Mississippi license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plate from one vehicle to another when you sell your current vehicle and acquire a new one. Mississippi plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Transfers are processed at county tax collector offices statewide. Mississippi is a rear-plate-only state. Mississippi has some of the lowest vehicle registration fees in the country at just $7 for standard passenger vehicles, but the county-level ad valorem vehicle tax is the major annual cost variable.
Does Mississippi allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Mississippi allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plate and transfer it to your new vehicle at your county tax collector’s office. Mississippi plates are county-specific - the transfer must be processed through the county where the vehicle is registered.
How do you transfer a license plate in Mississippi?
Mississippi plate transfers are processed at your county tax collector’s office in person. Contact your county tax collector before visiting to confirm hours and current fees.
- Remove your plate from the vehicle you are selling. Mississippi plates stay with the owner.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, the seller signs the title over and you complete the transfer at the county tax collector’s office.
- Visit your county tax collector’s office with all required documents.
- Pay the transfer fee, 5% sales tax on the new vehicle, ad valorem tax, and registration fee.
- Receive updated registration for the new vehicle using your transferred plate.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in Mississippi?
Documents required for a Mississippi plate transfer at the county tax collector’s office.
- Valid Mississippi driver’s license or state ID
- Title for the new vehicle, signed by the seller with all liens released for private purchases
- Bill of sale with purchase price, date, and odometer reading
- Current registration for the plate you are transferring
- The physical license plate
- Proof of current Mississippi liability insurance for the new vehicle
- Payment for transfer fee, 5% sales tax, ad valorem tax, and $7 registration fee
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Mississippi?
Mississippi’s 5% sales tax and county ad valorem vehicle tax are the dominant costs. The base registration fee is just $7.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Annual base registration fee (passenger vehicle) | $7.00 per year |
| State sales tax on vehicle purchase | 5% of purchase price |
| County ad valorem vehicle tax | Assessed annually by county based on vehicle value - major variable |
| Title fee for new vehicle | Contact your county tax collector for the current fee |
| Plate transfer fee | Contact your county tax collector for the current fee |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in Mississippi?
Mississippi specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. Contact your county tax collector for procedures and fees.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in Mississippi?
When you sell your vehicle in Mississippi and remove your plate, the old registration is cancelled. The buyer registers at their county tax collector’s office and pays the applicable sales tax and ad valorem tax. Remove your plate before the buyer takes possession.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi plates are not transferable between different owners. Only the same owner can transfer plates between their own vehicles.
Do Mississippi plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
Mississippi plates stay with the owner. Remove your plate when selling. The buyer registers at their county tax collector’s office. Transfer your plate to your new vehicle at your county tax collector’s office.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires new vehicle registration within 7 business days of purchase or within 30 days of establishing Mississippi residency.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, surrender your plate to your county tax collector or retain it for future use. Contact your county tax collector for guidance.