What you need to know about Mississippi license plates

Mississippi issues standard passenger plates, specialty plates tied to causes or organizations, and temporary plates for new vehicle purchases. The state's Department of Revenue handles all plate issuance. You get a plate when you register a vehicle, and you renew it when your vehicle registration expires — usually every two years. The plate itself does not expire, but the registration sticker on it does, and that sticker is what law enforcement checks.

If your plate is damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request a replacement from your county tax assessor's office or through the Department of Revenue. Mississippi does not charge extra for a standard replacement plate, though you pay the standard registration fee to update your registration record.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive your first license plate when you register your vehicle at your county tax assessor's office, and you must show proof of ownership, insurance, and a valid ID.
  • Registration renewal happens every two years, and you can renew by mail, online through the Department of Revenue website, or in person at your county assessor's office.
  • Mississippi offers specialty plates for military service, college alumni, conservation causes, and other organizations, though these may cost more than standard plates.
  • If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your county tax assessor's office to request a replacement without charge beyond the registration fee.

Getting your first Mississippi license plate

To register a vehicle and receive your first plate, visit your county tax assessor's office in person. You will need to bring your vehicle title or proof of ownership, proof of insurance, a valid driver's license or ID, and your Social Security number. The assessor will verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) by inspecting the vehicle or accepting a bill of sale from a dealer.

The assessor calculates your registration fee based on the vehicle's age and type. Once you pay the fee, you receive your plate and a registration sticker. The sticker goes on the plate and shows the month and year your registration expires. You must display both the plate and the current sticker on your vehicle.

If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer often handles the registration paperwork and sends you to the assessor's office with the necessary forms already started. If you buy from a private seller, you complete the title transfer yourself before visiting the assessor.

Renewing your registration and sticker

Your registration expires on the date shown on your current sticker, usually two years after you first registered the vehicle. You can renew before that date expires, and many people renew a few weeks early to avoid a lapse.

Mississippi offers three ways to renew: online through the Department of Revenue website (mdor.ms.gov), by mail using a renewal notice the state sends you, or in person at your county tax assessor's office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if you have your current registration number and a valid payment method. By mail, you send your renewal notice with payment to the address printed on the form. In person, you visit the assessor's office with your current registration and payment.

When you renew, you receive a new registration sticker in the mail within one to two weeks. You must place the new sticker over the old one on your plate. If you renew online or by mail, your new sticker arrives before your current one expires, so there is no gap in your registration.

Specialty plates and custom options

Mississippi offers specialty plates for military veterans, active-duty service members, college alumni, wildlife conservation, and various charitable organizations. Each specialty plate design is different, and some plates support a specific cause — for example, a portion of the registration fee goes to wildlife conservation programs if you choose a conservation plate.

Specialty plates cost more than standard plates. The additional cost varies by plate type, ranging from a few dollars to $25 or more per year. You select a specialty plate when you first register your vehicle or during renewal. If you want to switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate later, you can do so at your county assessor's office.

Mississippi does not offer personalized or vanity plates with custom letter and number combinations. Your plate is assigned by the state based on your county and registration order.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your county tax assessor's office and request a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle registration number and proof of the loss or damage. For a stolen plate, some assessors ask you to file a police report first, though this requirement varies by county.

Mississippi does not charge a separate fee for a replacement plate beyond your standard registration fee. The assessor issues a new plate with the same number as your original plate. If your plate was stolen and you are concerned about fraud, ask the assessor whether you should request a new number instead — this is not standard practice but some offices will do it if you request it.

Replacement plates usually arrive within one to two weeks. Until your new plate arrives, you can drive with a temporary permit from the assessor's office, though you should carry proof of your registration.

Temporary plates for new vehicle purchases

When you buy a new vehicle from a dealer, the dealer issues a temporary plate or temporary registration document that allows you to drive the vehicle home and to the assessor's office. This temporary plate is valid for a limited time — usually 30 days — and displays the dealer's information rather than your name.

You must visit your county tax assessor's office within that window to register the vehicle permanently and receive your permanent plate. Bring the temporary plate, your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. The assessor will complete your registration and issue your permanent plate.

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, you do not receive a temporary plate. You must complete the title transfer and register the vehicle before driving it. Some counties allow you to register online or by mail if you have the title and insurance information ready, but you should contact your assessor's office first to confirm what documents they need.

Understanding registration fees and what they cover

Mississippi registration fees are based on the vehicle's age, type, and weight. A newer passenger car costs less to register than an older truck or commercial vehicle. The state publishes a fee schedule on the Department of Revenue website, so you can estimate your cost before visiting the assessor's office.

Your registration fee covers the cost of issuing your plate and sticker and maintaining the state's vehicle registration database. It does not cover vehicle inspection, emissions testing, or title transfer fees. Some counties charge a small additional fee for title transfer or administrative processing, so ask your assessor what the total cost will be before you pay.

If you register a vehicle for less than a full two-year term — for example, if you register it partway through the year — your fee is prorated. The assessor calculates the exact amount based on the registration start and end dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration online if I have a specialty plate?

Yes, you can renew a specialty plate registration online through the Department of Revenue website. The process is the same as renewing a standard plate. If you want to change from a standard plate to a specialty plate or vice versa, you must do that in person at your county assessor's office.

What happens if I drive with an expired registration sticker?

Driving with an expired sticker is a traffic violation in Mississippi. Law enforcement can stop you and issue a citation. If your sticker is about to expire, renew your registration before the expiration date to avoid a fine.

Do I need to return my old plate when I get a replacement?

No, Mississippi does not require you to return old plates. You can keep them or dispose of them. If your plate was stolen, you do not need to report it to the assessor beyond telling them it is missing when you request a replacement.

Can I transfer my plate to a different vehicle?

No, Mississippi plates are tied to a specific vehicle and cannot be transferred. When you sell or trade in your vehicle, the plate stays with that vehicle. When you buy a new vehicle, you receive a new plate registered to that vehicle.

How do I know when my registration is about to expire?

Your registration sticker shows the expiration month and year. The Department of Revenue also mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 30 days before expiration. If you move, update your address with the assessor's office so you receive the renewal notice at your new location.