License plates can be transferred in Mississippi when a vehicle owner replaces a vehicle and qualifies to move the registration from the old vehicle to another eligible vehicle. The Mississippi License Plate Transfer process can involve current registration details, ownership documents, required fees, and county tax collector procedures. The plate number may remain with the owner based on state rules, rather than automatically following the vehicle after a sale. Knowing the basic transfer requirements can help vehicle owners prepare the right paperwork and avoid delays during registration.
License plates may require a transfer request after buying another vehicle, selling an old vehicle, or changing the vehicle connected to an existing registration. Mississippi vehicle registration rules determine whether a plate can move to another vehicle and what documents or payments are required. Owners may need the current registration, title or ownership information, identification, and other paperwork requested by the county tax collector. Checking the applicable requirements before visiting the office can make the Mississippi License Plate Transfer process easier and help prevent incomplete applications.
Who Is Eligible for a License Plate Transfer?
A Mississippi License Plate Transfer is generally tied to the existing registrant, the replacement vehicle, and the type of plate involved. The transfer process is different from simply giving a plate to another person. Before submitting a request, the vehicle owner should confirm that the replacement vehicle meets the applicable requirements and that the required ownership and registration records are available. For special tags, eligibility can depend on the specific tag category, vehicle type, taxes, registration fees, and documentation submitted to the county Tax Collector.
Same Owner and Replacement Vehicle
The relationship between the current owner and the replacement vehicle is a key part of transfer eligibility. The person listed on the existing registration should have the required ownership interest in the vehicle receiving the plate. Proof of ownership may include the vehicle title, title assignment, or other documents accepted by the county Tax Collector. A transfer is intended for an eligible replacement vehicle rather than a simple exchange between unrelated vehicle owners. The registration record, title information, and vehicle details should match the transaction being processed.
Special-Tag Eligibility
A qualifying special tag may be transferred when the replacement vehicle meets the requirements for that particular tag. Depending on the tag category, the replacement vehicle may need to be a passenger vehicle, pickup, or other eligible noncommercial vehicle.
The applicant may need to provide:
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Existing tag and registration information
- Replacement vehicle information
- Title or title assignment documentation
- Applicable taxes
- Required registration fees
- Any documents required for the specific special tag
Situations That Are Not a Plate Transfer
Some transactions may look like a plate transfer but are treated differently. Selling a vehicle to another person does not mean the seller can simply give the old plate to the buyer. A standard plate should not be moved to another person’s vehicle as a private exchange.
How to Transfer a Special License Tag in Mississippi
A Mississippi Tag Transfer may allow an eligible special tag to move from an old vehicle to a replacement vehicle when the required ownership and vehicle conditions are met. The Mississippi Department of Revenue lists Form 76-113 as the Special License Tag Registration Transfer form. The process centers on identifying the old and new vehicles, recording the existing tag information, completing the transfer form, and submitting the paperwork through the appropriate county Tax Collector. County procedures and amounts due can vary based on the transaction.
- Special License Tag Registration Transfer — Form 76-113:
- https://www.dor.ms.gov/node/5359?
Confirm the Tag and Vehicle Qualify
Start by checking the special tag status and confirming that the tag can be transferred to the replacement vehicle. The applicant should have the required ownership connection to the old and new vehicles. Check the vehicle type and any eligibility rules that apply to the particular special tag before submitting the transfer. A special tag may have conditions tied to the vehicle, owner, organization, military status, disability status, or another qualifying category. A transfer does not automatically carry eligibility from one vehicle to another. The county Tax Collector can confirm whether the specific tag and replacement vehicle meet the applicable transfer requirements.
Remove the Tag From the Old Vehicle
Once the old vehicle is being sold, traded, transferred, or otherwise removed from the registration transaction, the special tag should not remain displayed on that vehicle when it is no longer authorized for use there. Keep the tag information available for the transfer paperwork. The existing tag number and decal details help identify the registration being moved to the replacement vehicle.
Gather the Required Vehicle Information
Before completing Form 76-113, collect the information needed for both vehicles. The form identifies the tag and vehicle details for the FROM and TO sections.
Have these details available:
- Tag number
- Decal number
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Color
- Title or ownership documentation
- Registration or tax documentation, as applicable
Complete Form 76-113
Form 76-113 is titled Special License Tag Registration Transfer and is listed by the Mississippi Department of Revenue as a Motor Vehicle Form. The form separates the transaction into FROM and TO vehicle sections. Enter the information for the vehicle from which the special tag is being transferred in the FROM section. Enter the replacement vehicle’s year, make, model, decal number, and color in the TO section, along with the other requested information. Review the entries before signing the form.
Apply Through the County Tax Collector
Take the completed transfer paperwork and supporting documents to the appropriate county Tax Collector. The county office handles local motor vehicle registration transactions and can review the special tag transfer request. County requirements can vary based on the vehicle, tag type, ownership situation, and transaction. Contacting the county office before visiting can help confirm which documents and payment amounts apply.
Pay Required Taxes and Registration Fees
The final amount for a Transfer Mississippi License Plate transaction is not necessarily one universal fee. Taxes, registration charges, tag-related amounts, or other applicable costs can depend on the replacement vehicle and the type of transaction. Ask the county Tax Collector for the amount due before completing payment. Once the county processes the Special License Tag Registration Transfer, the special tag can be associated with the eligible replacement vehicle under the applicable Mississippi registration rules.
Documents Needed for a Tag Transfer
The documents needed for a Mississippi Tag Transfer depend on the type of transaction, vehicle ownership, tag category, and county processing requirements. A practical document checklist can help you prepare before visiting the county Tax Collector. For a qualifying special-tag transfer, Form 76-113 may be required, while a standard registration transaction can require different paperwork. Hinds County Tax Collector information lists documents such as the title, odometer information, current tag receipt, and other transaction-specific records.
Tag Transfer Document
Tag Transfer Documents help confirm vehicle ownership, registration status, and the details of the plate involved in the transaction. The required paperwork can vary based on the vehicle, tag type, and county.
Bring the following items when applicable:
- Current vehicle title showing the required ownership information.
- Title assignment, when the vehicle has been sold, purchased, or ownership information has changed.
- Current registration or tag receipt showing the existing registration record.
- Existing license plate, when the transaction requires the old tag to be surrendered.
- Form 76-113 — Special License Tag Registration Transfer for qualifying special-tag transfer transactions.
- Vehicle information, such as year, make, model, color, tag number, and decal number.
- Proof of ownership, such as acceptable title documentation.
- Tax and registration documentation showing applicable amounts paid or due.
- Identification, when required for the specific transaction.
- County-specific documentation, which may vary based on the vehicle, ownership situation, tag type, or transaction.
Plate Credit After Selling or Replacing a Vehicle
A Mississippi plate credit is different from transferring the physical license plate to another vehicle. When a vehicle is sold or replaced, the old tag can be surrendered to the county Tax Collector, and an eligible unused portion of the registration-related tax can be applied as a credit toward another Mississippi vehicle registration. The Mississippi Department of Revenue states that the credit process is based on the surrendered tag and the remaining portion of the applicable tax period.
How Registration Credit Works
When you surrender your old tag, the eligible unused registration amount can become a Mississippi registration credit for another vehicle. The credit is based on the remaining tax period rather than the physical plate itself. If you are not purchasing another tag during the same month, a certificate of credit may be issued. This certificate can then be used when registering another eligible Mississippi vehicle.
The process generally involves:
- Surrendering the old tag to the county Tax Collector.
- Calculating the eligible unused portion.
- Applying the amount as a credit toward another Mississippi vehicle registration.
- Receiving a certificate of credit when applicable.
When Does the Credit Start?
The prorated credit does not begin on the date you sell the vehicle. Mississippi DOR states that the credit is calculated beginning on the first day of the month following the surrender of the tag. For example, if the tag is surrendered during September, the credit calculation begins October 1. The timing of the surrender can therefore affect the amount of unused registration credit available.
What Does the Credit Not Cover?
Mississippi Code §27-19-141 places limits on what the credit can cover. The credit does not apply to registration fees or tag fees. It relates to the eligible tax amount associated with the remaining registration period. This distinction matters when estimating the amount available for a replacement vehicle. The credit should not be treated as a refund of every amount previously paid for the old vehicle’s registration.
Can the Credit Be Used in Another County?
Yes. Mississippi DOR states that an eligible registration credit may be used in any Mississippi county. This can be useful when the replacement vehicle is registered in a different county from the one where the original tag was surrendered. The county Tax Collector can confirm the available credit, required documentation, and how the certificate of credit should be applied to the new vehicle registration.
Plate Transfer Costs and Fees
The Mississippi plate transfer cost depends on the plate types of transaction, vehicle, plate, and taxes that apply. There is no single universal Mississippi tag transfer fee that applies to every situation. A person replacing a vehicle may encounter several separate charges, while an eligible plate credit may reduce certain amounts due on a new registration.
| Fee / Tax | Amount / Basis | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Renewal Fee | $12.75 | General registration renewal |
| First-Time Registration Fee | $14 | General first-time registration |
| Tag Fee | Depends on plate type | New or replacement tag |
| Privilege Tax | Depends on vehicle and applicable rules | Vehicle registration |
| Ad Valorem Tax | Based on vehicle value and applicable requirements | Certain vehicle registrations |
| Sales / Use Tax | Depends on transaction | Applicable vehicle purchases |
| Special License Tag Charge | Depends on special tag | Qualifying special license tags |
| Plate Credit | Eligible unused tax amount | Replacement vehicle registration |
Plate Transfer vs Registration Credit
A Mississippi License Plate Transfer and a registration credit are two different processes. A standard license plate does not simply move from an old vehicle to a new vehicle. Instead, when an eligible tag is surrendered, the unused portion of certain registration-related taxes may be applied as a registration credit toward another Mississippi vehicle. This distinction helps explain why surrendering a tag can create a financial credit without transferring the physical plate itself.
| Point | Mississippi License Plate Transfer | Registration Credit |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Moving an eligible tag under applicable Mississippi transfer rules to a qualifying replacement vehicle | Applying an eligible unused registration-related tax amount toward another vehicle registration |
| Physical plate | Certain special tags may have transfer provisions | The physical plate itself is not transferred |
| Old tag | Processed according to the applicable transfer requirements | Surrendered to the county Tax Collector |
| Registration record | Affected as part of the replacement vehicle transaction | Credit is applied to the new vehicle’s registration |
| Unused amount | Not the main purpose of a plate transfer | Eligible unused amounts may become a registration credit |
| Certificate of credit | Not normally the main document for a plate transfer | May be issued when applicable |
| Credit timing | Depends on the tag and transfer rules | Credit calculation begins on the first day of the month after surrender |
| New vehicle | Must meet applicable eligibility requirements | Credit may be applied to another Mississippi vehicle registration |
| County use | Processed through the appropriate county Tax Collector | Credit may be used in any Mississippi county |
Plate Transfer After Selling a Vehicle
Selling a vehicle in Mississippi does not mean the seller can leave the license plate with the buyer. The seller should complete the title transfer, remove the plate, and follow the county Tax Collector’s requirements for plate surrender. The seller can then ask about any eligible registration or tax credit and keep copies of the transaction records.
Seller Responsibilities After Selling a Vehicle
After selling a vehicle in Mississippi, the seller should remove the license plate and complete the required ownership and title paperwork. The seller may need to surrender the plate and ask about any eligible registration or tax credit.
Complete the Title Assignment:
- Complete the required title assignment when selling the vehicle.
- Provide accurate buyer and seller information.
- Make sure the ownership information reflects the completed transaction.
Remove the License Plate:
- Remove the plate from the old vehicle before handing it over to the buyer.
- Do not treat the plate as part of the vehicle sale.
- Keep the plate available for the required surrender process.
Do Not Leave the Plate for the Buyer:
- Do not leave the old plate attached to the vehicle.
- The buyer must complete the required registration process in their own name.
- The buyer should obtain the appropriate plate for their registration.
Surrender the Plate:
- Take the plate to the appropriate county Tax Collector when surrender is required.
- Ask the county office how the surrender should be recorded.
- Keep any receipt or documentation confirming the plate surrender.
Ask About Registration or Tax Credit:
- Ask whether the surrendered plate qualifies for an eligible registration or tax credit.
- The credit may relate to the unused portion of applicable registration-related taxes.
- A registration credit is different from a physical Mississippi Tag Transfer.
Keep Copies of Transaction Documents:
- Completed title assignment
- Bill of sale, when applicable
- Registration or tag receipt
- Plate surrender documentation
- Credit certificate, if issued
- Other documents related to the vehicle ownership change
Plate Transfer Time and Processing
Mississippi license plate transfer processing is handled through the relevant county Tax Collector for transactions that qualify under state rules. Processing time can vary based on the type of transfer, required documents, vehicle information, tag eligibility, taxes, fees, and the county’s processing procedures. A complete application with accurate paperwork can help reduce delays, but same-day processing should not be promised.
What Can Affect Processing Time?
- County Tax Collector processing: The transaction is handled by the appropriate county office.
- Required documents: Missing or incorrect title, registration, tag, identification, or vehicle information can delay processing.
- Special-tag eligibility: Special license tags may have specific transfer requirements.
- Taxes and fees: Any applicable charges may need to be resolved before the transaction is completed.
- County procedures: Processing steps and office requirements can vary by county.
Registration Deadlines Are Separate
A vehicle purchase may create a separate registration deadline for the buyer. Mississippi Code §27-19-141 contains a seven-working-day provision related to a buyer after a private vehicle transfer. This should not be treated as a universal Mississippi license plate transfer deadline. Current DOR information may contain different timing statements for vehicle registration, so the specific transaction should be verified with the appropriate Tax Collector before relying on a fixed deadline.
Standard Plate vs Special License Tag Transfer
Mississippi treats ordinary license plates and certain special license tags differently when a vehicle is sold or replaced. An ordinary passenger plate generally stays associated with the vehicle and is surrendered after a sale rather than physically moved to another vehicle. Certain special tags may qualify for a Mississippi special license tag transfer when the replacement vehicle, ownership, taxes, and registration requirements meet state rules. Knowing which type of tag is involved helps distinguish a physical plate transfer from a registration or tax-credit transaction.
| Point | Standard Mississippi License Plate | Special License Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer to another vehicle | Physical transfer is generally not permitted | Certain special tags may be transferred under specific state requirements |
| After selling the vehicle | Seller should remove and surrender the plate as required | Transfer may be possible if the tag and replacement vehicle qualify |
| Replacement vehicle | Receives its own registration and appropriate tag | May receive the existing qualifying special tag |
| Same owner | Does not create a standard physical plate transfer | Same-owner requirements may apply |
| County Tax Collector | Handles applicable surrender and registration transactions | Application for qualifying transfers is handled through the county Tax Collector |
| Taxes and fees | Applicable registration taxes and fees apply to the replacement vehicle | Required taxes and registration fees must be paid as applicable |
| Tax or registration credit | Eligible unused amounts may qualify for credit | Transfer rules are separate from registration or tax-credit rules |
| Form 76-113 | Generally not used for ordinary plate transactions | Used for qualifying Special License Tag Registration Transfer transactions |
| Main distinction | Old plate is not simply moved to another vehicle | Eligible special tag may move to a qualifying replacement vehicle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Mississippi License Plate Transfer, including standard plates, special license tags, Form 76-113, county Tax Collector requirements, and registration credit. The answers clarify when a plate can be transferred, when a new tag is required, and how unused registration amounts may be handled.
Can I transfer my old license plate to a new vehicle in Mississippi?
An ordinary old license plate generally cannot be physically transferred to a new vehicle in Mississippi. After selling a vehicle, the seller should remove the plate and follow the required surrender process. The new vehicle receives its own registration and appropriate tag. Certain special license tags may have separate Mississippi License Plate Transfer rules.
Can I transfer a Mississippi specialty plate to another vehicle?
A specialty plate may qualify for a specialty plate transfer when it is a qualifying special license tag and the replacement vehicle meets applicable requirements. Mississippi law provides transfer provisions for certain special tags on passenger cars, pickup trucks, and other noncommercial vehicles. The transaction is handled through the county Tax Collector.
What is Form 76-113 in Mississippi?
Form 76-113 is the Mississippi Department of Revenue form titled Special License Tag Registration Transfer. It is used for qualifying special license tag transfer transactions. The form contains information for the vehicle from which the tag is being transferred and the replacement vehicle. Applicants should submit it through the appropriate county Tax Collector.
Where do I transfer a Mississippi license plate?
A Mississippi Tag Transfer for an eligible transaction is handled through the appropriate county Tax Collector. The office reviews the vehicle, ownership, tag, tax, and registration information required for the transaction. Processing requirements can vary based on the tag type and transaction, so applicants should confirm the required documents with their county Tax Collector.
Can I get credit for unused Mississippi registration?
A plate credit or registration credit may be available when an eligible vehicle is sold and the old tag is properly surrendered. The credit generally relates to qualifying unused registration-related tax amounts rather than the physical plate itself. Mississippi Code §27-19-141 provides rules for this credit, including when the credit calculation begins after surrender.