License Plate Roundup: Mississippi

Every state has its share of standout features—from differing landscapes to unique cultures, foods, and people. However, one of the first things you may notice when approaching or entering another state isn’t any of these things—but its license plates.​

Such is the inspiration behind RealTruck's License Plate Roundup—a series dedicated to exploring the most interesting specialty and standard license plates available across the United States. Each installment covers one state's standout plate designs, the organizations and causes they support, and exactly where the registration fees go when you choose one. Along the way, we cover a bit of the state's history, identity, and the things worth knowing.​

This month we're covering Mississippi—a state with a complicated history, a sizable cultural footprint, and a license plate catalog that reflects both. From wildlife conservation plates that fund the state's parks and habitats to NASCAR tags that send dollars to a racing marketing organization, Mississippi's specialty plate program is one of the more eclectic in the country.

Mississippi is a unique state, offering an eclectic blend of history and culture. Before we dive into the license plates that reflect the state’s past, let’s first cover said past, as well as some interesting facts.​

When Was Mississippi Established as a State?

Mississippi began as a U.S. territory—carved from land ceded by Georgia and Spain in the years following the American Revolution. On December 10, 1817, it was formally admitted into the Union as the 20th state. The name is derived from the river that defines its western border, which comes from the Ojibwe word meaning "great river."​

What Is Mississippi Most Known For?

In the two centuries since statehood, Mississippi has been defined by its trials and tribulations.​

Mississippi played a central part in American history, particularly during the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. The state was the site of several pivotal moments in the fight for equality—that history is deeply embedded in the state's identity.​

Mississippi's contribution to American music is second to none. The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues—the region that produced B.B. King and Elvis Presley. The state's musical significance includes major contributions to blues, gospel, country, and rock and roll.​

The state is also known for its similarly named river—one of the longest and most commercially significant in North America. The Mississippi River shaped the state's economy, culture, and development from its earliest days of settlement.​

Mississippi is also a literary hub, producing such renowned American authors as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, and Richard Wright.

Lastly—you can’t forget about Southern cuisine. Southern cooking is central to Mississippi's identity—catfish, Delta tamales (a specialty with deep historical roots in the region), biscuits, and barbecue are all closely tied to the state.

Mississippi is known as "The Magnolia State"—a reference to the Southern magnolia tree (Magnolia grandiflora), which is a staple of Mississippi's landscape and identity. The magnolia is both the state tree and the state flower, and the nickname directly reflects the natural character of the state.​

Mississippi offers one of the longer specialty plate catalogs in the nation, with well over 200 distinct plate designs ranging from military and veteran designations to university affiliations, wildlife conservation, and professional organizations. 

At RealTruck we’re all for valiant causes and stylish designs. The following are ten of our favorites, selected for their design, their cause, or the story behind them. The included fees and fee distributions come directly from the Mississippi Department of Revenue's official special tag fee distribution table.

Mississippi's standard-issue blackout plate is the simplest entry on this list—a clean black-and-white design with no specialty fees beyond the base registration. For drivers who want a low-profile plate without paying for a specialty design, this is the call—offered for $10 (standard registration fee).

We chose this plate for its simplicity. Every state needs a sleek, subtle design that looks good against any paint color, and this slick black-and-white design is sure to complement any finish. 

Mississippi is one of a small number of states that offer officially licensed NASCAR specialty plates, and the program is more elaborate than most—separate plate designs are available for individual drivers including Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Denny Hamlin, and others, alongside generic NASCAR branding options.​

All NASCAR plates cost $38, with the generic plate sending the full $4.90 NASCAR share to the organization. Driver-specific plates split that portion between the individual driver's designated fund and NASCAR itself. A notable portion—$24.25—goes to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, making this a specialty plate that simultaneously supports motorsports and state historical preservation.

We chose this license plate for several reasons, though motorsports heritage is the primary. NASCAR is a huge part of American car culture, and representing the brand directly supports the motorsport’s continued success for future generations. 

The Bass plate is one of several wildlife-themed designs administered through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks—all of which share the same $33 fee structure and direct $20 per registration to the Wildlife Heritage Fund. That fund supports the preservation and management of Mississippi's fish and wildlife resources. For anglers and outdoors enthusiasts, this plate puts money toward the fisheries and habitats that make Mississippi worth visiting.​

We chose this plate mainly for its fee structure. With a significant portion of proceeds going directly to the Wildlife Heritage Fund, the purchase of this plate benefits outdoor enthusiasts—like several members of the RealTruck staff. 

Ducks Unlimited has a strong presence in Mississippi's Delta region, one of the most important waterfowl habitats in North America. The state's Ducks Unlimited specialty plate costs $33, with $24 per registration directly benefiting the Mississippi Chapter.

We always find it hard to neglect a state’s Ducks Unlimited plate, and Mississippi is no exception. With a mission to restore and protect state wetlands and wildlife habitats, Ducks Unlimited is fighting the good fight—and we support that. 

The Lab plate shares the same fee structure as the Bass plate—a $33 base fee plus $20 per registration directed to the Wildlife Heritage Fund. It features a Labrador Retriever—a nod to the state's strong hunting culture—and is one of several Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks designs that include deer, turkey, mallard, hummingbird, butterfly, rabbit, speckled trout, and others, all supporting the same fund.

With several outdoorspersons, wildlife aficionados, fishers, and hunters in our ranks, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks license plate was a no-brainer selection.  

Support the University of Mississippi with the Ole Miss plate. This collegiate plate is one of the priciest, costing $53—of which $32.50 per registration directly benefits the University of Mississippi. Whether you’re an alumnus, sports fan, or parent, the Ole Miss plate is one of the most effective means of directly supporting the school.

We chose this plate for a few reasons. Education and college football are two cornerstones of American culture. At RealTruck, we’re all about supporting America—from stateside manufacturing to the nations’ iconic institutions, like the University of Mississippi. 

Mississippi is one of the few states that offer a plate supporting an out-of-state university, reflecting the University of Memphis's significant presence in the Memphis metro area, which straddles the Mississippi-Tennessee border. What makes this plate particularly interesting is where the specialty fees go. Rather than directing funds to the university itself, $44 of the plate’s $53 fee structure is split evenly between Methodist Healthcare Foundation and Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto—two Memphis-area hospital systems.

We chose this license plate for the same reasons as the Ole Miss plate. Support for college football and education is always worth the plate fee—plus, this plate dedicates funds directly to local hospital systems. 

The Mississippi Wildlife Federation is the state's oldest and largest conservation organization, working on habitat protection, environmental education, and wildlife policy. Of the $33 fee, this plate sends $24 per registration directly to the Federation—a direct contribution to conservation work in the state.

We chose this plate because of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation's long-standing dedication to habitat protection. Supporting an organization that manages the state's natural resources and educates future generations on conservation is a no-brainer for us.

Keep Mississippi green. The Mississippi State Parks plate is an excellent way to support the preservation and upkeep of the state’s 24 state parks, which range from Gulf Coast beaches to the forested highlands of the northeast. Of the $33 fee, $20 directly benefits Mississippi state parks.

We chose this plate to highlight the incredible diversity of Mississippi's geography. From the coastal dunes to the inland hills, our nation’s state parks provide the perfect backdrop for adventure, and we love supporting the maintenance of those landscapes.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is based in Gulfport. It is one of the most respected marine research organizations on the Gulf Coast, conducting research and rescue operations for dolphins, sea turtles, and other Gulf species. This plate directs $24 of the $33 registration fee directly to the Institute. A shark variant is also available under the same fee structure and with the same beneficiary.

We chose this plate because of the critical work the Institute does for Gulf Coast marine life. Supporting rescue and research efforts for local species is a cause we're proud to get behind, and the design itself is a great way to show that support.

Once you've picked your plate, RealTruck has the hardware to display it right. Our license plate accessories—including mounts, relocators, and lights—are available to maximize visibility. For off-road builds or trucks with modified front bumpers, a license plate relocation bracket keeps your registration visible without drilling into your bumper or tailgate. And if you want your plate to stay lit after dark, illuminated license plate bolts swap in quickly for a clean, functional upgrade.​

Stay tuned for the next License Plate Roundup feature, where we trek to another part of the country to cover its standout plate designs. In the meantime, check out all of our previous LPR features.