The local market requires being extremely particular while buying a used car in Mississippi. In 2022, the state witnessed 40,421 motor vehicle crashes, necessitating adequate research work. Common problems that buyers face include mileage differences, concealed damages, and unclear history of titles.
Getting the right information on the vehicle can be quite a hassle and requires a lot of searching on different databases. This process will frustrate many buyers. However, Mississippi has a license plate lookup service that can give immediate access to detailed vehicle histories.
This service includes important information, such as registration records, ownership history, accident reports, and open recalls. It helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected issues.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Mississippi?
Running a license plate search in Mississippi serves various purposes, helping individuals make informed decisions and ensuring safety and compliance. Here are the top common reasons for conducting a lookup:
- Vehicle history verification
- Ownership confirmation
- Accident report access
- Title status check
- Odometer reading validation
- Recall information retrieval
- Insurance eligibility assessment
- Theft identification
- Maintenance records review
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Mississippi?
The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), as enacted by Mississippi, governs license plate lookups and is outlined in Rule 31-1-6.8 of the Mississippi Code. While some vehicle records are public under the Mississippi Public Records Act, privacy laws strictly protect all personal information.
The law defines "personal information" as a person's photograph, Social Security number, driver identification number, name, address, telephone number, and medical information. These cannot be disclosed except for specific permissible uses as listed under the DPPA.
Permissible uses for accessing protected information include:
- Law enforcement and government agency functions
- Motor vehicle safety and theft investigations
- Business verification of personal information accuracy
- Civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings
- Research and statistical reporting (without publishing personal data)
- Insurance claims investigation and anti-fraud activities
- Notifying owners of towed vehicles
- Licensed private investigators for authorized purposes
- Commercial driver's license verification
- Private toll facility operations
The penalty includes fines and possible criminal charges for people getting and disclosing personal information for improper purposes.
Furthermore, failure to adhere to privacy regulations by the state departments will attract a maximum of $5,000 in civil penalties. The court can also issue damages. For example, the violation attracts a minimum of $2,500 in damages besides punitive damages and legal fees.
How Can You Conduct a Mississippi License Plate Lookup?
Many websites offer Mississippi license plate information, but the most dependable results are found by consulting recognized and authorized sources. The following resources provide accurate and reliable information:
Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR)
The Motor Vehicle Services Division of the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) manages and houses vehicle records, titles, registrations, and license plates in a statewide database. This division also tracks other important information on ownership history, liens, registration status, and car dealer licensing.
To conduct a license plate lookup, individuals should visit the Mississippi DOR's website and access Motor Vehicle e-Services. If no online tool has the direct retrieval of information using a license plate number, one can visit their county tax collector's office or call Motor Vehicle Services at (601) 923-7200 for further assistance and direction.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Another government agency that can offer vehicle information is the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Mississippi residents with a plate number and the owner's details can request a certified vehicle record for $14.31 through the DPS self-service portal. This service provides a one-time view of the current record, accessible online for up to 24 hours. To retain a copy, users should print the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the confirmation page.
Alternatively, individuals may request a certified copy by mail or in person. For mail requests, the requester must complete and notarize form DPPA-2, include an $11 fee, and enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. In-person requests at the local driver’s license office require presenting a valid driver’s license or ID with the completed DPPA-2 form and an $11 payment.
This service is also available to third-party organizations such as law firms and insurance companies.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
The Mississippi DOR also recommends using the approved NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) data providers to check a vehicle's title and obtain a detailed history report.
NMVTIS data providers are organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to make vehicle history information available to the public. Information from these providers comes from numerous sources, such as the state motor vehicle departments, insurance companies, auto recyclers, and even salvage yards.
To run a lookup through these providers, the consumer needs to select a provider first, which might be GoodCar.com, InfoTracer.com, RecordsFinder.com, or StateRecords.org. Then, the license plate number and state of registration must be entered on the service webpage provided by the selected provider.
All providers have their service terms, usually a one-time fee or subscription plan. Users should read the terms of each provider's privacy and usage before buying anything to understand the scope of data and refund policies in case they do not satisfy the requirements.
What Information Can You Obtain from a Mississippi License Plate Lookup?
Most vehicles will have the following details readily available online when performing a free Mississippi license plate search:
- Manufacturing company of the vehicle (e.g., Ford, Toyota)
- The specific name of the vehicle model (e.g., Camry, Mustang)
- Manufacturing year
- Classification of the vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, truck)
- Drive type (e.g., all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive)
- Transmission (e.g., automatic, manual)
- Car engine type (e.g., gasoline, diesel)
- Information regarding the manufacturer’s warranty on the vehicle
- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
To get an even further view of the history of a vehicle, a detailed vehicle history report from an approved provider can provide these:
- Clean, salvaged, or rebuilt title history
- Past collisions and damage reports
- Mileage records
- Current estimated worth
- Outstanding loans and repossession records
- Vehicle use (personal, business, or rental vehicle)
- Manufacturer safety notices and repairs
- Any reported stolen vehicle records
- Past transfers and registration locations
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Mississippi?
A Mississippi license plate has evolved significantly since the state first required vehicle registration in 1912. Since 1925, Mississippi has mandated that only rear plates be required. Currently, the Vehicle Licensing Division of the Mississippi DOR issues various designs for passenger, non-passenger, and optional-issue plates.
As of January 1, 2024, the standard plate features an embossed dark blue serial number on a white background. This design includes a screened magnolia blossom within a blue circle serving as a separator. The state name (Mississippi) appears in dark blue at the top, with the county name embossed in dark blue at the bottom.
The serial format for standard license plates in Mississippi follows the pattern ABC 123.
License Plate Types in Mississippi
Mississippi offers a variety of license plate types beyond standard options for vehicle owners.
Vanity plates allow individuals to create custom serial numbers, provided they meet state regulations. These options are available for both standard and specialty plates.
Specialty license plates also have different designs and support different causes. Examples of causes for these specialty plates include some non-profit organizations, colleges, and universities.
Vehicle owners can choose a specialty plate for their favorite cause. All the available specialty plates can be found on the official website of Mississippi DOR. Some require specific eligibility. Most pay an additional fee over the regular vehicle registration fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Discover the answers to FAQs regarding Mississippi license plate lookups below:
Can I Look Up MS License Plates for Free?
Individuals can look up Mississippi license plates for free through various online resources and databases. However, the information available may be limited. For comprehensive vehicle history reports, users may need to use approved NMVTIS data providers, which involve a fee.Do All Mississippi License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
Not all Mississippi license plate lookups work for custom or personalized plates. While standard plates can typically be queried through various resources, custom plates may have restricted access due to privacy regulations. For specific details about personalized plates, users may need to contact the Mississippi DOR directly.How Long Does a Typical Mississippi License Plate Lookup Take?
A Mississippi license plate search takes a few minutes to return results when one uses the internet or official data vendors. However, if an extended report is needed, the processing may take some hours or days, depending on the service and volume of information requested.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in Mississippi?
Mississippi allows bulk license plate lookups. NMVTIS data providers allow users to access multiple vehicle records at once, which is ideal for businesses or individuals conducting extensive searches. For bulk record requests through the Mississippi DPS or DOR, call (601) 923-7200 or email support@msegov.com respectively for more information and specific terms.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in Mississippi?
A common alternative to a license plate lookup for obtaining vehicle information in Mississippi is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check. This service is available through the official websites of the Mississippi DPS and the DOR. If these options are inaccessible, approved NMVTIS data providers such as GoodCar.com and InfoTracer.com offer reliable substitutes.