Car Registration Requirements for New Mississippi Residents

Persons relocating to Mississippi must transfer registration for any vehicle brought from another state. State law requires completion of this process within a defined period following establishment of residency in Mississippi.

Timeline for New Mississippi Residents

New residents must register their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Mississippi if the vehicle has a current registration and valid license plate from the previous state. Failure to register within this timeframe results in standard late penalties plus an additional $250 penalty.

Late registration penalties begin on the 16th day of the month following expiration. The penalty structure assesses 5% for the first 15 days, then an additional 5% for every 30 days the registration remains overdue, with a maximum penalty of 25%.

Establishing Mississippi Residency

Residency for vehicle registration purposes is established when an individual demonstrates intent to remain in Mississippi permanently or indefinitely. Mississippi law determines residency through factors including employment within the state, property ownership or leasing arrangements, and establishment of a permanent address.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Mississippi

New residents transferring out-of-state vehicle registration must provide specific documentation to their county Tax Collector's office.

Essential Documents

The following items are required for registration:

• Current valid vehicle registration or license plate receipt from the previous state
• Out-of-state title from the previous state
• Odometer disclosure statement
• Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (if vehicle was not titled in the previous state)
• Valid driver's license or identification card
• Proof of auto insurance meeting Mississippi minimum requirements
• Application for Mississippi Title and Registration (completed for each vehicle)

Insurance Requirements

Mississippi requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance. Minimum coverage requirements are:

Proof of insurance must be maintained in the vehicle at all times and presented to law enforcement upon request.

Application Submission Methods

New residents complete registration at their county Tax Collector's office. Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight of 10,000 pounds or less must be registered in the county where the vehicle is domiciled or parked overnight. In-person submission is required at the local Tax Collector's office.

For vehicles with GVW over 10,000 pounds utilized for interstate travel, registration must be completed at the Mississippi Department of Revenue offices in Biloxi, Clinton, Hattiesburg, Hernando, or Meridian.

Registration Fees and Costs in Mississippi

Mississippi registration fees consist of multiple components calculated based on vehicle type, value, and location. All new residents pay the following at registration:

• Registration fees are $14.00 for first-time registrations
• Privilege tax
• Ad valorem taxes (based on assessed value and local millage rates)
• Sales or use tax (if applicable)

Privilege Tax

Privilege tax amounts vary by vehicle classification. Passenger vehicles, automobiles, and pickup trucks are assessed specific privilege tax rates. Recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, are subject to a $15.00 privilege tax.

Ad Valorem Tax

Motor vehicle ad valorem tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the vehicle by the millage rate established by local county government. Contact the local county Tax Collector's office for specific millage rates applicable to the county of residence.

Sales and Use Tax

Sales tax rates of 5% apply to the net purchase price for automobiles, vans, buses, and trucks under 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. A 3% tax applies to trucks over 10,000 pounds used for carrying property. Sales tax paid to another state is not credited toward Mississippi tax obligations.

Title Fees

Title fees are $9.00 for motor vehicle titles. Fast-track title processing is available for an additional $30.00 fee, with titles issued within 72 hours of receipt by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Contact Information

Mississippi Department of Revenue
500 Clinton Center Drive, Clinton, MS 39056
Phone: (601) 923-7700
Motor Vehicle Services: (601) 923-7200
Mississippi Department of Revenue