How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Mississippi From Out of State
Registering a motor vehicle from another state in Mississippi requires compliance with regulations administered by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. New Mississippi residents must complete vehicle registration within 30 days of establishing domicile in the state. The registration process involves payment of various fees, including registration charges, certificate of title fees, privilege taxes, and applicable sales taxes collected through the Department of Revenue and county tax collector offices throughout Mississippi.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial requirements for registering an out-of-state vehicle in Mississippi encompass registration fees determined by vehicle weight and classification, certificate of title charges, and ad valorem privilege taxes based on vehicle value. The Mississippi Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Registration information establishes the regulatory framework for all motor vehicle transactions administered statewide.
Standard State Fees
Mississippi calculates registration fees according to vehicle classification, gross weight, and intended use. The fee structure accommodates passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, motorcycles, and specialized vehicle categories. Registration periods are issued on an annual basis, with fees collected for each calendar year of operation.
Registration Fees:
| Registration | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time registration | $14.00 |
| Renewal | $12.75 |
| Specialty license plate | $28.00 to $53.00 |
Title Fees
Mississippi requires certificates of title for all motor vehicles registered in the state. Title documentation establishes legal ownership and must be obtained for vehicles transferred from other jurisdictions. The Mississippi motor vehicle title fees apply uniformly across all counties.
Certificate of Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle title | $9.00 |
| Electronic lien title | $9.00 |
| Electronic title | $9.00 |
| Fast track title | $9.00 |
Ad Valorem Privilege Tax
Mississippi assesses an ad valorem privilege tax on motor vehicles pursuant to Mississippi Code Section 27-51-3, which establishes the tax as a condition for the privilege of operating vehicles on Mississippi highways. This tax is calculated by multiplying the vehicle's assessed value by the millage rate as determined by the county government. Assessed value has been established as 30% of the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, plus a reduction of a specific percentage for depreciation over a ten-year period. A minimum assessed value of $100.00 is established for passenger cars.
Ad valorem tax rates differ substantially across Mississippi's 82 counties and incorporated municipalities. Vehicle owners must contact their county tax collector's office to obtain the precise millage rate applicable to their registration address.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Mississippi imposes sales and use taxes on motor vehicle transactions, which are administered by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The tax obligation applies at the time of title transfer for vehicles brought into Mississippi from other states.
State Sales Tax
Mississippi levies a sales tax on motor vehicle purchases at a rate established by state statute for casual and retail sales. The Mississippi sales tax on vehicles applies to the purchase price or fair market value, whichever amount is greater. Sales tax collected during vehicle registration is remitted to the state general fund and distributed according to statutory allocation formulas.
State Sales Tax Rates for Motor Vehicles:
| Tax Classification | Rate |
|---|---|
| Automobiles and light trucks with a GVW of up to 10,000 lbs | 5.00% |
| Trucks, truck-tractors, and semi-trailers with a GVW of more than 10,000 pounds | 3.00% |
| Motorcycles, mopeds, boats, and all-terrain vehicles | 7.00% |
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations or reconstructed from salvage status require specialized inspection conducted by the Mississippi Highway Patrol Salvage Inspection Division before qualifying for rebuilt salvage title issuance. The salvage inspection verifies vehicle identification numbers, confirms legitimate component sources, and ensures compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards before registration authorization.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | $75.00 |
| Salvage title application | $15.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Mississippi Department of Revenue
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7700
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue
The Mississippi Department of Revenue administers all motor vehicle titling and registration functions throughout Mississippi as the central regulatory authority for vehicle transactions. The Department establishes fee schedules, maintains vehicle ownership records, processes title applications, administers sales tax collection for vehicle purchases, and coordinates with county tax collectors for registration service delivery across all Mississippi counties.
Mississippi Vehicle Licensing Offices
Mississippi delivers vehicle registration services through county tax collector offices in each of Mississippi's 82 counties. The county tax collector directory provides comprehensive location information for registration services statewide. The following offices serve Mississippi's largest population centers:
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 - Gulfport Office
1801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 865-4039
Official Website: Harrison County Tax Collector
DeSoto County Tax Collector
365 Losher Street, Suite 112, Hernando, MS 38632
Phone: (662) 469-8030
Official Website: DeSoto County Tax Collector
Rankin County Tax Collector
211 E. Government St, 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
3104 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 769-3074
Official Website: Jackson County Tax Collector
Lauderdale County Tax Collector
500 Constitution Avenue, Suite 6, Meridian, MS 39301
Phone: (601) 482.9786
Official Website: Lauderdale County Tax Collector
Lee County Tax Collector
200 West Jefferson Street, Room 107, Tupelo, MS 38804
Phone: (662) 432-2200
Official Website: Lee County Tax Collector
Forrest County Tax Collector
630 Main Street, 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
