Mississippi Car Tag Cost by County (2026)
Mississippi's 5% car sales tax is the same everywhere — but the annual ad valorem "car tag" tax varies a lot by county, and city residents pay much more than unincorporated areas. No emissions or safety inspection. Find your county below.
Verified July 2026 from the Mississippi DOR millage schedules. Tag cost depends on your vehicle's value and your exact county + city millage — check your county tax collector for an exact figure.
| County | Tag cost level | Car sales tax |
|---|---|---|
| Hinds (Jackson) | Higher | 5% |
| Harrison (Gulfport) | Moderate | 5% |
| DeSoto (Southaven) | Moderate | 5% |
| Rankin (Brandon) | Lower | 5% |
| Jackson (Pascagoula) | Moderate | 5% |
| Madison (Madison) | Lower | 5% |
| Lee (Tupelo) | Moderate | 5% |
| Forrest (Hattiesburg) | Higher | 5% |
| Lauderdale (Meridian) | Moderate | 5% |
| Lamar (Hattiesburg) | Moderate | 5% |
| Lowndes (Columbus) | Lower | 5% |
| Jones (Laurel) | Higher | 5% |
| Pearl River (Picayune) | Moderate | 5% |
| Marshall (Holly Springs) | Higher | 5% |
| Warren (Vicksburg) | Moderate | 5% |
Frequently asked questions
Why are Mississippi car tags so expensive?
Because of the annual ad valorem (property) tax built into the tag. It's the vehicle's value × 30% assessment × your county and city millage, minus a statewide Legislative Tag Credit. On a newer car it can run several hundred dollars a year, and it varies a lot by county — and much more inside city limits.
Does Mississippi car tax vary by county?
The 5% state sales tax on a purchase is the same statewide. What varies is the annual ad valorem tag cost, set by each county and city's millage rate. Cities like Jackson, Hattiesburg, Meridian, and Holly Springs have some of the highest tags; unincorporated Harrison County some of the lowest.
Does Mississippi require a vehicle inspection?
No — Mississippi has no emissions test, and the safety-inspection (sticker) program was repealed in 2015. There's no inspection to register or renew.
How much is the sales tax on a car in Mississippi?
5% — a reduced rate versus the 7% general sales tax. It's the same in every county; the tag cost is where counties differ.