How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Mississippi in 2025
Mississippi's vehicle registration system combines multiple fee components that vary significantly based on vehicle value, age, and county of registration. The state uses an ad valorem tax structure where registration costs are primarily determined by the vehicle's assessed value rather than flat fees, making Mississippi registration costs among the highest in the nation for newer vehicles.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Mississippi calculates vehicle registration costs using a combination of fixed fees and value-based taxes. The base registration fee structure applies to all vehicle types before additional taxes and county-specific fees are added.
Standard Registration Fees
| Fee Type | New Registration | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | $14.00 | $12.75 |
| Privilege license (passenger car) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Privilege license (truck) | $7.20 | $7.20 |
Registration Fees by Vehicle Category
| Vehicle Type | Base Registration | Privilege License | Total Base Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicle | $14.00/$12.75 | $15.00 | $29.00/$27.75 |
| Light truck (under 10,000 lbs) | $14.00/$12.75 | $7.20 | $21.20/$19.95 |
| Motorcycle | $14.00/$12.75 | $15.00 | $29.00/$27.75 |
| Trailer (over 5,000 lbs GVW) | $14.00/$12.75 | $15.00 | $29.00/$27.75 |
Special Vehicle Fees
Mississippi imposes additional annual fees on certain vehicle types to offset infrastructure costs:
| Vehicle Type | Additional Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles | $150.00 |
| Hybrid vehicles | $75.00 |
County Ad Valorem Taxes
The most significant component of Mississippi vehicle registration costs is the ad valorem tax, which varies by county and is calculated using local mill rates applied to 30% of the vehicle's assessed value. These taxes fund local government services, schools, and county operations.
Ad Valorem Tax Calculation Formula
The formula for calculating Mississippi's vehicle ad valorem tax is:
Vehicle Retail Value × 30% × (County Mill Rate ÷ 1,000) = Ad Valorem Tax
For vehicles under 10 years old, the Department of Revenue determines retail value based on manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) with depreciation schedules. Vehicles 10 years and older receive a significantly reduced assessed value, resulting in lower registration costs.
County Mill Rate Variations
Mississippi's 82 counties set individual mill rates that directly impact registration costs. Mill rates typically range from approximately 80 mills to over 140 mills, creating substantial cost differences between counties. Counties with higher mill rates for education and general operations will have correspondingly higher vehicle registration costs.
High Mill Rate Counties
Several Mississippi counties impose mill rates exceeding 120 mills, resulting in higher vehicle registration costs:
- Hinds County: Registration for a $25,000 vehicle can exceed $800
- Madison County: Provides online vehicle registration estimator
- Jackson County: Offers detailed registration cost information
Moderate Mill Rate Counties
Counties with mill rates between 90-120 mills offer more moderate registration costs while still funding comprehensive services.
Lower Mill Rate Counties
Rural counties often maintain mill rates below 100 mills, providing the most affordable vehicle registration costs in the state.
Mandatory Processing Fees
All Mississippi vehicle registrations include standard processing fees collected statewide.
Standard Processing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mail fee | $5.00 | Postal processing and delivery |
| Agent commission | $1.00 | County tax collector processing fee |
Sales Tax on Vehicle Purchases
Mississippi collects sales tax on vehicle purchases at registration:
| Vehicle Type | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Automobiles, motor homes, pickup trucks | 5% |
| Boats | 7% |
| Motorcycles/ATVs | 5% |
Sales tax is calculated on the purchase price after dealer discounts and trade-in allowances but before manufacturer rebates.
Title Fees
Mississippi requires separate title fees for vehicle ownership documentation, handled by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Title Transaction Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle title | $9.00 |
| Manufactured home title | $9.00 |
| Electronic lien title | $9.00 |
| Electronic title | $9.00 |
| Fast track title (72-hour processing) | $39.00 |
| Replacement/duplicate title | $9.00 |
| Notice of security interest | $9.00 |
| Release of security interest | $9.00 |
| Assignment by lienholder | $9.00 |
Processing Times
- Standard titles: 3-4 weeks
- Electronic lien titles: Next business day
- Fast track titles: 72 hours
- Electronic titles: 3-4 weeks
Special Requirements by Region
Mississippi does not require vehicle emissions testing or safety inspections. The state eliminated its emissions testing program, and no counties impose additional inspection requirements or associated fees.
Legislative Credits and Exemptions
Mississippi provides a legislative tax credit that reduces ad valorem taxes on vehicles, though the specific amount varies by vehicle value and age. Vehicles over 10 years old benefit from significantly reduced assessed values, often resulting in total registration costs of $30-$50.
