Overview
Miss the deadline and Mississippi's penalty ladder is unusually specific: 5% of the ad valorem tax for the first 15 days late, then another 5% for every additional 30-day block, capped at 25% - and hitting that cap forfeits the Legislative Tag Credit for that renewal entirely. The calculator below runs both the routine renewal and the late-fee math for your county.
01 - Official fees
Mississippi renewal cost fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal registration fee | $12.75 | |
| State privilege tax | $15.00 | |
| Ad valorem tax | 30% × true value × millage | value drops each model year per DOR's depreciation table |
| Legislative Tag Credit | − (rate × assessed value) | |
| Late penalty, 1–15 days | 5% of ad valorem tax | |
| Late penalty, each additional 30 days | +5%, capped at 25% | |
| Electric vehicle fee | $150.00/yr | |
| Hybrid / plug-in hybrid fee | $75.00/yr |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with your county tax collector's office (Mississippi Department of Revenue) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to renew a Mississippi tag
- 1
Your county tax collector's courtesy renewal notice isn't required - you're responsible for renewing on time regardless.
- 2
Renew online through your county's portal if offered, or in person at the tax collector's office before the expiration date on your current tag.
- 3
The office recalculates your ad valorem tax on the vehicle's current depreciated value and applies the current Legislative Tag Credit.
- 4
Pay the $12.75 renewal fee, $15 privilege tax, and net ad valorem total - plus any EV/hybrid surcharge.
- 5
If you're already past the 16th day of the month after expiration, expect the late-penalty ladder added automatically.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Mississippi vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Mississippi renewal cost FAQ
How much does it cost to renew a car tag in Mississippi?
The flat pieces are $12.75 plus $15 privilege tax, but the ad valorem tax - which depends on your vehicle's age and your county's millage - usually makes up most of the bill. It drops every year as the DOR's depreciation schedule reduces the assessed value.
What happens if I renew my tag late in Mississippi?
The penalty starts on the 16th day after your tag expires: 5% of the ad valorem tax due for the first 15 days late, then another 5% for each additional 30-day period, up to a 25% maximum. At 25%, you also lose that renewal's Legislative Tag Credit.
Does my ad valorem tax really go down every year?
Yes - Mississippi's depreciation table cuts the DOR 'true value' progressively (about 10% in year one, over 90% by year nine) until the assessed value hits its $100 floor around ten years old, where it stays flat for the vehicle's remaining life.
I didn't get a renewal notice - am I still responsible?
Yes. The notice from your county tax collector is only a courtesy reminder; failing to receive it doesn't pause your renewal deadline or protect you from late penalties.
Can I renew a Mississippi tag online?
Many counties offer online renewal through the state's motor vehicle e-Services portal or their own county site - check with your specific county tax collector, since availability and any convenience fee vary locally.
Do EV and hybrid owners pay the surcharge every renewal, not just at purchase?
Yes - the $150 electric vehicle fee and $75 hybrid/plug-in hybrid fee apply at both initial registration and every renewal after, and both amounts are adjusted for inflation each July 1.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.