Navy · Meridian, Mississippi

NAS Meridian
DMV & Vehicle Registration Guide 2026

Everything active duty members need to know about vehicle registration, driver's license transfer, and your SCRA rights when PCSing to Meridian, Mississippi.

SCRA Protection: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members to keep their home-state vehicle registration while stationed in Mississippi. Consult the NAS Meridian JAG office for your specific situation.
🏛️ Mississippi DMV — Primary Contact
MS Department of Revenue
📞 (601) 923-7700
🌐 https://www.dor.ms.gov/Pages/Motor-Vehicle.aspx
📍 PO Box 1033, Jackson, MS 39215
Military Note: Active duty nonresidents may maintain home-state registration.
📋 Documents Required
  • ✓
    PCS orders (copy)
  • ✓
    Current vehicle title (or lienholder info)
  • ✓
    Proof of insurance (current policy)
  • ✓
    Military ID (CAC card)
  • ✓
    Current out-of-state registration
  • ✓
    Driver's license (to exchange if establishing residency)
  • ✓
    Payment for fees (check DMV website for amounts)
📞 Key Contacts
MS Department of Revenue
📞 (601) 923-7700
🌐 State DMV — Vehicle & License Services
NAS Meridian Legal Assistance Office (JAG)
📞 (601) 679-2211
🌐 Free SCRA guidance for active duty
NAS Meridian Provost Marshal / Installation Traffic
📞 (601) 679-2211
🌐 On-post vehicle registration & decals
🚗 Step-by-Step Registration Process
1

Decide: maintain home-state or transfer registration

SCRA lets you keep your home-state plates while stationed in Mississippi. However, if you want Mississippi residency (e.g., no state income tax), you may benefit from transferring.

2

Get your on-post vehicle decal first

Before anything else, visit the NAS Meridian Provost Marshal office to get your installation vehicle registration decal. You'll need this to enter the base.

3

Visit the DMV (or complete by mail)

Contact MS Department of Revenue at (601) 923-7700. Many states allow active duty to complete vehicle registration by mail using PCS orders. Check https://www.dor.ms.gov/Pages/Motor-Vehicle.aspx for the military exemption process.

4

Transfer your driver's license (if applicable)

If establishing Mississippi residency, exchange your license at the local DMV. Bring your military ID and PCS orders. Present these for any military fee exemptions.

5

Update your auto insurance

Notify your insurer of your new address. Moving to a different state often changes your premium. If using USAA or GEICO Military, this is a simple online update.

✅ PCS DMV Checklist
Decide: SCRA exemption or transfer to Mississippi
Get installation vehicle decal (Provost Marshal)
Gather PCS orders + vehicle title + insurance
Contact JAG for SCRA guidance
Schedule DMV appointment (or mail-in packet)
Update vehicle registration
Exchange driver's license (if residency transfer)
Update car insurance to new address
Notify lender of address change (if financed)
Update military/DEERS record with new address
Get emissions inspection (if required in Mississippi)
Update vehicle registration in finance records

Offline Access to NAS Meridian Moving Guides

Add BaseReady to your home screen and access this guide — and all 146 base profiles — even without internet during your move.

Open App to Install
📍 Related Bases — Moving from NAS Meridian to one of these?
Naval Station Newport
Newport, Rhode Island · Navy
Naval Station Great Lakes
North Chicago, Illinois · Navy
Naval Station Everett
Everett, Washington · Navy
Keesler Air Force Base
Biloxi, Mississippi · Air Force
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register my car in Mississippi if I'm active duty?
Under the SCRA, active duty members may keep their home-state registration while stationed in Mississippi. Active duty nonresidents may maintain home-state registration.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after arriving at NAS Meridian?
If you choose to transfer registration to Mississippi, timelines vary. Contact the MS Department of Revenue at (601) 923-7700 for the current military grace period.
Can my spouse register a vehicle in Mississippi?
Military spouses may be covered under the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act (MSRRA). Consult the JAG office at NAS Meridian for your specific situation.

Full NAS Meridian Relocation Profile

BAH rates, housing data, cost of living, and more — all free.

View Full Profile →