License Plate FAQs

My car's license plate was stolen. What do I do?

Visit your local tax collector's office. A representative will issue you a new tag for $10 and complete a lost/stolen form, which you must take to your local law enforcement office to report the theft.

Someone backed into my pickup and now my tag is unreadable. Can I keep using it?

No. You'll need to surrender the tag at your local tax collector's office to get a replacement. The fee is $10.

I'm going to buy my first car next week. How do I get a tag for it?

Congratulations! After you get the car, you'll need to visit your local tax collector's office to register and title your car. Be sure to check out DMV.ORG's full section on registering and titling your vehicle to answer any questions you may have.

Can I get a personalized tag for my new car?

Sure. Mississippi has a variety of license plates available, and you can personalize many of them for an extra fee.

Does Mississippi give refunds on tags if I have to move to another state?

No.

I'm going to sell my car. Do I keep the license plate, or does it go with the buyer?

When you sell the car, remove the tag and surrender it at your local tax collector's office. Be sure to ask whether you are eligible for credit on the old tag; if you are buying another vehicle, that credit can be applied toward your new tag.

I just moved to Mississippi. How long do I have to get Mississippi tags?

You have 30 days to register your car with the state, as long as your vehicle was already titled and registered elsewhere. If not, you'll need to register and title the vehicle with Mississippi as soon as possible, and pay annual taxes and all fees and penalties that may be due at the time of registration.

Does my car have to be inspected before I renew my tag?

Yes, you must have a general safety inspection. This inspection is available at tire stores, auto shops, and car dealers for a fee of $5. Emissions testing is not required in Mississippi.

What's the scoop on antique license plates?

Mississippi considers any vehicle more than 25 years old to be an antique.

Visit your local tax collector's office to complete an application for a special antique license plate. You will also need to pay a one-time $25 plate fee.

This plate, which fashions the inscription "Antique Car-Mississippi," is permanent; no renewal is required as long as you own the vehicle. If you do sell the vehicle, you must turn in the plates to your local tax collector's office.

Do I have to return my Mississippi license plates after relocating to a new state?

No.