, you won't get any Legislative Tag Credit.
Be aware that, in addition to this administrative fine, you can also get ticketed, have your vehicle impounded, or get your license suspended for driving with expired tags, even within the 15-day grace period. As such, it is important to ensure that your vehicle registration and license tags are always up to date.
You will need to return your Mississippi license plates under the following circumstances:
The Mississippi Department of Revenue doesn't require you to surrender your license plate when leaving the state. As such, you may either choose to hang on to them as souvenirs or dispose of them when you register your vehicle in your new state of residence. For security reasons, if you decide to dispose of the plate, make sure you properly destroy it first to prevent potential misuse.
Mississippi tags utilize the standard 12-inch by 6-inch dimension adopted by states nationwide for passenger vehicles and a 7-inch by 4-inch measurement for motorcycles.
The Mississippi Department of Revenue issues temporary and in-transit tags; however, these tags are typically issued directly to vehicle dealerships.
Temporary tags (sometimes called drive-out tags) are issued for vehicles sold by dealers or auction to non-residents or Mississippians who may temporarily leave the state before obtaining a Mississippi tag. You may purchase a temporary tag directly from the dealership (note that dealers or their employees cannot use these tags for vehicles in their inventory). On the other hand, in-transit tags are issued for vehicles that have to be moved between dealers or automobile auctions for sale purposes. These tags cannot be used in place of DOR-issued dealer tags.
Temporary tags are typically valid for up to seven working days from the date of purchase, while in-transit ones are typically valid for up to three working days. It is against the law to use these tags outside their intended purpose or past their expiration date; doing so can lead to fines and other legal consequences.
To renew your Mississippi license plates, follow these steps:
You should take the following actions if your Mississippi tags get lost or stolen:
You will be charged a $10 fee for the replacement tag and a $2.50 fee for the replacement decal, after which you will be issued a substitute tag and decal.