Mississippi License Plate Lookup

Whether you’re admiring a car while cruising the Biloxi beachfront or catching a game at Vaught Hemingway Stadium, Bumper’s Mississippi license plate search tries to help you discover details about a Mississippi-registered vehicle, making it easier to plan your next automotive move.

With over 2.9 million residents and millions of annual visitors, countless vehicles navigate the Natchez Trace, commute across Jackson, or explore Mississippi’s scenic forests, rivers, lakes, and beaches.

License plate lookup: uncovering key insights

Running a license plate lookup isn’t just a routine check—it could be your window into the hidden life of a vehicle. With just a few clicks, you may dig into its background, potentially saving you from costly mistakes or surprises.

Purchase history and title details

Curious about where a vehicle has been and how many owners it previously had? A lookup could offer a glimpse into the number of previous owners.

Recalls

No one wants a car with a shady past, especially one that is part of an unresolved recall. License plate lookups can alert you of manufacturer recalls, helping you dodge a car with hidden damage or ongoing safety issues.

Whether you’re making a purchase, investigating a vehicle’s background, or just curious about a car, a license plate lookup could help arm you with the insights you need.

Federal and state privacy protection acts

Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)

Overview: The DPPA, enacted in 1994, restricts access to personal information in motor vehicle records to safeguard individual privacy. This was in response to incidents of misuse, such as the 1989 death of actress Rebecca Schaeffer, whose information was obtained from DMV records. The DPPA mandates all states to protect the privacy of personal data contained in motor vehicle records.

Permissible uses: The DPPA limits the use of a driver’s motor vehicle record to specific purposes, including legitimate government agency functions, motor vehicle safety and theft matters, motor vehicle market research, and individual verifiable business needs. It extends to civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings, research activities (without disclosing personal data), and specific consented uses.

Types of license plates in Mississippi

Mississippi offers several types of license plates, each serving different purposes and incurring varying fees.

Standard plates

In November 2022, the Governor launched a campaign inviting Mississippians to help redesign the standard license plate. Over 400 submissions were received, and a new design was selected. This design features dark blue lettering on a white background, with a magnolia blossom set against a blue circle as a divider. The state name appears at the top in dark blue, while the county name is displayed in matching dark blue at the bottom.

Mississippi blackout tag program

Mississippi’s blackout tag was introduced to create a death fund for first responders and their families. Each tag purchase includes an extra fee of $38.50, which contributes to the fund. Over the past two years, the fund has grown to over $7 million. The death benefit for fallen officers and firefighters was recently increased to a base amount of $150,000, with up to $250,000 total available for families with children. Additionally, $15,000 is provided immediately to cover funeral costs. Blackout tags can be personalized or purchased as a standard plate.

Specialty plates

Mississippi offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow drivers to show support for causes, organizations, and schools. From agriculture and wildlife conservation to university pride and breast cancer awareness, these plates often include additional fees that go toward relevant charities or programs, which are due both initially and upon renewal.

Military plates

Mississippi gives residents a wide selection of military plates to honor veterans and active service members. These plates include options for combat veterans, recipients of military honors, and those who have served in specific branches of the armed forces.While a select few plates are available at no cost, most require an initial fee and recurring fees upon renewal. For example, the Combat Veteran Army plate has a $33 fee, with portions of the fee supporting various state programs like the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Specialty Tag Fund and the FFM/Burn Center.

Education plates

Education-related specialty tags in Mississippi, such as those for institutions like Alcorn State University and Delta State University, generally come with an initial fee of $53. This fee is distributed to various funds, including $32.50 for the university itself, along with smaller amounts allocated to state departments like Archives and History, County Tax Collectors, and the Burn Center. Additionally, a portion supports the 4-Lane Highway Fund. You can find more details on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website here.

Other specialty plates

Mississippi offers a wide variety of specialty plates for causes such as conservation, wildlife, and nonprofit organizations. Examples include plates supporting the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and the Breast Cancer Foundation. Fees for these plates typically range from $31 to $53, with the bulk of the funds going to the specific cause or organization the plate supports. Smaller portions of the fee are distributed to state funds like the Burn Center and the 4-Lane Highway Fund. Each plate helps raise awareness and funds for its related cause.

Personalized plates

To choose a unique plate number, you can design and submit your application through the local county Tax Collector’s office. Personalized standard plates require an additional annual fee of $33. Various rates apply for different specialty plates.

In addition to the standard registration fees, specialty plates have various additional costs. For a detailed understanding of these extra costs, visit [Special Tag Fee Distribution]

Mississippi Ad Valorem taxes

In Mississippi, when you register a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 10,000 lbs or less, you’ll need to pay a motor vehicle ad valorem tax. This tax is based on a percentage of the vehicle’s value, which is 30% of the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) minus some depreciation over the years. The total amount you owe depends on the local millage rate, set by your county, and helps fund community services. It’s a way of contributing to local needs through your vehicle registration. You can check with your county tax collector for specific rates and any available exemptions.

Public access to Mississippi DMV records

What records are public

Information maintained by the Mississippi DMV that may be publicly accessible includes vehicle registrations and license details. These records can be searched using a vehicle identification number (VIN), tag number, or titlenumber.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about license plates in Mississippi

Where do I register my vehicle?

For vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 10,000 lbs or less, register at your local county Tax Collector’s office, where the vehicle is garaged. For vehicles over 10,000 lbs that travel only within Mississippi, register at the local Tax Collector’s office. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs that cross state boundaries must be registered at the Department of Revenue in Clinton, Mississippi.

What is the penalty for late renewal?

The penalty starts at 5% after the 15th day post-expiration, with an additional 5% added every 30 days, up to a 25% cap. After this, you won’t be eligible for a Legislative Tag Credit.

How long do I have to register my vehicle after purchase?

You must register your new vehicle within 30 working days of the purchase. If bought out of county, you have 48 hours to transport it home and 30 business days to register before penalties apply.

Who do I contact if I have further questions?

If you can’t find the answer to your question, contact the Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau at (601) 923-7100.

I just moved to Mississippi. How long do I have to get a Mississippi tag?

You have 30 days to register your vehicle in Mississippi if it’s already registered in another state. Failure to register within 30 days results in late fees and a $250 penalty.

How much will my car tag cost?

To find out the cost of your tag, contact your local county Tax Collector. You’ll pay privilege taxes, registration fees, ad valorem taxes, and possibly sales or use tax, depending on the vehicle type and your location.

Can I transfer my old license plate to my new vehicle?

No, in Mississippi, the license plate is tied to both the vehicle and the owner. If you purchase a new vehicle, the old plate must be surrendered to your county Tax Collector.

How do I apply for a disabled tag or placard?

You can apply for a disabled tag or placard by submitting a Mississippi Disabled Parking Application (Form 76-104) to your county Tax Collector. The application must be completed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.