What Is License Plate Renewal in Mississippi?
License plate renewal in Mississippi extends the existing vehicle registration for one year without changing the plate or plate number. The county tax collector’s office issues a new sticker and registration card with each renewal. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR) administers the program statewide.
- Registration is on an annual cycle and expires on the last day of the designated anniversary month (Mississippi Code § 27-19-31).
- Renewal is not a title transaction. A Mississippi plate is registered to both the vehicle and the owner, so any change in ownership requires a new plate and a separate title submission at the tax collector’s office.
- Passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and trailers are renewed annually. Electric vehicles renew on the same annual cycle but have an additional surcharge described in the fees section below.
When Do You Need To Renew Your Mississippi License Plate?
Your local county tax collector sends a renewal notice before the expiration month. Failure to receive this notice does not extend the deadline (MDOR Motor Vehicle FAQ).
- Mississippi provides a 15-day grace period after the last day of the expiration month. Penalties begin on the 16th day of the following month.
- The late fee is 5% of the ad valorem tax for the first 15 days overdue, then an additional 5% for each 30 days thereafter, capped at 25% total.
- Reaching the maximum penalty of 25% also disqualifies the owner from the annual legislative tag credit.
- Mississippi does not require a vehicle inspection or emissions test for registration renewal. Liability insurance must be maintained but is not electronically verified during the renewal transaction.
How To Renew Your License Plate in Mississippi
All renewal channels require payment of the privilege tax, registration fee, and ad valorem tax. Have your renewal notice from your county tax collector handy or bring your current registration card and plate number.
- In Person: Visit the county tax collector’s office where the vehicle is located. Vehicles with a GVW of 10,000 pounds or less renew at the county level. Payment methods vary by county but typically include cash, check, and card.
- Online: Approximately 45 counties offer online tag renewals through individual county websites. Three counties (Franklin, Coahoma, Clay) use the MDOR MV e-Services portal. Check if your county participates before attempting to renew online.
- By Mail: Some county tax collectors accept renewals by mail. Send the completed renewal notice and a check or money order to the county office address listed on the notice. Allow extra time for processing and mail delivery.
The online channel is discussed below.
How Much Is License Plate Renewal in Mississippi?
The cost of renewal in Mississippi consists of three components: a fixed privilege tax, a fixed registration fee, and an ad valorem tax calculated by the county. The ad valorem tax portion varies significantly based on vehicle value, age, and local millage rate, so two vehicles in different counties can have very different total amounts.
- Privilege Tax: $15 for passenger cars, $7.20 for pickup trucks (Mississippi Code § 27-19-11). Recreational vehicles also pay the $15 passenger car rate.
- The registration fee is $12.75 per renewal, the same for all vehicle types and counties.
- The ad valorem tax equals 30% of the initial retail price, reduced by a depreciation schedule over 10 years, multiplied by the county’s millage rate. The minimum assessed value is $100 (MDOR Ad Valorem Taxes page).
- Electric vehicles add a $150 annual surcharge. Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids add $75 annually.
- Personalized plates have an additional cost of $33 per year on a standard plate. Specialty personalized plates cost $53. Many specialty plates include their own additional annual fee, listed on the MDOR Specialty License Plates page.
- Late penalties described in the timing section above are calculated as a percentage of the ad valorem tax, not as a fixed dollar amount.
Can I Renew My License Plate Online in Mississippi?
Online renewal is only available in participating counties. Approximately 45 of Mississippi’s 82 counties offer tag renewals through their own county websites, and three counties (Franklin, Coahoma, Clay) use the MDOR MV e-Services portal. MDOR maintains a county-by-county list showing which counties participate and links to each county’s renewal site.
Payment methods and processing times vary by county portal. Most county systems accept credit or debit cards and mail the new sticker and registration card after processing. Check your county’s site for estimated delivery dates.
If your county does not offer online renewal, visit the county tax collector’s office in the county where the vehicle is located. Some counties also accept renewals by mail with a check or money order sent to the address listed on the renewal notice. If your county offers online renewal, it is the most convenient route; the tax collector’s office handles what the portal cannot.