Vehicle registration requirements - Mississippi

License plate display

Most motor vehicles will be issued one license plate and up to two license decals that must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. In the case of tractors or other motor vehicles drawing or pulling trailers, semitrailers, or farm implements, the plate may be displayed on the front or rear of the vehicle.

International Registration Plan

Mississippi is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP is a base state system for vehicle registration fees allowing a carrier to apply for vehicle registration and pay fees to a single jurisdiction.

Motor vehicles that qualify for apportionment consist of the following:

• A power unit having two axles and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or registered weight in excess of 26,000 pounds;
• A power unit having three or more axles, regardless of weight; or
• A unit used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds a GVW or 26,000 pounds.

Registration applications can be submitted online on TAP or via mail. Mississippi is a staggered registration jurisdiction and will register vehicles throughout the year, except in the months of December and January. When the registrant has chosen an expiration month with their initial application, this will be the expiration month for their fleet for as long as they register with Mississippi.

Temporary permit: Mississippi has a temporary operating authority (TOA) which allows a vehicle to operate on the roads for a 45-day period while the application is being processed and the credentials are issued. Any non-resident owner-operator of any vehicle operated within the state with a gross weight in excess of 26,000 pounds who hasn't elected to register his vehicle and pay the annual privilege tax must obtain a temporary permit. The permits are prepared and approved by the Mississippi DOT. The permit is valid for 72 hours for a $25 fee.

Hunter's or unladen weight permit: A hunter's permit is issued to an owner-operator (lessor) who terminates a lease and has to surrender the apportioned license tag and cab card to the carrier (lessee). The permit enables a vehicle or combination of vehicles to use the highways in all jurisdictions for the purpose of finding a new job. Any vehicle operating under the authority of this permit must be unladen. The permit is valid for a period of 72 hours for a $25 fee.

Agency: Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Fees: Registration fees are calculated according to each jurisdiction's specific registration schedules. The IRP invoice typically consists of total fees due for each jurisdiction miles accrued in the Federal Mileage Year, administrative fees, and the vehicle(s) listed on the application.

Other

Reciprocity

Mississippi is a party to the Multistate Reciprocity Agreement, as well as other bilateral agreements granting full interstate reciprocity on license and registration fees to carriers from all non-IRP states except Alaska.