Mississippi License Plate Lookup

Are License Plates Public Records in Mississippi?

Yes, license plates are considered public records in Mississippi. However, access to personal information associated with license plates, such as the owner's name and address, is restricted to authorized individuals and entities, as outlined in the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. Law enforcement agencies, government officials, and certain businesses with a legitimate need for the information may be granted access to these records.

What Is a Mississippi License Plate?

A Mississippi license plate is a metal plate issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) that must be displayed on the rear of a vehicle registered in the state. The license plate is proof of registration and helps identify the vehicle and its owner. Mississippi license plates feature a unique combination of letters and numbers, the state name, and a distinctive design.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, finding the owner of a license plate is restricted to authorized individuals and entities, such as law enforcement agencies and government officials. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) maintains records of vehicle registrations and associated license plates, but this information is not readily available to the general public due to privacy concerns. If you have a legitimate reason to obtain the owner's information, you may contact the Mississippi DOR or local law enforcement for assistance.

Can You Look Up License Plates in Mississippi?

Yes, you can look up license plates in Mississippi. Several third-party websites offer free license plate lookup services, which can provide you with details such as past ownership, title information, liens, odometer readings, and salvage records. However, verifying this information's legality and privacy regulations is essential, as ownership data might be considered confidential in some jurisdictions. For more comprehensive searches, consider applying directly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue or using an online service specializing in vehicle history reports.

How To Do a Free Mississippi License Plate Lookup?

No official free Mississippi license plate lookup service is available to the general public. Access to personal information associated with license plates is restricted to authorized individuals and entities, as outlined in the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. Contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) or local law enforcement for assistance if you need the information. Be prepared to provide a valid reason for your request and any necessary documentation.

How Do I Check the Status of My Mississippi License Plate?

To check the status of your Mississippi license plate, follow these steps:

Visit the Mississippi Department of Revenue website.
Click on the "Tags" tab in the main navigation menu.
Under the "Tags" menu, click "Renewal Status" to access the license plate status checker.
Enter your license plate number and the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the provided fields.
Click the "Search" button to retrieve the current status of your license plate.

Alternatively, you can contact your local County Tax Collector's office for assistance. They can provide information about your license plate status, renewal deadlines, and any outstanding fees or taxes associated with your vehicle registration.

If you need further assistance, call the Mississippi Department of Revenue's Customer Service Center at 601-923-7700 during regular business hours.

Can You Look Up License Plates With VIN in Mississippi?

License plate information and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are private information in Mississippi. Only authorized individuals or entities, such as law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and licensed private investigators, can access this information for legitimate purposes.

As a member of the general public, you cannot simply look up license plates using a VIN or vice versa. This restriction is in place to protect vehicle owners' privacy and prevent misuse of such information.

You are the vehicle owner or have a legitimate reason to access this information (e.g., you are buying a used car and want to verify its history). In that case, you can obtain the data through official channels. For example, you can use a paid VIN check service or contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue or Motor Vehicles for assistance. You can prove your identity and justify your request.

Can Someone Find Your Address From a License Plate in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, personal information associated with license plates, such as the owner's address, is not readily available to the general public due to privacy laws and regulations. This information is restricted to authorized individuals and entities, as the Mississippi Public Records Act 1983 outlines. This includes law enforcement agencies, government officials, and certain businesses with legitimate information needs. If someone has a valid reason to obtain your address from your license plate, they may contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) or local law enforcement for assistance.

How To Get a License Plate in Mississippi?

To get a license plate in Mississippi, follow these steps:

You can register your vehicle with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) by submitting the required documents and paying the necessary fees.
Provide proof of ownership, such as a title or bill of sale.
Present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card.
Show proof of Mississippi auto insurance that meets the state's minimum requirements.
Pay the registration fees, which vary based on the type and age of your vehicle.

Required documents may include:

Title or bill of sale
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of Mississippi auto insurance
Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles less than ten years old)
Emissions testing documentation (if applicable)

Once your vehicle is registered, the DOR will issue your license plate, which must be displayed on the rear of your car.

Where To Get a License Plate in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you can get a license plate from your local tax collector's office. To find the nearest location, visit the Mississippi DOR website or call their Customer Service Center at (601) 923-7000.

How Much Does a License Plate Cost in Mississippi?

The cost of a license plate in Mississippi varies depending on the type and age of your vehicle. The base registration fee for a private passenger vehicle is $14, plus a $1 tag fee. Additional fees may apply based on the vehicle's value, weight, and chosen license plate design. For example, specialty license plates may have additional costs. Contact your local tax collector's office for an accurate price estimate for your specific vehicle.

How Long Does It Take To Get License Plates in Mississippi?

The time it takes to get license plates in Mississippi depends on whether you apply in person or by mail and if there are any issues with your application. Here's what you can expect:

In-person application: If you apply for your license plates at your County Tax Collector's office, you will usually receive your plates immediately after completing the application process and paying the required fees. The process typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your situation and the length of the line at the office.
Mail-in application: If you apply for your license plates by mail, the process will take longer. After mailing your application, supporting documents, and payment, your license plates can arrive in 2-4 weeks. This time frame accounts for mail transit and processing times at the tax collector's office.
Specialty or personalized plates: The process may take longer if you order a specialty or personalized license plate. These plates are often made to order and can take 4-8 weeks to arrive after submitting your application and payment.

Can I Get a License Plate Online in Mississippi?

Yes, you can get a license plate online in Mississippi through the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) website. The online registration process allows you to renew your vehicle and receive your license plate by mail. However, you may need to visit a DOR office in person for initial registrations or certain specialty license plates. To use the online service, you will need your license plate number, the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and a valid credit card for payment.

How Long Are License Plates Issued in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, standard license plates are typically issued for one year. The registration expires on the last day of the month, one year from the date of issuance. For example, if your license plate were issued on May 15, 2023, it would expire on May 31, 2024. However, some specialty license plates or vehicles, such as permanent trailers or motorcycles, may have different expiration schedules. To check the expiration date of your license plate, refer to your registration documents or contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR).

What Are the Types of License Plates in Mississippi?

Mississippi offers several types of license plates, including:

Standard plates: The default license plate is designed for private passenger vehicles.
Specialty plates: These plates feature unique designs representing various organizations, causes, or interests. Some examples include university plates, wildlife plates, and military plates.
Personalized plates: Allows vehicle owners to choose a custom combination of letters and numbers for their license plate, subject to availability and approval.
Disability plates are available to individuals with qualifying disabilities, granting them certain parking privileges.
Government plates: Issued to vehicles owned by state, county, or municipal governments.
Antique plates are for cars at least 25 years old and used for hobby or display purposes.

What Vehicles Require License Plates in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, most vehicles driven on public roads are required to have license plates, including:

Passenger cars
Trucks
Motorcycles
Trailers
Recreational vehicles (RVs)
Buses
Low-speed vehicles
Certain off-road vehicles, when driven on public roads

Is Driving Around With No License Plate in Mississippi Illegal?

Yes, driving without a license plate in Mississippi is illegal. According to Mississippi law, all vehicles operating on public roads must display a valid license plate. This requirement is outlined in the Mississippi Code, Section 27-19-31, which states:

"Every vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall have a license tag or plate, and it shall be a misdemeanor punishable by fine for any person to operate such a vehicle without a tag or plate."

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without a License Plate in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, driving without a license plate is considered a misdemeanor offense. The penalties for this violation may include:

Fines: The fine for driving without a license plate in Mississippi can range from $50 to $500, depending on the circumstances and the court's discretion.
Jail time: While uncommon for a first offense, driving without a license plate can result in up to six months in Mississippi.
Vehicle impoundment: In some cases, law enforcement may have the vehicle towed and impounded until the owner obtains proper registration and license plates.
Court costs and fees: Besides fines, the offender may be required to pay court costs and other associated expenses.