The Mississippi State Tax Commission has recently approved a new “Protect Dolphins” license plate that will benefit the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS), a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Proceeds from the sales of these plates will help further the work IMMS does in dolphin research, stranded dolphin rescue and rehabilitation, marine conservation, and educational activities for students and the general public.

In order for the tags to be available through the Tax Commissioners office, 300 tags must be pre-sold in order to demonstrate that there is public interest in these plates and in protecting dolphins in Mississippi.*

RESERVE YOUR “PROTECT DOLPHINS” TAG NOW by mailing the application to the following address. The special tag fee of $31.00 will be due, and payable to IMMS, when the tag is issued. However, payment can be made to IMMS in advance. If you wish to pay with a credit card, please call the number below.

IMMS
P.O. Box 207
Gulfport, MS 39502

Please contact us at the below phone numbers or email address if you have any questions.

Office phone: (228) 896-9182 ext. 1761 or (228) 701-1761
Office fax: (228) 896-9183
Email: Megan@imms.org OR contactus@imms.org

Thank you for your support!

* Please note that the image design displayed here may be slightly modified before it is finalized on the license plate at the discretion of the Mississippi State Tax Commission.

1. Are the dolphin tags available at my county tax collector’s office?

The dolphin tags are NOT currently available at your local county tax collector’s office. Right now, the only way to pre-order a dolphin tag is to send an application, along with payment to IMMS.

2. What happens after IMMS pre-sells 300 tags?

After IMMS pre-sells 300 tags, production of the dolphin tags will begin. People who pre-ordered tags through IMMS will be notified to pick up their tags from their county tax collector’s office and in the future, anyone else who wishes to purchase a tag can do so at tax collector’s office.

3. If IMMS does not pre-sell 300 tags will I get my money back?

Yes, If IMMS does not pre-sell 300 tags you will get your payment back in full.

4. I currently have a handicap license plate. If I get a dolphin tag, will I be able to keep the handicap symbol on my license plate?

No. If you get a dolphin tag, you will no longer have the handicap symbol on your license plate.

5. Will I be able to personalize my dolphin tag?

No, you cannot personalize your dolphin tag. The dolphin tag will have up to four numeric digits that cannot be pre-assigned.

6. I just renewed my tag. Does this mean that I cannot pre-order a dolphin tag?

If you just renewed your tag, or your tag is up for renewal in the next few months, now is the perfect time for you to pre-order a dolphin tag because you will be able to keep the dolphin tag for nearly the full length of your registration cycle, i.e. a full year. Once you have a dolphin tag, you will have to renew it annually along with your registration.

7. How do I pick up my tag when it becomes available?

You will receive notification from IMMS when your tag is available (Please keep us updated should your contact information change). Go to your county tax collector’s office and swap your current tag for the new dolphin tag. You may be asked to show proof of purchase or your receipt. If your registration is current, there will be no payment required at the tax collector’s office. Be sure to keep the receipt we send you until you pick up your tag.

8. Can I get a dolphin tag for my trailer or motorcycle?

No, the dolphin tag will not be available for trailers or motorcycles.