Mississippi License Plates
From the standard plates issued to most vehicles to the unique personalized plates chosen by vehicle owners, Mississippi license plates are a reflection of the state's identity. They serve as essential legal credentials that connect each motor vehicle to its official state registration, insurance record, and titling information.
In Mississippi, vehicle registrations and physical plate issuances are managed by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division in coordination with local County Tax Collector offices. Under state law, all passenger cars, light trucks, motorcycles, and trailers must display a valid, state-issued license plate on the rear exterior of the vehicle. Mississippi is a single-plate state, meaning no front license plate is required.
Standard License Plates
Standard license plates are the default plates issued for most vehicles in Mississippi. They carry a distinct combination of numbers and letters that identify each registered vehicle in the state.
The current standard 2024–2029 series features a clean white background with a central blue circle displaying the official state flower, the magnolia. Standard passenger tags carry no additional manufacturing surcharges beyond the base initial registration fee of $14.00 and annual renewal fee of $12.75, plus applicable local Ad Valorem property taxes. Character sequences on standard plates are assigned sequentially by the state system during vehicle registration.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty license plates allow vehicle owners to express their support for a cause, organization, or profession. These plates often carry unique designs, custom logos, and distinct color combinations that set them apart from standard tags.
Mississippi offers over 100 specialty tag designs supporting state universities (such as Ole Miss and Mississippi State), military veterans, environmental preservation initiatives, and non-profit charities. Specialty plates typically require an additional annual fee ranging from $30.00 to $50.00 in addition to standard registration costs, with a portion of the fee directly supporting the sponsoring organization or charity fund.
Personalized License Plates
Personalized license plates offer vehicle owners the freedom to create a custom plate number. They can be a creative way to express individuality, highlight initials, or convey a specific message.
Often called vanity tags, personalized plates permit vehicle owners to choose a custom combination of up to seven alphanumeric characters. In Mississippi, standard personalized tags require an additional $33.00 annual fee above standard registration costs and Ad Valorem taxes. All custom requests undergo administrative review by the Mississippi Department of Revenue to ensure character choices adhere to state decency standards and avoid vulgarity or law enforcement deception.
Mississippi Tag Rules & Display Summary
| Topic / Regulation | State Requirement |
|---|---|
| Plate Placement | Rear of Vehicle Only. Mississippi does not require or issue front plates. |
| Issuing Authority | Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) & County Tax Collectors. |
| Registration Deadline | Within 7 working days of purchase (9 days if bought out of county). |
| New Resident Deadline | Within 30 days of establishing Mississippi residency. |
| Base Renewal Fee | $12.75 annual renewal fee plus local Ad Valorem property tax. |
Additional Information & Search Tools
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