A Mississippi DMV license plate must be obtained by the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR) within a given time period. For instance, drivers must get car registration plates in MS within seven business days of purchasing a vehicle, or within 30 days of purchasing a car as a new state resident. As a general rule, obtaining new registration plates must be done in person.

After undergoing the initial vehicle registration process, car owners must be mindful that they have to renew license plate credentials once per year before their license plate decals expire. Otherwise, motorists have to replace registration documents that have sustained enough damages, which in some cases may cause them to become illegible. If you wish to get a license plate in Mississippi and would like to learn more about this process, read the sections below.

Types of License Plates in Mississippi

Vehicle owners in need of purchasing new registration plates in Mississippi may choose from regular passenger plates, NASCAR-themed license plates or between a variety of specialty plates. In general, specialty car registration plates support local organizations, causes or academic institutions. Other available DOR car tags include military plates, antique vehicle plates and disability plates. Furthermore, drivers may purchase a drive-out license plate or seven-day permit if they purchase a vehicle from a dealer.

How to Apply for a License Plate in Mississippi

As a general rule, car owners must purchase Mississippi car registration plates through the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR) after purchasing a vehicle from a private party. On the other hand, a car dealership can apply for new registration plates on behalf of motorists who purchase their vehicles from these dealers. In order to apply for new car tags, as well as register and title a vehicle that was purchased from a private seller, car owners must complete the following steps:

• Visit a county DOR office to submit the vehicle’s certificate of title, proof of identification and a power of attorney, if applicable
• Submit proof of requiring a special tag, such as a disability plate, if applicable
• Provide the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the car
• Submit an acceptable payment method for the registration and license plate fees

If you wish to obtain a sample car registration tag before applying for a regular passenger plate, you must undergo a different procedure, which may be performed by mail.

How to Renew License Plate Tags in Mississippi

Mississippi motorists must renew license plate and registration documents once per year. As a reminder that motorists must complete the car registration renewal process soon, the state’s Department of Revenue sends vehicle owners a notice before license plates are set to expire. To avoid possible penalty fees, drivers are encouraged to begin the process of renewing license plate credentials as soon as possible after they receive their renewal notices.

In order to complete the process of how to renew license plate documents, vehicle owners may apply online if they live in participating counties, such as Hancock, Madison, Jackson or Lee. If drivers cannot renew car tags online, they must apply in person at a county DOR office or by mail. To renew plate decals by mail, motorists must refer to the specific instructions and address included on the plate renewal notice.

Note: You will need your DOR car tag renewal notice in order to renew your credentials online or by mail. If you did not receive a renewal notice or if you lost it, you must apply for tag renewal in person.

How to Replace License Plates in Mississippi

If you damage your Mississippi DOR license plate or registration decal, you must apply for a replacement as soon as possible. To replace license plate decals or tags, you must complete a state-issued application form and submit it in person at a local county DOR office. If you are replacing license plate credentials that were stolen from you, you must also file a police report with local law enforcement. In this case, the law enforcement agency must complete an appropriate form and sign it before you may request a replacement credential through the DOR. Moreover, a law enforcement official must complete the form on your behalf if you lose or misplace your tag or decal.

After completing the process of how to replace license stickers or tags and paying for the applicable replacement fees, the MS Department of Revenue will provide you with a substitute decal and/or tag.

How to Transfer License Plates in Mississippi

Vehicle owners cannot transfer MS car registration tags from one vehicle to another in the state, even after selling their current vehicles. Instead, car owners must surrender their license plates to a local DOR county office after selling or disposing of a vehicle.

Mississippi License Plate Fees

Typically, license plates in Mississippi are $14 when you first purchase plates and register your vehicle, and $12.75 when you renew them along with your vehicle registration. However, general DOR license plate fees vary according to each type of vehicle and license plate. Additional fees apply when purchasing specialty or personalized plates, as well as when renewing or replacing existing car tags.

License Plate Lookups in Mississippi

Before purchasing a vehicle, you can perform an online car registration tag lookup to learn more about the vehicle’s manufacturer, previous owners, engine type and past performance. Additionally, a Mississippi DOR license plate lookup can provide you with safety recall information and details about any collisions the vehicle has been associated with.

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