Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
Yes, there are certain situations in which you will not be able to renew car registration. These incidents must first be taken care of before you can visit your local tax county collector s office for renewal purposes. Situations that will prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration include but are not limited to the following:
  • You have a warrant out for your arrest.
  • You do not have MS car insurance.
  • You have unpaid traffic tickets or taxes.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
No, only the owner(s) can renew car registration. The state of MS provides two options for car renewal: renew car registration onlineor in person. If you are unable to visit your local tax county collector s office, depending on your county, you may also complete the renewal process online. If renewing online, you may need to have a debit card or credit card at hand for proper payment. You will also be charged an additional convenience fee for the online transaction.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Do boats need to be registered?
In Mississippi, boat registration is handled through the MS Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. In order to register your boat, you will be required to fill out an application that asks you to enter information such as whether or not you intend to saltwater fish, and your legal status in the country. Boats that do not have a hull identification or serial number will need to be inspected prior to registration.

Your completed application, along with proper payment, can be sent to the address below:

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Boat Regisration Division 1505 Eastover Drive Jackson, MS 39211-6374

Learn more by contacting the MDWFP at 601-432-2400.

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Mississippi

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
Yes, if you have a lost car registration or a stolen car registration, you should file a report at your earliest convenience. Before making your way to a local police station, stop by a tax county collector s office to pick up Form 76-908. A law enforcement agent is the proper authority you will need to ask to fill out this form. After it has been completed, return the form, along with a copy of your police report, to the tax county collector s office.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
Mississippi does not make it mandatory to surrender your license plate if you are leaving the state. However, in order to prevent any fraudulent use, dispose of them at your earliest convenience after you have settled into your new location. Contact the DMV of the state you are moving to for information about their proper car registration and titling procedure. You will also need to obtain vehicle insurance in the process, and inquire about the minimum insurance coverage of your new state.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
If you have a mutilated or damaged car registration in your possession, you will need to turn it in to your nearest tax county collector s office. A Tax Collector will be able to dispose of your registration in a proper manner. You can also replace car registration during the time of your visit, as long as you have your Mississippi drivers license with you and payment for any fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
If you intend to drive your motorized scooter on the road, a proper MS DMV car registration will be required. Visit a nearby tax county collector s office and speak to a representative for further assistance. Aside from certain documentation, you will also need to have payment ready for registration fees. New registration costs are $14, however, this amount is subject to change without notice.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
The state of Mississippi does not have a law in place that requires smog inspection or emissions testing prior to registering vehicle. However, aside from obtaining registration, you are required to insure your vehicle. MS has minimum insurance coverage that you must abide by in order to avoid any penalties. It is your responsibility to have your vehicle registered, titled and insured if you reside in Mississippi. You can learn more by contacting the MS Department of Public Safety in person or by phone.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
In Mississippi, you can renew car registration online (in some counties), in person or by mail. To renew in person, you will need to visit a MS Department of Revenue office.

Several counties allow for online renewal, such as these:

  • Alcorn
  • Attala
  • Desoto
  • Hancock
  • Jackson
  • Madison
  • Pearl River
  • Warren

The aforementioned make it easy to complete the renewal process through the MS1 Stop website.

For the counties listed below, you will need to visit their individual websites:

  • Adams
  • Claiborne
  • Forrest
  • Grenada
  • Harrison
  • Hinds
  • Itawamba
  • Lafayette
  • Laderdale
  • Leake
  • Lee
  • Neshoba
  • Oktibbeha
  • Pike
  • Rankin
  • Scott

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
Moving to a different state will require you to adhere to the DMV rules and regulations of your new location. Contact the appropriate office ahead of time to find out about the types of documentation and paperwork you need to present for transferring your vehicle registration. At the very least, you may be asked to show these items below:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
If you are interested in getting a disabled tag or placard for your vehicle, you will need to make your request at a tax county collector s office. While there, you will be asked to present a Mississippi Disabled Parking Application. A portion of this form must be filled out by a licensed physician, who can certify the type of disability or condition you have. In order for the handicap placardapplication to be considered valid, a signature of your physician or nurse practitioner will be required at the bottom of the form.

For more information: Information for Disabled Drivers in Mississippi

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
You can easily file a report about your lost car registration or stolen car registration by visiting a nearby police station. Once you have arrived at the location, ask to speak to a law enforcement officer to report the incident. Make sure to request a copy of the police report before you leave.

You may also choose to stop by your local tax county collector s office first to request Form 76-903. This form is to be completed by a law enforcement agent when getting a car registration replacement.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
The process of getting a Mississippi duplicate car registrationrequires you to make a visit to a local tax county collector s office. Lost car registration or stolen car registration can only be replaced in person. When requesting your duplicate, make sure to bring your current Mississippi drivers license with you. A customer service agent will be able to assist you and guide you through the replacement process.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

How do I obtain car registration?
In order to get vehicle registration, the state of Mississippi requires drivers to visit their local tax county collector s office. When registering your car, you must bring the right documentation with you, including your Mississippi driver s license, as well as payment for any applicable fees.

If your vehicle was purchased at a dealership, the dealer will take care of the paperwork for you and submit it to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

If you are moving to MS, you will have 30 days to register your vehicle without penalty. Otherwise, if you are already a MS resident, you will have seven business days to register your vehicle after its purchase.

You cannot transfer a license plate from one car to another in Mississippi. If you are selling your vehicle, you will be required to surrender the plate at your local tax county collector s office.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
The process of renewing car registration in person will require you to pay a select fee in the amount of $12.75. This cost may change without notice. To renew expired car registration, a late fee will apply. The fees are as follows:
  • The first 15 days Five percent
  • Each additional 30 days Additional five percent.

You can be charged up to 25 percent in late fees. Your Mississippi car registration expires on an annual basis. Take a look at your tag to find our when yours is due to expire.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
You may need to adhere to a different process to obtain duplicate personalized plates. However, if you would like to substitute your lost or stolen personalized plates for regular license plates, you can do so by visiting any local tax county collector s office with proper payment. A replacement tag and decal costs $10, and a decal alone is only $2.50. Fees may vary. Have your Mississippi drivers license on hand to complete the process.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
You should keep your registration tucked away in the glove compartment of your vehicle for safety purposes. In the event that you are pulled over by a law enforcement agent, you must have this document readily available. You can also keep a copy of your Mississippi car registrationat home, or in another safe location.

If you need to apply for new car registration, visit a nearby tax county collector s office to begin the process.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
There are several reasons in which you may find yourself in a situation that requires an MS car registration replacement. Take a look at some of them listed below:
  • You have a lost car registration.
  • You have a stolen car registration.
  • You have a damaged car registration.

A damaged car registration could be tears or water damage.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
The state of Mississippi requires drivers to pay several fees when obtaining a tag for their vehicle. These fees are as follows:
  • Registration fees
  • MS privilege tax
  • Ad valorem taxes

If you are obtaining new registration for your vehicle, the cost is $14. This amount is subject to change without notice. You can submit payment directly in person when you are in the process of registering car.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
In order to get a MS car registration copy at your local tax county collector s office, you will be required to pay a select fee. If you need both a duplicate Mississippi tag, as well as a decal, the fee is $10. If you only need to purchase a replacement decal, the fee is $2.50. These amounts are subject to change without notice.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
The state of Mississippi requires those who are renewing car registration to pay a $12.75 fee. This cost may change without notice.In addition to this fee, you will also need to submit payment for the following:
  • Privilege tax
  • Ad valorem taxes
  • Sales or use tax (if applicable)

When renewing your vehicle registration, make sure to bring proper documentation with you as well. In MS, car registrations are conducted at a tax county collector s office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
When stopping by your local tax county collector s office to complete MS car registration replacement, you will need to present these documents to a customer service agent:

You may also be asked to fill out an application that is provided to you. After verifying your information, a representative at the tax county collector s office will then issue you a duplicate car registration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
As part of your MS car registration process,you will need to stop by a local tax county collector s office with certain vehicle documents in hand. These items may include the following:
  • Your Mississippi drivers license
  • Your car title
  • A bill of sale (if applicable)
  • Payment for registration fees

To find out if there are any additional documents you need to present, contact a nearby tax county collector s branch and speak to an agent for further assistance.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Mississippi

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
To complete MS car registration renewal in person, visit a local tax county collector s office with the following documents:

If you are renewing your registration online, you need to adhere to the instructions on your county s website.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If you have made a request to renew car registration tags and have not received them, contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue to inquire about its status. You can call them at 601-923-7700 or send a fax to 601-923-7714. You may also make an in-person visit to a tax county collector s office in your area and speak to a customer service representative. Make sure to bring your Mississippi drivers license with you, and any other relevant documents.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

When does my car registration expire?
In Mississippi, vehicle registrations expire every year, therefore you must complete renewal on an annual basis. In order to avoid any penalties or late fees, you will need to renew your car registration before its expiration date. You can easily do this by visiting a nearby tax county collector s office. Other instances may also permit you to renew vehicle registration online through your county s website.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
Mississippi requires drivers to complete their car registration process at a tax county collector s office in their area. To find the one nearest you, visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website. You can also contact the MS Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau at 601-923-7100 for further information, and specific details pertaining to phone numbers and branch names.

When replacing your registration, bring your current drivers license with you and payment for a new tag, decal or both.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
When replacing car registration, you must visit a local tax county collector s office to complete the process. While there, you may be handed an application to fill out in order to properly submit your request. Make sure to bring your current Mississippi drivers license and payment for any fees. To get a Mississippi car registration replacement tag and decal, you will be charged $10. If you only need the decal, the fee is $2.50 (may vary).

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
The state of MS does send out renewal notices for car registrations, however, you are nonetheless responsible to be aware of your expiration date. If you would like more information, you can callthe DOR at 601-923-7700 or send a fax to 601-923-7714. You may also visit a local tax county collector s office to speak to an agent. As part of your Mississippi car registration renewal process, you will be required to pay a $12.75, subject to vary without notice.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
Registrations expire on an annual basis, thus you must complete Mississippi car registration renewal before this date. You have up to 15 days after your expiration date to renew car auto registration without being charged late fees. Check your vehicle registration tag and related documents to find out about the exact day of your expiration. If you are unsure, you can call the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601-923-7700 for clarification. If you prefer to speak to a customer service representative in person, you can also visit a local tax county collector s office.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Mississippi