MOTOR VEHICLE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 10,000 pounds or less:

• Register at your local county Tax Collector's office.
• The vehicle should be registered in the county where it is domiciled or parked overnight.

GVW over 10,000 pounds (in-state travel only):

• Register at your local county Tax Collector's office.

GVW over 10,000 pounds (interstate travel):

• Register at the Mississippi Department of Revenue offices in Biloxi, Clinton, Hattiesburg, Hernando, and Meridian.

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• The renewal notice is only a courtesy sent by your local county Tax Collector’s office.  
• If you didn’t receive it, you are still responsible for renewing your registration on time.
• Action: Contact your local Tax Collector’s office to find out what renewal options are available.
• If you fail to renew and let your registration expire, you may be penalized

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The penalty starts on the 16th day of the month following expiration.

The fee is: 

• 5% for the next 15 days.
• Then for each additional 5% for every 30 days the tag is overdue.
• The maximum penalty is 25 percent. 

After reaching the 25% maximum penalty, you won’t be allowed to receive the Legislative Tag Credit.

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You must register the vehicle within 30 business days of the purchase date.

If you bought the vehicle outside of your home county, you:

• Have 48 hours to transport the vehicle to residence or place of business.
• Then still have 30 business days to complete the registration before any penalties apply.
   

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You have 30 days to register your vehicle(s) after moving to Mississippi, if you have a current registration/valid license plate from your previous state.

Failure to register within 30 days will result in:

• Standard late penalties
• A $250 penalty

You won’t qualify for Legislative Tag Credit if:

• Your out-of-state plate is expired, or
• The vehicle was never registered in your previous state.
   

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Military personnel and their dependents:

• Not required to register in Mississippi if they claim another state as their home.
• Must register if they are Mississippi residents.

Full-Time students who are not Mississippi residents:

• Do not need to register their vehicle in Mississippi.

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You need to contact your local county Tax Collector

You will pay:

• Privilege Tax
• Registration Fees
• Ad Valorem Taxes
• Sales or Use Tax, if applicable

Registration Fees:

• $12.75 for renewals
• $14.00 for first-time registrations

Other taxes depend on:

• Type and value of your vehicle
• Your city and county of residents.
   

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•    Yes, Mississippi offers a temporary drive out tag.
•    It can be provided by the dealer who sold the vehicle
•    The tag is valid for 7 days from the date of purchase.
•    To allow out-of-state residents to travel home.

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No. you cannot transfer your old license plate to a new vehicle.

• In Mississippi, the tag is registered to both the vehicle and the owner.
• If either the vehicle or owner changes, the old tag must be removed and surrendered to your county Tax Collector’s office.

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1. Form Needed: 
   •    Submit a Mississippi Disabled Parking Application Form 79-104 to your county Tax Collector.
    
2. Medical Signature: 
   •    The form must be completed by your licensed physician or nurse practitioner. 
    
3. Fees:
   •    There is no additional fee required the Disabled License Plate or Placard. 
   •    All regular taxes and registration fees must be paid.
    
4. Where to get the form:
   •    Your Tax Collector’s office
   •    Mississippi Department of Revenue’s website: www.dor.ms.gov
    
5. Renewal:
   •    A new application is required every 5 years, when the license plate image is changed 
   •    The doctor’s statement must be dated within 90 days of renewal application.
    
6. Placard Use:
   •    The removable windshield placard hangs from the rearview mirror.
   •    Can be used only when the disabled person is driving or riding in the vehicle.
    
7. Legal Note:
   •    It’s illegal to park in a disability space without proper plates or placards in Mississippi or other states.

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An eligible person may be issued:

• 2 license plates; and
• 2 placards

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Eligibility:
Veterans (or surviving spouses) must provide verification from the Veterans Affairs Board confirming:

• 100% permanent service-related disability, or
• 70% non-permanent service-related disability     

Tax Exemptions:
A qualified veteran may register up to:

• 2 vehicles; and
• 1 motorcycle 

These are exempt from all ad valorem and privilege taxes

A $1.00 fee applies for each plate

More than 2 vehicles:
A veteran may own more vehicles, but regular fees apply for additional license plates

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• Report any unauthorized use to the local police department in the town or city where the violation occurs.

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No refunds are allowed by Mississippi law.

However:

• You can transfer the unused portion of a registration to a new Mississippi vehicle registration.

Conditions:

• The tag must be turned in to your county Tax Collector.
• Credit is issued from the first day of the next month after the tag is surrendered.
• You’ll receive a credit certificate if you’re not buying a tag that same month.
• Credit is calculated from when the tag is turned in, not when the vehicle is sold.
• You may use the credit in any county in Mississippi.

Important Note:

• If you move out of state, you cannot use the credit, and no refund will be issued.

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• Mississippi does require motor vehicle liability insurance.
• However, this is not enforced through vehicle registration.
• All vehicles must have an insurance card in the vehicle as proof of liability insurance that complies with the state’s limits.

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• You can order these through the county Tax Collector when registering your vehicle.
• Personalized plates cost an additional $33 - $53.
• A list of all specialty plates is available on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.

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To obtain a new distinctive or specialty tag, your organization must first obtain approval/authorization from the Mississippi Legislature. Per, Mississippi Code Section 27-19-44 a presell of 300 plates is required (unless otherwise specified in the legislation) before the tag is produced.

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• You must provide the title from the other state and an odometer disclosure statement.
• If the vehicle is not titled in the other state, you’ll need the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin.

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• The general sales tax rate is 5% on the net purchase price (after dealer’s discounts and trade-ins).
• This does not include manufacturer’s rebates.
• 5% tax applies to:
     -   Cars, vans, buses
     -   Trucks under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
• 3% tax applies to:
      -   Trucks over 10,000 pounds used for carrying property
• Out-of-state Purchase Note:
     -   If you paid sales tax to another state, it will not be credited toward Mississippi tax when you register the vehicle.

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• To change your address, you must contact your local county Tax Collector’s office.

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• Any vehicle that is 25 years old or older is considered an antique vehicle and eligible for antique registration.

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• A motorized bicycle manufactured in 1980 or later must have a 17-digist vehicle identification number (VIN) that meets National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• It must have a decal or plate with a statement verifying compliance with Federal Safety Standards
• If it does not meet these standards, it’s considered a “toy vehicle”, which cannot be titled or registered in Mississippi and cannot be operated on public roads.

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• Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks at 601-432-2400 for boat and watercraft registration requirements.
• Boat trailers are treated as private trailers and require proof of ownership when registering (such as a bill of sale, Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or title).

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• Yes, these fees are required to be paid at both initial registration and renewal. Please note that the fees change every year on July 1st.

• Email a copy of the toll bill to (mvl@dor.ms.gov). We will research the issue and, if the plate was not left on the vehicle when it was sold, traded, towed, etc., we will send a letter to the toll company on your behalf.

• A standard passenger plate is required. This includes two- or three-wheeled side-by-side street legal vehicles.

• Yes, recreational vehicles (i.e., motorhomes) are subject to a $15.00 privilege tax and are classified as passenger vehicles.

• The Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) protects personal information included in motor vehicle records.
• Information can only be released to qualifying applicants with an exemption noted on the Records Request form.
• Protected details include:
    -   Social Security Number
    -   Driver license/ID card number
    -   Name, address, phone number
    -   Medical or disability information
    -   Emergency contact information

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• Get the Lost or Stolen Tag Form (Form 76-903) from your county Tax Collector.
• Have local law enforcement complete the form.
• The Tax collector will then issue a substitute tag and decal.
    -   Fee: $10.00 for a tag and decal
    -   Fee: $2.50 for just the decal

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• If someone is using the wrong license plate (wrong county or out of state), report the violation to your county tax collector’s office.
• You should report this violation to your county Tax Collector’s office.

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• No, Mississippi does not require emissions testing for motor vehicles as a condition of registration.

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• Contact Motor Vehicle Services at (601) 923-7200.

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• A title is a secure, negotiable document issued by the Tax Commission.
• It represents ownership of a motor vehicle or a manufactured housing unit.

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• Since 1969, Mississippi requires all motor vehicles to be titled.
• As of 1999, trailers over 5,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) and manufactured homes must be titled.
• Pre-1969 vehicles are voluntarily titled.  

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To register and title a vehicle in Mississippi:

• You must provide the title from the previous state.
• An odometer disclosure statement is required.
• If the vehicle was not titled in the previous state, you will need the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

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Timeframe:

• You have 30 days to register your vehicle(s) after moving to Mississippi, if you have a current registration/valid license plate from your previous state.
• Failure to register your vehicle within 30 days will result in:
  • Standard late penalties
  • A $250 penalty
• You won’t qualify for Legislative Tag Credit if:
  • Your out-of-state plate is expired, or 
  • The vehicle was never registered in your previous state.

Required steps:

• Visit the county Tax Collector’s office
• Complete the Application for Mississippi Title and registration for each vehicle you own.
• Pay all applicable taxes and fees.
• Provide the current valid vehicle registration (license plate receipt) from the previous state.

Special Situations:

• If the title is held by a lien holder or the vehicle is leased:
  • This may include a registration receipt or a duplicate title from another state.
• Once complete, Mississippi will issue a license plate.
• If there is a lien on the vehicle:
  • The Mississippi Department of Revenue will hold the title application until the title is received from the other state.
• If the title is held by another state:
  • You must provide a valid license plate receipt as proof of ownership.
  • The Mississippi Department of Revenue will coordinate with the lien holder or other state to surrender the title.
  • If the title is not surrendered, the application will not be processed, and you cannot renew your license plate.

Important Notice:

• The vehicle cannot be legally driven without valid registration.
• You must have a Mississippi Driver License
  • Contact the Mississippi Highway Patrol at (601) 987-1212 or visit https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/ for more information.

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• Motor Vehicle Title: $9.00
• Manufactured Home Title: $9.00
• Electronic Lien Title: $9.00
• Electronic Title: $9.00
• Fast Track Title: $39.00

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• Standard Titles: Issued within 3-4 weeks after application is received by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (unless additional documentation is required).
• Fast Track Titles: Issued within 72 hours of receipt by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
• Electronic Titles: Issued within 3-4 weeks after application is received by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (unless additional documentation is required).
• Electronic Lien Titles: Issued next business day.

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Standard Service:

• Complete Application for Replacement Certificate of Title (Form 78-006)
• Pay $9.00 fee
• Mail to address listed on form

Fast Track Replacement Service:

• Mail in Service:
  • Complete Application for Fast Track Replacement Certificate of Title (Form 78-026)
  • Pay $39.00 fee
  • Mail to address listed on form
  • Form is available at your local county tax collector’s office or our Fast Track Title Procedure page.
     
• Walk in Service:
  • Go to Mississippi Department of Revenue’s office at 500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
  • Complete Application for Fast Track Replacement Certificate of Title (Form 78-026) at the Title Customer Service Window
  • Pay $39.00 fee
  • Must have a valid driver's license or photo identification card
  • Owner(s) must be present.

Important Notes:

• If you’re buying or selling a vehicle and the title is missing, a duplicate/replacement title is required before the sale can proceed.
• This also applies if the title has been lost, mutilated, destroyed or ruined.

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Original or replacement is issued within 72 hours after the Mississippi Department of Revenue receives the application.

• Does not include mail time to and from
• Requires an additional $30.00 fee
• Does not change standard paperwork requirements – all documents must be completed and attached.
• If paperwork is incomplete or incorrect, the application will be rejected.

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If you did not receive a title or cannot obtain the title from the previous owner or dealership, then you will need a title bond. A title bond is a surety bond used to obtain a bonded title for a vehicle when the original title is missing, damaged or cannot be transferred. 

• Title Bond Requirements
  • Submit to the Mississippi Department of Revenue:
    • Surety Bond for one and half times the average trade-in value of the vehicle; and
    • Completed Affidavit of Ownership; and
    • Bill of Sale
       

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• Title must be assigned to the new owner.
• The seller must fill out all sections on the title assignment except for the buyer’s printed name and signature.
• If the buyer and seller are related (spouse, child, parent, grandchild, or grandparent, brother, sister), an Affidavit of Relationship should be completed.
• The previous owner must remove the license plate once the title is assigned, and the vehicle or trailer is handed over to the new owner.

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Where to go:

• Visit your local county Tax Collector’s office.

Form required: 

• Title Application (Form 78-002)
• Documents Needed: Existing title of the vehicle

Joint ownership:

• If title is listed as John OR Jane Doe – only the surviving spouse’s signature is needed.
• If title is listed as John AND Jane Doe – the surviving spouse signature and a court-endorsed copy of the will (probated will) is needed.
• If title is listed as John AND/OR Jane Doe – the surviving spouse signature and death certificate is needed.

If the will was not probated:

• You will need:
  • A letter of administration or testamentary naming the person to receive the vehicle, or
  • Affidavit of Heirship (Form 78-014)

Legal Heirs:

• Submit all completed forms and documents to the local county Tax Collector’s office
• Executors/administrators may apply for a title using the same process and must pay all fees and taxes.
   

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Model year 2000 and newer:

• Complete the titling process as normal. 

Pre-2000:

• Affidavit of Ownership for Mobile/Manufactured Homes (Form 78-910) must be completed. 

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• A motorized bicycle manufactured in 1980 or later must have a 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) that meets National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards.
• The motorized bicycle must have a decal or plate with a statement verifying compliance with Federal Safety Standards.
• If the motorized bicycle does not meet these standards, it is considered a “toy vehicle”, which cannot be titled or registered in Mississippi and cannot be operated on public roads.

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• Contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks at 601-432-2400 or https://www.mdwfp.com/ for boat and watercraft titling and registration requirements.
• Boat trailers may be voluntarily titled if less than 5,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
• If the trailer is over 5,000 pounds GVW, then it is required to be titled. 

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• Submit the incorrect title to your county Tax Collector’s office and request a corrected title.
• The Mississippi Department of Revenue will research the error:
  • There is no fee if the error was made by the county or state.
  • If the error was in the submitted paperwork, you must pay a $10 for a corrected title
     

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To change your name, you must visit your county Tax Collector’s office with the title.

• For non-immediate family additions:
  • All fees, ad valorem taxes, sales tax apply
  • Complete the back of the existing title, listing all names in the “Purchaser’s name” field.
  • If a lien holder exists, list the lien holder in the “reassignments” field
• For name changes due to Marriage or a Court order:
  • Submit a copy of the marriage license or court order
     

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If purchased from a Mississippi licensed dealer:

• The dealer submits the completed application for title
• You must take the yellow copy of the title application to the Tax Collector’s office.

If purchased from an individual:

• Apply for a title at your county Tax Collector’s office.
• You are required to pay sales tax on vehicle purchase.

If purchased from Out-of-State Dealer:

• Apply for a title at your county Tax Collector’s office.
• Provide a copy of the purchase or sales invoice.
• You must pay use tax on the vehicle purchase.

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• Remove the license plate(s) when transferring the vehicle to the buyer.
• Surrender the license plate to the Tax Collector’s office.
• Once the license plate is surrendered, your ownership record is no longer current with the state.  
• Always make a copy of the front and back of the signed title and keep it with your records.

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• Never accept or deliver a title that is incomplete or improperly assigned.
• Do not leave the buyer’s name blank for later filling – this is a violation of Mississippi law. 

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• ATVs and utility vehicles manufactured after July 1, 2025, are required to be titled.
• Golf carts are not titled nor registered
• Motorized scooters, mini bikes, dirt bikes, go-carts, and motor assisted bicycles:
  • May be voluntarily titled but not issued a license plate.
  • Cannot be operated on highways or in cities unless authorized by local law.

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When applying for a title at the county Tax Collector’s office, you must provide:

• Current Registration Certificate
• Notarized Bill of Sale
• Foreign ownership documents
• US Customs Form 7501
• EPA Form 3520-8
• DOT Form HS-7
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)

Foreign Documents – Translation Requirement:

• Any document printed in a language other than English must come with a certified English translation.
• Examples include:
  • MSO equivalents:
    • Canada: New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS)
    • Europe: European Community Certificate of Conformity

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As the seller:

• You must sign the back of the title
• Give the title to your insurance company so they can apply for a salvage title.
• If the vehicle is sold to a salvage yard, you must sign the back of the title for the salvage yard.

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• Issued when a vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company
• Indicates that a total loss claim has been paid on the vehicle.

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• A branded title indicates important permanent information about a vehicle’s condition.
• Brands are printed on the front of the title and include:
  • Salvage
  • Rebuilt
  • Flood damaged
  • Hail damaged
• When buying a vehicle, check the title for these brands and ask the seller about any present brand during the assignment of title.

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• Contact Motor Vehicle Services at (601) 923-7200.

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Select the hyperlink “Create Online Profile” from the e-Services homepage and complete the information required.

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To set up, you will need a Letter ID and Registration ID.  Select the “Create Online Profile” hyperlink from the e-Services homepage and complete the information required. If you received a “Welcome to Marvin” letter, select yes when promoted.​

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Log into your online profile and select the hyperlink to the right that says “Register a New Dealership Location”. To register a second location, select the same hyperlink.

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Log into your online profile and select the hyperlink to the right that says “Register a Designated Agent”.

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Log into your online profile and select the hyperlink to the right that says “Register for Vehicle/Record Inquiries”.​

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From your online profile homepage, select the hyperlink to the right that says “Manage Additional Logons”. Select the button that says “Add New Logon.”

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a. Submit Blanket Liability Insurance policy

b. Submit request to update permit license types

c. Submit request to change dealer address, name, and/or number of employees

d. Request additional dealer tags

e. Request additional temporary, in-transit, or rental paper tags

f. Renew permit​ 

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a. Submit an Application for Title for a vehicle sale

b. Submit an Application for Title for title change

c. Print Secure Power of Attorney

d. Submit an Application for Title Replacement

e. Submit payment(s)

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Search for a vehicle using the VIN, title number, or tag number.

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a. Add a title hold to a vehicle

b. Submit an Application for Title for a vehicle sale

c. Submit an Application for Title for title change

d. Print Secure Power of Attorney

e. Submit an Application for Title Replacement

f. Change business name or address for this location

g. Submit payment(s)

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​a. Submit an Application for Title for a vehicle sale

b. Submit an Application for Title for title change

c. Print Secure Power of Attorney

d. Submit an Application for Title Replacement

e. Change business name or address for this location

f. Submit payment(s)

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a. Submit an Application for Title for a vehicle sale

b. Submit an Application for Title for title change

c. Print Secure Power of Attorney

d. Change business name or address for this location​

e. Submit payment(s)

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Dealers and Designated Agents will be able to import multiple title applications at one time through the import tool by uploading an XML file. This file will pull in vehicle information from the title applications.

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Log into your online profile and then select the hyperlink to the right that says “Make a payment”.

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Lienholders with a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) are required to release liens electronically within 14 days of satisfaction.

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• Release title
• Convert from paper title to electronic title
• Request a printed title
• Paper title lien release (PTLR)

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A $9.00 fee will be required for all transactions except PTLR Transactions.

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A Paper title lien release transaction is the process where the lienholder will release the lien on the front of the title and give the title to customer. Then, the lienholder will send an electronic notification through the Service Provider to DOR to release the lien, but DOR will not print a title.

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Yes, lienholders with a FEIN are required to sign up with a Service Provider whether located in state or out of state.

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Yes. Paper titles can still be requested.

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The lienholder must notify DOR of the error. Once DOR has been notified, a revised title with the correct electronic lienholder will be issued within 7-14 business days.

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The dealer must provide a revised title application showing the correct electronic lienholder. The revised application must be mailed to the DOR – Title Correction Department to process a corrected title to reflect the correct electronic lienholder.

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The lienholder can contact DOR to request a review of the documents confirming if the electronic lien was left off the title in error. If confirmed, a corrected title will be issued within 24-48 hours.

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A new option has been added to the application to select “electronic lien” if the lienholder requests an electronic lien be placed on the MS title.

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The law does not provide for the individual lienholder to participate in the electronic lien.

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In the beginning, please allow 3-4 working days. The time frame should be within 24 hours of receipt after January 1, 2025.

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Vendors are required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and complete a Service Provider application and submit it to DOR.

Lienholders are required to complete a Financial Institution application and submit to DOR. On the application, they must provide the vendor that will be handling their transactions.

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No. Mississippi does not have an enrollment fee.

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A FEIN is assigned to the financial institution with many addresses as needed. Each location address will be assigned an electronic lienholder number.

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All motor vehicles, trailers and manufactured homes.

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An application for electronic financial institution can be found on our website at www.dor.ms.gov under the Motor Vehicle e-Lien section. The application must be emailed to elt@dor.ms.gov upon completion.

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A new Financial Institution application must be submitted to make any name or address changes for the lienholders/financial institutions.

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The financial institutions/lienholders must complete the Financial Institution application selecting “Vendor Change,” and submit to DOR to process the request.

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No. DOR will only send a record when the new vendor does a title transaction.

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This would be a decision between the new provider and the previous provider.

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There are no other options, at this time.

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Yes, a secondary lien can be held electronically, but only the primary lienholder can request electronic lien transactions.

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Yes. The mailing information must be provided in the transaction.

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