Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

You must renew your registration every 12 months.

Renew MS Registration

It's illegal to drive within the state for any length of time with an expired registration.

It's also against the law to drive without valid insurance coverage. If you need to obtain coverage or just want to switch carriers, visit our Insurance Center to find providers and comparison shop for the best rates.

To learn more your renewal options, see "Check Your Renewal Status" below.

Register a Vehicle in MS for the First Time

If you just moved to the state or bought a vehicle, you'll need to conduct an initial registration. Please see our Car Registration page for instructions on how to handle this task.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

There isn't a special process for registering these vehicles, but if you want to renew a vehicle that's been in storage or not in use and missed its renewal, complete an affidavit first. These forms are available at your local Tax Collector's office. Also, bring along your vehicle's old registration to the office.

Failing to produce this affidavit or show proof that your vehicle was in storage or non-operable means you can be liable for the back registration fees.

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

About 30 days before your car registration expires, you should receive a renewal notice in the mail. Talk to your local Tax Collector's office if you didn't receive your notice, but remember you're not required to have this notice to renew your registration―even if you didn't receive it, you're still expected to renew on time.

The card contains your title and tag number, along with the list of fees due. Because the state doesn't require emissions inspections, you won't find details about a test on your notice. However, you can find details about keeping a clean-running vehicle at Smog & Emission Checks.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

The total renewal fees vary by vehicle. Your renewal card will break down the costs for you.

At renewal time, it's smart to double-check other vehicle-related fees like your insurance rates. It may be time to shop for a new provider.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

The state gives you 15 days after your registration expires to renew without a penalty. After that, you'll pay a late fee that's based on how long the registration has been expired and how much taxes you owe.

However, it's still against the law to drive during this period, and if a police officer cites you for having expired tags, you'll pay a hefty fine.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person, or By Mail

Renew Online

You can renew your tags online as long as your registration renewal isn't late and you live in one of the following counties:

• Alcorn

• Attala

• Desoto

• Hancock

• Harrison

• Hinds

• Jackson

• Lafayette

• Lee

• Madison

• Pearl River

• Rankin

• Warren

To renew:

1. Have ready your title or tag number.
2. Be ready to pay your registration fee, along with the online renewal convenience fee. (You may need to contact your local government to determine acceptable payment methods; some don't accept credit card transactions.)
3. Head to Mississippi 1-Stop (or the Hinds County online renewal page if you're a resident there) and follow the remaining instructions.

You'll receive an email confirmation letting you know the transaction was successful. If you don't receive this confirmation, contact Mississippi 1-Stop or call your Tax Collector's office.

In Person

1. Have your renewal card, current registration, or tag number.
2. Have payment for your renewal fees.
3. Go to your local Tax Collector's office.

By Mail

1. Find your renewal notice.
2. Gather your fee payment.
3. Mail everything to the address listed on the notice.

Top5) Affix Your Stickers

Be sure to place your sticker in the appropriate spot on your tags. Follow the instructions provided for assistance.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

You may deduct the ad valorem segment of your registration fees on your federal income tax as the charge is based on the assessed value of the vehicle.

Please refer to our Registration FAQs page or perhaps talk to a tax attorney for more information on this issue.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

It's nice to have the renewal process finished, but you still need to do your share to help keep driving as safely as possible for yourself―and your fellow motorists. Maintaining your car in excellent running shape is a great way to start, and it's not hard to do.

Begin with regular oil changes and tune-ups performed according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications. Rotate your tires a couple of times a year, and replace worn tires immediately. Find a reliable mechanic who can spot problems before they become dangerous, and take care of the routine maintenance matters, too.

Also, consider purchasing an after-market warranty. The initial outlay may be expensive, but the warranty will likely pay for itself many times over and allow you to handle otherwise costly repairs. And, joining a roadside assistance program can help you safely deal with those sometimes unavoidable emergency situations.

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