Here’s how to get a custom MS license plate that won’t be rejected by the state
Whether it be for personal expression or practical reasons, Mississippi gives drivers the option of customizing their license plates — but not all applications are accepted.
In 2025, four personalized plate applications have been denied and 278 others are in different stages of the review process, including trying to appeal a rejection, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Revenue told McClatchy News.
The good news is that it seems personalized plate application denials are on the rare side. More than 760,600 new plates have been issued this year as of Oct. 10, with more than 60,800 being new vanity plates and more than 14,500 being vanity plates issued for renewal registrations, according to agency data.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to submit an application for a customized plate in Mississippi.
Who can get a custom license plate in Mississippi?
There are two options for a standard passenger vehicle license plate in Mississippi: a white background with a magnolia flower in the center or an all black background, according to the Department of Revenue.
But any Mississippi car owner who wants something a little more special can apply for a personalized license plate as long as the character count doesn’t exceed seven and it’s unique from all other plate combinations, according to state law.
How to apply for a custom license plate in Mississippi
Here’s how you can get a custom license plate, according to the Mississippi Department of Revenue:
- Choose the background you’d like to use. A list of available designs can be found here
- Check the Mississippi Department of Revenue website to make sure the customization you want is available
- Be prepared to pay an additional fee for your personalized plate. It costs between $33 and $53 extra
- Order through the county tax collector when registering your vehicle
Why do custom plates get rejected in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Commissioner of Revenue is responsible for approving applications for license plate customizations. Combinations that are considered “obscene, slandering, insulting or vulgar in ordinary usage” will be rejected, according to state law.
