How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Mississippi in 2026
Mississippi does not offer an online system or mail-in processing option for vehicle registration cancellation. All cancellation requests must be processed by visiting your local county tax collector's office.
The Mississippi Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau oversees the state's motor vehicle registration program, while the local county tax collector's office serves as the primary point of service for residents to register, renew, and terminate their vehicle registrations.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Terminating your vehicle registration becomes necessary under various circumstances:
- Transferring ownership of your vehicle through sale or donation
- Establishing permanent residence in a different state
- Removing a vehicle from service through salvage or scrap disposal
- Reporting a stolen vehicle that remains unrecovered
- Settling an insurance total loss claim
- Placing a vehicle in extended storage without road use
- Discontinuing liability insurance with no plans for vehicle operation
In-Person Processing at County Tax Collector's Office
The standard method for terminating vehicle registration requires appearing at your local county tax collector's office.
Required Actions:
- Provide current government-issued identification
- Return your valid registration certificate
- Surrender license plates as directed by the tax collector
- Execute any documentation required for cancellation
- Retain confirmation receipt for your records
Refund Consideration for Registration Fees
Mississippi does not allow for a cash refund of registration fees or taxes for a cancelled vehicle registration. However, under specific conditions, vehicle owners may be eligible for a credit for the unused portion of the registration of the sold vehicle, which can be applied to a new registration.
Refund Eligibility
The Mississippi Department of Revenue evaluates credit requests for:
- Registration fees collected in excess of the proper amount
- Payments made in duplication for the same registration period
- Fees paid for registration periods not utilized due to early cancellation for sold vehicles
- Other circumstances involving improper fee collection
Refund Process
Step 1: Contact Your County Tax Collector
Initiate your refund inquiry by contacting your county tax collector's office. County officials can explain refund procedures specific to your situation and provide necessary forms.
Step 2: Submit Required Documentation
Prepare and submit documentation supporting your refund request:
- Surrendered license plates
- Original registration documentation or receipt
- Written explanation detailing the grounds for your refund claim
- Evidence of overpayment or duplicate payment if relevant
Step 3: Administrative Review and Processing
County tax collectors review refund requests for accuracy and completeness before forwarding approved petitions to the Mississippi Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau. The credit is issued from the first day of the next month after surrendering the license plate and is calculated from the date the license plate is returned, not from the date the vehicle is sold. A credit certificate will be issued if you’re not buying a license plate in the same month. Credit may be used in any county in Mississippi
Governing Laws and Regulations
Vehicle registration cancellation procedures in Mississippi operate under statutory authority established through state law:
- Mississippi Administrative Code, Title 35, Part VII establishes motor vehicle registration and title regulations
Government Agencies
Mississippi Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau
Mississippi Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7200
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle
Online Services Portal:
Mississippi DOR Motor Vehicle e-Services
County Tax Collector Offices
Registration cancellation services are delivered through county tax collector offices throughout Mississippi. These offices process all motor vehicle registration transactions under the supervision of elected county tax collectors. The following offices serve Mississippi's largest municipalities:
Hinds County Tax Collector
316 South President Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 968-6587
Official Website: Hinds County Tax Collector
Harrison County Tax Collector
1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 865-4039
Official Website: Harrison County Tax Collector
DeSoto County Tax Collector
365 Losher Street, Suite 117, Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: (662) 469-8030
Official Website: DeSoto County Tax Collector
Rankin County Tax Collector
211 East Government Street, Brandon, MS 39042
Phone: (601) 825-1467
Official Website: Rankin County Tax Collector
Madison County Tax Collector
146 West Center Street, Canton, MS 39046
Phone: (601) 859-5226
Official Website: Madison County Tax Collector
Jackson County Tax Collector
2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 769-3074
Official Website: Jackson County Tax Collector
Lauderdale County Tax Collector
612 22nd Ave S, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone: (601) 482.9786
Official Website: Lauderdale County Tax Collector
Lee County Tax Collector
201 W Jefferson St # B, Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 432-2200
Official Website: Lee County Tax Collector
Forrest County Tax Collector
601 N Main St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Phone: (601) 582-8228
Official Website: Forrest County Tax Collector
Warren County Tax Collector
1009 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
Phone: (601) 638-6181
Official Website: Warren County Tax Collector
