Registration FAQs

How do I get a new tag for the used car I just bought?

Go to your county tax collector's office to register your vehicle and purchase your tag. You have seven days after the date of purchase to register it without penalty, or 30 days from establishing residency in the state.

Can I get a refund on my tag if I sell the car or move out of state?

If you move out of state, you cannot get a refund. If you sell the car, you can get credit toward your next tag, but you have to surrender the old tag to get the credit.

Can I renew my tag online?

Some Mississippi counties now provide online registration. If you live in Desoto, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lee, or Warren counties, you can renew your tags at Mississippi One Stop. If you live in Hinds County, you can renew at EZGov. All other counties must register at your local tax collector's office.

I want a special tag for my car. How can I get one?

Mississippi offers a wide variety of license plates for all types of vehicles. Personalized plates can also be ordered. Apply for the special tags at your local tax collector's office. Additional tag fees, ranging from $1 to $51 may apply. The state also offers numerous NASCAR tags if you are a racing fan.

I'm in a hurry, and I need to obtain my title as soon as possible. Is that possible?

Mississippi offers the Fast Track Title Program for consumers who may need an original or a replacement title quickly. Just make sure the application is complete and correct, then apply in person in Raymond at 1577 Springridge Road.

You can also mail the application, documents and fees to:

• Mississippi Fast-Track Title Program

• P.O. Box 22845

• Jackson, MS 39225-2845

FedEx and UPS are not acceptable, so use the regular postal service and allow extra time for mail delivery.

You must pay an additional $30 fee for an original title, and $34 for a replacement for Fast Track. If any of the documentation is incorrect or incomplete, the entire package will be mailed back to you, without a title.

How do I get a replacement title?

Submit an Application for Replacement Certificate of Title to your local tax collector's office along with a fee of $4.

How do I get a duplicate registration?

Contact your local tax collector's office.

How do I get replacement tags?

Go to your local tax collector's office.

What if I don't get my registration in the mail?

Check with the tax collector's office. If you used the online Mississippi One Stop system in Desoto, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lee, Madison, Rankin, or Warren counties, make sure you have your printed confirmation available when you contact the office to inquire about the status of your transaction. The same goes for online users who took advantage of the EzGov system in Hinds County.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.

What's the story on registering a non-operable vehicle?

If your vehicle's registration expires while it's in storage, you will need to complete an affidavit before reinstating it. Affidavit forms are available at any tax collector's office. Failure to complete this affidavit or to provide proof that your vehicle was in storage or non-operable can result in being slapped with back registration fees. When reinstating, be sure to bring a copy of your vehicle's old registration.

For more information, call (601) 923-7141.