Mississippi Personalized Plate Application & Annual Fees

Mississippi personalized license plate application and annual validation fees can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. The process involves a few specific steps, fees that vary by plate type, and annual validation to keep your custom plate active. As of 2026, Mississippi offers both standard and specialty personalized plates, each with its own rules and costs.

The good news is that once you understand the basics, applying for and maintaining your personalized plate is straightforward. Mississippi limits custom plates to 7 characters, and the Department of Revenue handles approvals to ensure compliance with state guidelines.

Processing takes about 4 to 6 weeks. You must apply through the Mississippi Department of Revenue or a county tax collector.

How Mississippi Personalized Plates Work

Personalized plates in Mississippi let you choose a unique combination of up to 7 letters, numbers, or spaces. The Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) reviews each application to ensure it meets state guidelines, which prohibit offensive, misleading, or duplicate combinations.

Once approved, your plate is manufactured and mailed to you. You’ll need to validate it annually to keep it active, which involves paying a renewal fee. Standard personalized plates follow the same validation schedule as your vehicle registration.

These plates are available to Mississippi residents only. Non-residents or out-of-state vehicles cannot apply.

Who Can Apply and What’s Allowed

Any Mississippi resident with a registered vehicle can apply for a personalized plate. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and current vehicle registration. The DOR also requires that your vehicle’s registration is up to date before processing your application.

As for what’s allowed, Mississippi permits most combinations of letters, numbers, and spaces, but there are restrictions. The DOR prohibits any combination that could be considered offensive, obscene, or misleading. Additionally, you cannot use a combination that’s already in use or reserved for official purposes.

Specialty plates, such as those for military veterans or college alumni, have their own sets of rules. These often include specific eligibility requirements, like proof of service or affiliation.

Mississippi Personalized Plate Costs and Fees

The cost of a personalized plate in Mississippi depends on the type of plate you choose. Standard personalized plates have an initial application fee of around $31, with an annual validation fee of approximately $25. Specialty plates, such as those supporting specific causes or organizations, often come with additional surcharges.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees as of 2026:

Fees are subject to change, so confirm the latest rates with the Mississippi DOR.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Personalized Plate in Mississippi

Applying for a personalized plate in Mississippi is straightforward. You can submit your application online, by mail, or in person at a county tax collector’s office.

1. Check Availability Use the Mississippi DOR’s online tool to verify your desired combination is available.

2. Complete the Application Fill out the form on the Mississippi DOR website. Include your vehicle details and desired plate combination.

How Annual Validation Works (and Why It Matters)

Annual validation keeps your personalized plate active and legal. It’s tied to your vehicle’s registration renewal. You’ll pay the validation fee each year when renewing your tags.

If you skip validation, your plate becomes invalid. Driving with an expired validation can result in fines. The DOR sends renewal notices, but it’s your responsibility to pay on time.

Validation fees are separate from your initial application cost. Standard plates cost about $25 annually, while specialty plates may be higher.

Specialty vs. Standard Personalized Plates in Mississippi

Standard personalized plates let you choose any available 7-character combination. They’re the simplest and cheapest option for most drivers.

Specialty plates support specific causes, organizations, or affiliations. Examples include college plates, military plates, and wildlife conservation plates. These often have higher fees, with part of the cost going to the supported program.

Here’s how they compare:

Specialty plates are ideal if you want to show support for a cause. Standard plates work best for a simple, custom look.

Common Reasons Mississippi Rejects Personalized Plate Applications

The DOR rejects applications for several reasons. Offensive or obscene combinations are automatically denied. Duplicate combinations are also rejected.

Misleading combinations, such as those mimicking law enforcement, are not allowed.

Other common issues include:

• Using too many characters (over 7)
• Including symbols or punctuation not allowed
• Reserved combinations (e.g., official state or emergency codes)

If your application is rejected, the DOR will notify you. You can then submit a new request with a different combination.

How to Renew, Replace, or Transfer Your Plate

Renewing your personalized plate is part of your annual vehicle registration. You’ll pay the validation fee along with your registration fees. The DOR sends a renewal notice, but you can also renew online or in person.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate requires a visit to your county tax collector’s office. You’ll need to fill out a replacement form and pay a fee. Report stolen plates to the police to avoid liability.

Transferring your plate to a new vehicle is possible. Update your vehicle information with the DOR and pay any applicable fees.

Here’s a quick guide:

Mississippi License Plate Rules You Can’t Ignore

Your personalized plate must be displayed correctly. It should be mounted on the rear of your vehicle, with no obstructions. The plate must be clearly visible and legible at all times.

Mississippi law requires that your plate is properly illuminated at night. This means your vehicle’s rear lights must shine on the plate.

Other key rules include:

• No alterations to the plate (e.g., painting, stickers)
• No frames that cover any part of the plate
• Plates must be the standard size (12" x 6")

Violating these rules can result in fines or a requirement to surrender your plate.

FAQs About Mississippi Personalized Plates

Final Checklist Before You Apply