Mississippi Black License Plate

license plates in Mississippi come in different styles and categories, giving vehicle owners several options for registration and identification. A Mississippi black license plate can refer to a dark-colored plate style that appeals to drivers seeking a distinctive appearance. Availability, eligibility, fees, and ordering requirements can vary based on the plate type selected. Knowing how black plates relate to Mississippi registration rules can help vehicle owners identify the right option and prepare the required information before requesting or replacing a plate.

license plates serve as an important part of vehicle registration in Mississippi, with different designs available for various purposes. Drivers searching for a Mississippi black license plate often want details about its appearance, availability, cost, eligibility, and ordering process. Plate requirements can depend on the vehicle and the specific plate category. Checking current Mississippi Department of Revenue information can provide the latest details on available designs, fees, application requirements, and registration rules before selecting a black plate option.

How to Get a Mississippi Black License Plate

A Mississippi Black License Plate, commonly called a Mississippi Blackout Tag, can be requested as part of a vehicle registration or plate transaction handled through the appropriate county Tax Collector. The Mississippi Department of Revenue lists the Blackout Passenger Vehicle License Plate among its available 2024–2029 plate designs. Before requesting the plate, vehicle owners should confirm that the blackout design is available for their vehicle type and check the current requirements, fees, and registration details with the county office handling the transaction. Commercial vehicle owners should also review the rules for Commercial & Apportioned Plates as registration requirements may differ according to vehicle weight, business use, and interstate operation.

• Mississippi DOR – Available License Plates:
  • https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/available-license-plates

Confirm the Correct Plate Type

Before starting a license plate application, confirm which blackout design applies to your vehicle. The Mississippi Department of Revenue’s plate listings include blackout designs for different vehicle categories, including the Blackout Passenger Vehicle License Plate. Checking the official listing first helps you request the correct design during your registration transaction. Vehicle owners should review the current plate options and then confirm with their county Tax Collector that the selected blackout plate is appropriate for their registration.

Contact Your County Tax Collector

The county Tax Collector is the main local contact for Mississippi vehicle tag and registration matters. If you want to obtain a blackout plate, contact the Tax Collector in the county where the vehicle is registered and ask about the current process for requesting the Mississippi Blackout Tag. The office can provide information about the required documents, applicable charges, registration requirements, and the way the plate will be issued. Contacting the county office before completing the transaction can help you confirm the current requirements for your vehicle.

Complete the Registration or Plate Transaction

Once you confirm that the blackout design is available, complete the applicable vehicle registration or plate transaction through the county Tax Collector. For a newly registered vehicle, you can request the blackout design as part of the registration process. If your vehicle is already registered in Mississippi, ask the Tax Collector about the process for changing the current plate to the blackout design. The county office can tell you which forms, documents, identification, and registration information are required for your particular transaction.

Pay the Required Fees

The total amount for a Mississippi Black License Plate transaction can depend on the vehicle, registration status, plate types taxes, and applicable registration charges. Before completing payment, ask the county Tax Collector for the current total amount due for the blackout plate. This can include the applicable plate charge along with regular registration costs, privilege tax, ad valorem taxes, or other charges connected with the vehicle registration. County staff can provide the amount that applies to your specific transaction.

Receive the Plate Through the County’s Issuance Process

After the required transaction and payment are completed, the county Tax Collector handles the applicable plate issuance process. The exact method for receiving the physical Mississippi Blackout Tag can depend on the county’s procedures and the type of transaction completed. Ask the Tax Collector whether the plate is available at the office or whether another county-approved delivery or issuance method applies. Keep your registration paperwork after the transaction for your vehicle records.

Properly Display the Blackout Plate

After receiving your Mississippi Black License Plate, install it on the vehicle in the required location and keep the registration documentation with your vehicle records. The plate should be displayed according to Mississippi’s vehicle registration and plate-display requirements. If you have questions about placement, expiration information, registration documentation, or any other display requirement, your county Tax Collector can provide the current information applicable to your vehicle.

What Does the Mississippi Blackout Plate Look Like?

The Mississippi Blackout Plate has a distinctive appearance built around a dark background and contrasting white registration details. The design uses a black plate color with white characters and a thin white border, creating a clear visual difference from the regular passenger plate. The state name and county designation remain part of the layout, while the plate number is displayed prominently in the central area.

Black Background

The Mississippi Black License Plates use a black background as the primary surface of the tag. This dark background is the feature that gives the plate its blackout appearance and separates it visually from the regular passenger design.

Key features include:

• Solid black background
• Dark overall plate appearance
• Black surface surrounding the registration characters
• Distinct visual difference from the regular passenger plate

White Registration Characters

The registration information appears in white lettering against the black background. The contrast between the white characters and dark surface makes the plate number and other registration information clearly visible.

Key features include:

• White registration characters
• Strong contrast against the black background
• Clearly visible plate number
• White lettering as part of the blackout design

White Pinstripe Border

A thin white pinstripe border runs around the outside edge of the plate. This border creates a defined outline around the black surface and adds another white element to the overall blackout appearance.

Key features include:

• Thin white outer border
• Pinstripe-style appearance
• Black background enclosed by the white border
• Clear separation between the plate and its surroundings

“Mississippi” at the Top

The word “Mississippi” appears at the top of the plate. The state name identifies the issuing state and forms part of the official plate layout. Its white appearance works with the other light-colored elements against the dark background.

Key features include:

• State name displayed at the top
• “Mississippi” identifies the issuing state
• Positioned above the main registration number
• Integrated into the official blackout design

County Name at the Bottom

The county designation appears along the bottom portion of the plate. It identifies the Mississippi county associated with the vehicle registration and remains part of the blackout plate’s layout.

Key features include:

• County name displayed at the bottom
• Identifies the registration county
• Positioned below the main plate number
• Retained as part of the blackout design

Plate Number in the Center

The plate number is displayed prominently in the central portion of the tag. Its white characters stand out against the black background, making the registration identifier one of the most noticeable elements on the Mississippi Blackout Plate.

Key features include:

• Registration number positioned in the center
• White characters against a black background
• Primary vehicle identification displayed prominently
• Clear separation from the state and county information

Difference From the Regular Passenger Design

The primary difference between the Mississippi Blackout Plate and the regular passenger design is the visual treatment of the plate. The blackout version uses a black background with white lettering and a white pinstripe border, giving it a darker appearance. The standard passenger design uses a different background and overall presentation.

The main differences are:

• Blackout plate: Black background
• Blackout plate: White registration characters
• Blackout plate: White pinstripe border
• Regular passenger plate: Different background and visual design
• Both designs display registration information for the vehicle

Official Plate Image

An image can make the Mississippi Blackout Plate easier to identify. If an official or properly licensed image is used on the page, place it near this section so visitors can compare the visual elements with the written description.

Is the Blackout Plate a Standard or Specialty Plate?

The Mississippi Blackout Plate is a standard license plate option rather than a specialty organization plate. The distinction can be confusing due to older information about the blackout tag and its initial rollout. Current Mississippi Department of Revenue information places the blackout passenger plate within the standard plate system, making it different from specialty plates issued for organizations, causes, military groups, universities, or other designated categories.

The Blackout Plate Is a Standard License Plate

The Mississippi Blackout Plate is a standard license plate, rather than a specialty organization plate. The Mississippi Department of Revenue states that 2023 legislation authorized the purchase of a blackout tag as a standard license plate effective January 1, 2024. This distinction matters for vehicle owners who may still find older information describing the blackout option differently.

What Changed From the Earlier Rollout?

The blackout design became part of Mississippi’s standard plate system effective January 1, 2024. The change followed legislation identified by the DOR as SB 2841, which authorized the purchase of a blackout tag as a standard license plate. Older pages or discussions may refer to the earlier rollout of the black design, but the current classification is based on the post-2023 legislation.

Current 2024–2029 Blackout Passenger Plate

The DOR’s current Available License Plates page places the Blackout Passenger Vehicle License Plate directly within the Standard Passenger Vehicle License Plate section and identifies it as part of the 2024–2029 Series. This provides a current state source for the classification of the blackout passenger plate.

Blackout Design Is Not Automatically a Specialty Organization Plate

A Mississippi Blackout Tag should not be confused with a specialty plate that represents a university, organization, military group, charity, or other qualifying cause. The blackout design refers to the appearance of the plate, while specialty plates are separate plate categories with their own designs and, in many cases, additional fees. The DOR maintains a separate specialty-license-plates listing for those plates.

Standard Plate vs. Specialty Plate

For someone searching for Mississippi Blackout Tags, the simplest distinction is that the blackout passenger design is a standard plate option, while specialty plates are associated with specific organizations, causes, groups, or other designated categories. The DOR’s FY2024 report further separates “Blackout Standard Tags” from “Specialty, Military, University or Personalized Plates,” reinforcing this distinction in its registration data.

How Much Does a Blackout Tag Cost?

The Mississippi Blackout Tag cost includes an additional blackout plate fee on top of the normal costs associated with registering a vehicle. Under Mississippi Code §27-19-31, the additional fee for a blackout tag. This amount applies to the blackout plate itself and should not be treated as the complete cost of vehicle registration. The final amount paid by a vehicle owner can be higher after standard registration charges, applicable taxes, and other vehicle-related costs are included.

Additional Blackout Fee

The blackout plate fee is under Mississippi Code §27-19-31. This is the specific additional charge associated with choosing the blackout design. When calculating the Mississippi Blackout Tag cost, this fee should be listed separately from the other charges connected with registering the vehicle.

• Additional blackout fee: $38.25
• Applies to the blackout plate option
• Separate from regular vehicle registration costs
• Does not represent the complete registration bill

Normal Registration Fees

A vehicle owner may have regular registration fees in addition to the blackout fee. These charges are connected with registering the vehicle in Mississippi and can vary based on the type of vehicle and registration transaction. A person switching to a black plate should expect the blackout charge to be added to the applicable standard registration costs rather than replacing those charges.

Applicable Taxes and Ad Valorem Tax

The total amount can include applicable taxes connected with the vehicle registration. Ad valorem tax is one of the costs that can affect the final registration amount. The amount owed can depend on vehicle-specific factors, so two owners choosing the same Mississippi Blackout Tag may not necessarily pay the same total amount for their registration.

Other Vehicle-Related Costs

Other charges can apply based on the vehicle and the type of registration transaction. These may include applicable title, registration, privilege tax, or other state and local charges. The black plate cost should be viewed as one component of the overall transaction rather than the complete amount required to register a vehicle.

Why the Total Cost Can Differ

The total registration cost can differ between vehicle owners because registration expenses are affected by factors such as vehicle type, assessed value, applicable taxes, registration status, and the county handling the transaction. A vehicle owner should contact the appropriate county Tax Collector for the current amount due before completing a blackout plate transaction.

Where Does the Blackout Plate Fee Go?

The Mississippi Blackout Plate includes an additional fee beyond standard vehicle registration charges. This fee is divided between the Department of Revenue’s License Tag Acquisition Fund and the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund. Knowing where the Mississippi Blackout Tag fee goes helps vehicle owners understand how the extra charge is allocated and what each portion supports.

Can You Get a Personalized Blackout Plate?

Yes. Mississippi law allows vehicle owners to choose a personalized tag with a black background and white pinstripe border. This is different from the standard-number Mississippi Blackout Plate, which uses the regular registration number assigned to the vehicle. A personalized blackout plate lets the owner request a custom combination of letters and numbers, subject to availability and state approval rules.

Standard-Number vs. Personalized Blackout Plate

A standard Mississippi Blackout Plate carries the vehicle’s assigned plate number and uses the current black-background design. A personalized blackout plate keeps the same black background, white pinstripe border, “Mississippi” at the top, and county name at the bottom, but replaces the regular numbering format with an approved personalized combination.

Character Availability and Limits

Mississippi Code §27-19-48 allows a personalized tag to contain no more than seven letters and/or numbers. The requested combination must be available, and two vehicles cannot have the same combination. The application provides five different choices, listed in the applicant’s preferred order, so the Department of Revenue can consider another selection if the first choice is unavailable.

Personalization Fee and Approval Rules

The additional fee for a regular personalized tag is $30 while the alternative black-background personalized tag carries an additional $50 fee separate from normal registration taxes and fees. Requested combinations containing obscene, slanderous, insulting, vulgar, or offensive expressions are not permitted. If a personalized plate is issued and later determined to violate these restrictions, the Commissioner of Revenue can require it to be surrendered.

How the Personalized Blackout Plate Differs

The personalized version is still a custom black plate, but the owner chooses the character combination rather than receiving a standard registration number. The Mississippi DOR lists the blackout design among its current passenger plate offerings, while state law sets the separate requirements for personalized tags.

Can You Renew a Mississippi Blackout Tag?

A Mississippi Blackout Tag can remain part of a vehicle’s registration when the vehicle continues to meet the applicable registration requirements. Renewal follows Mississippi’s regular vehicle registration system, so the owner must keep the registration current and pay the applicable renewal charges. Registration costs can include standard fees, taxes, and other charges based on the vehicle and county.

Renew Through the County Tax Collector

Mississippi vehicle registration renewals are handled through the county Tax Collector. The renewal process can vary by county, and some counties provide online renewal services. Vehicle owners should check their county’s available renewal options before starting the transaction.

Registration Fees and Taxes

The amount due at renewal depends on the vehicle, registration details, and applicable Mississippi taxes and fees. The blackout design does not replace the normal registration charges. Any applicable blackout or specialty-related charge remains separate from the regular costs associated with keeping the vehicle registered.

Keep Your Registration Current

After completing renewal, the owner should keep the current registration documentation and required decal with the vehicle. The plate should remain properly displayed, and the registration must stay current for lawful operation. For a black tag renewal, the key point is that the blackout design follows the applicable Mississippi vehicle registration process. County-specific renewal options and payment methods can differ, so the county Tax Collector is the appropriate local source for the current renewal procedure.

Blackout Passenger, Pickup, and Motorcycle Plates

Mississippi offers the blackout design for several vehicle categories, so the Mississippi Blackout Tag is not limited to passenger cars. The Mississippi Department of Revenue’s current plate catalog lists Blackout Passenger, Blackout Pickup, Blackout Motorcycle, Blackout B-10, and Blackout F-10. The appropriate plate depends on the vehicle type and its registration classification.

Blackout Passenger Plate

The blackout passenger plate is intended for qualifying passenger vehicles and uses the black-background design associated with Mississippi Blackout Tags. It follows the applicable passenger vehicle registration requirements.

• Passenger vehicle registration
• Black-background blackout design
• Standard passenger plate format
• Assigned plate number unless a separate personalization option applies

Blackout Pickup Plate

The blackout pickup plate is listed separately for qualifying pickup trucks. Pickup vehicles can fall under registration classifications that differ from ordinary passenger vehicles, so the correct black tag depends on the vehicle’s registration category.

• Pickup truck registration
• Blackout plate design
• Separate pickup classification
• Registration requirements based on the vehicle type

Blackout Motorcycle Plate

The blackout motorcycle plate is available for motorcycles that qualify for the motorcycle registration category. Its format is different from passenger and pickup plates to fit the motorcycle plate requirements.

• Motorcycle registration
• Blackout design
• Motorcycle-specific plate format
• Separate registration classification

What Are Blackout B-10 and F-10 Plates?

The DOR catalog also identifies Blackout B-10 and Blackout F-10 as separate blackout categories. These labels relate to specific Mississippi vehicle registration classifications and are not simply alternate names for the passenger black tag.

• Blackout B-10: Listed as a separate blackout registration category
• Blackout F-10: Listed as a separate blackout registration category
• Passenger: Intended for qualifying passenger vehicles
• Pickup: Intended for qualifying pickup classifications
• Motorcycle: Intended for qualifying motorcycles

Can You Transfer a Blackout Plate to Another Vehicle?

A Mississippi Blackout Plate transfer depends on the vehicle and owner involved in the registration transaction. Mississippi tags are registered to both the vehicle and its owner, so a black tag does not automatically transfer to another person or vehicle. When a vehicle is sold, replaced, or changes ownership, the existing tag may need to be surrendered under the applicable registration rules.

When a Vehicle Is Sold

Selling a vehicle does not automatically allow the buyer to keep the seller’s Mississippi Blackout Plate. The seller’s registration remains connected to the original owner and vehicle.

• The seller should follow the applicable tag surrender requirements.
• The buyer must complete registration in their own name.
• The existing black tag does not automatically become the buyer’s plate.
• The county Tax Collector can provide the applicable registration instructions.

When You Replace a Vehicle

If you replace your vehicle, the existing blackout plate cannot simply be assumed to transfer to the replacement vehicle. The applicable registration transaction determines what happens to the current tag.

• Vehicle replacement may require a new registration transaction.
• The existing tag may need to be surrendered.
• Tag retention or transfer depends on applicable Mississippi rules.
• The county Tax Collector can determine the correct procedure.

When the Owner Changes

A change in ownership creates a new registration situation. The new owner must register the vehicle according to Mississippi requirements rather than using the previous owner’s registration automatically.

• Ownership records must be updated.
• The previous owner’s tag does not automatically transfer.
• The new owner must complete the required registration process.

When the Registration Classification Changes

A change in vehicle registration classification can affect the applicable plate category. This matters for Mississippi Blackout Tags because the DOR lists separate blackout categories for passenger, pickup, motorcycle, B-10, and F-10 vehicles. For a black tag transfer, check with the county Tax Collector before removing, surrendering, or attempting to reuse the plate. The correct procedure depends on the specific vehicle, owner, and registration transaction.

Black License Plate vs Standard License Plate

The Mississippi Black License Plate and the standard Mississippi passenger plate are both state-issued registration plates, but their appearance is different. The current DOR plate catalog lists the Standard Passenger Vehicle License Plate and Blackout Passenger Vehicle License Plate as separate 2024–2029 designs. The main distinction is the plate color, graphics, and character appearance rather than the basic purpose of the plate as a vehicle registration tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mississippi Black License Plate raises questions about its design, cost, eligibility, registration, renewal, and available vehicle categories. The frequently asked questions below cover the Mississippi Blackout Tag, blackout plate fee, standard plate classification, and other details that can help vehicle owners compare the black plate with Mississippi’s regular passenger plate.

Does Mississippi have a black license plate?

Yes, Mississippi has a Mississippi Black License Plate, commonly called a blackout plate or black plate. The Mississippi Department of Revenue lists the Blackout Passenger plate among its current plate offerings. The design uses a black background with contrasting white registration characters and a white pinstripe border.

What is the Mississippi blackout tag?

The Mississippi Blackout Tag is a black-background license plate design available through the state’s vehicle registration system. It is commonly called a black tag and uses a distinct blackout design with white registration characters. Mississippi lists blackout versions for multiple vehicle classifications.

How much does a Mississippi blackout tag cost?

The Mississippi Blackout Tag cost includes an additional blackout plate fee separate from standard registration charges. Under Mississippi law, the additional blackout fee is $38.25. Vehicle owners may still owe regular registration fees, applicable taxes, and other charges based on the vehicle and registration.

Is the Mississippi blackout plate a standard plate?

Yes, the Mississippi Blackout Plate is available as a standard plate design rather than being limited to a specialty organization plate. The blackout passenger design is listed separately from specialty plates in the current DOR catalog. Its primary distinction is the black-background appearance and related design.

Who can get a Mississippi black license plate?

Eligibility for a Mississippi Black License Plate depends on the vehicle’s registration category and applicable Mississippi requirements. The DOR lists blackout options for passenger vehicles, pickups, motorcycles, B-10, and F-10 classifications. The appropriate plate depends on the vehicle type and registration classification.