Expired Registration in Mississippi
Mississippi law requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads and highways to have a valid vehicle registration. Registration services are administered by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Services Division, while the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MHSP) enforces compliance with registration laws throughout the state.
State Code Provisions in Mississippi
Mississippi's vehicle registration requirements are codified in Title 27, Chapter 19 of the Mississippi Code, titled "Motor Vehicle Privilege and Excise Taxes." This statutory framework establishes the registration system, taxation requirements, licensing procedures, and penalties for non-compliance.
Registration Terms and Expiration in Mississippi
Registration Renewal System
Mississippi operates an annual registration system based on anniversary dates. According to Mississippi Code § 27-19-53, the registration year commences on the first day of the month in which the application for registration is made and expires twelve months later in the same month.
Standard Vehicle Registration:
| Registration Period | Expiration Date | Grace Period for Display |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Registration (12 months) | Last day of anniversary month | 15 days after expiration |
Example: If a vehicle owner registers a vehicle in March 2025, the registration commences on March 1, 2025, and expires on March 31, 2026. The anniversary month for this vehicle is March, and registration must be renewed before April 1, 2026, to avoid penalties.
Grace Period
Mississippi provides a 15-day grace period for renewing expired registration. According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, late penalties do not begin until the 16th day of the month following expiration.
Important Distinction: While Mississippi provides a 15-day grace period before administrative penalties begin, law enforcement officers may issue citations for operating vehicles with expired registration during this period. The grace period applies only to administrative late fees assessed by the Department of Revenue, not to traffic violations.
Penalties for Expired Registration
Administrative Penalties
Mississippi assesses escalating late penalties for vehicle registration renewed after the expiration date.
Late Registration Penalty Structure:
According to the Mississippi Department of Revenue, penalties begin on the 16th day of the month following expiration:
| Time Period After Expiration | Penalty Rate |
|---|---|
| Days 1-15 after expiration | No penalty (grace period) |
| Days 16-30 after expiration | 5% of registration fees |
| Each additional 30-day period | Additional 5% per period |
| Maximum penalty | 25% of registration fees |
Vehicle owners who reach the maximum 25% penalty become ineligible for the Legislative Tag Credit. Vehicles cannot be legally operated on public roads while registration is expired.
Traffic Violations
Driving a vehicle with expired registration on Mississippi's public highways constitutes a criminal violation under state law.
Criminal Classification and Penalties:
Under Mississippi Code § 27-19-131, any person who operates a vehicle without having paid the required privilege license tax is guilty of a misdemeanor.
| Offense | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating vehicle without payment of privilege license tax or fee | Misdemeanor | $10.00 to $100.00 | Up to 30 days |
| Intentionally displaying out-of-state license plate or decal to avoid Mississippi registration | Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000.00 | Up to 1 year |
Government Agencies
Mississippi Department of Revenue
South Pointe Business Park
500 Clinton Center Drive
Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7700
Official Website: Mississippi Department of Revenue
Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: (601) 987-1212
Official Website: Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol
