On April 1, 1938, the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol was created. From 3,300 applicants, 633 were selected for testing, and 97 were selected as class recruits. Upon graduation, 53 were selected for patrol, and 13 were placed as reserves.

35 Harley Davidson motorcycles and 20 patrol cars were ready for their use in patrolling the Magnolia State's roadways. Today, the Mississippi Highway Patrol is comprised of 581 sworn officers.

The MHP is charged with the responsibility of enforcing traffic laws on state and federal highways. The MHP has three patrol regions (North, Central and South) with three District Offices each.

Mississippi's state troopers must be prepared to assist local law enforcement agencies and to respond to statewide emergencies at the request of the governor.

The officers of the patrol exemplify the agency's motto of Courtesy, Service and Safety.

License Plates of the Mississippi Highway Patrol

The earliest known issues for license plates of the Mississippi Highway Patrol were stated to have began in the late 1930's with a plain plate with SAFETY over PATROL inscribed on it. Unfortunately, all that is known of this type is that the plate had dark characters over a medium background. It is not known what size it was, what it was made of, whether it was embossed or flat-painted, used on one end or both ends of the car or what the actual color scheme was...and likely will never be known as there is absolutely no known record aside from the word of mouth of long-departed MHP old-timers.
However in February of 2017, a fellow license plate collector in Colorado named Sean Moore contacted Norm Ratcliffe to advise that his father Alan had a "very old" Mississippi Highway Patrol license plate.
The photograph showed that the license plate was made of embossed steel and "car sized" (5.5" x 13.5"). It had embossed characters painted black over a yellow-orange background. MISS was stacked vertically down the left margin of the plate, the number 15 was stacked down the right margin of the plate using a very ornate die font, and the words HIGHWAY over PATROL were embossed in the center field of the plate.
The plate had an embossed border also painted black and four "flat oval" mounting holes (two on top-two on bottom) but also two additional smaller circular mounting holes to the outside of the upper mounting holes.
It was stated that his father Alan had received this license plate from legendary southern gentleman-collector Eugene Gardner of Palmetto Georgia. Eugene was a very prolific "hunter gatherer" of old license plates throughout the Dixie States for decades, and the best specimens of these very scarce old south-east tags were typically found in the hands of Mr Gardner.
Therefore the originating pedigree for this old Mississippi Highway Patrol license plate was about as good as it gets.
This epic specimen of MHP history lay silently appreciated by the elder Moore in his collection for a couple of decades until his son Sean decided that it needed some well-deserved spotlight.
As exciting as this discovery was, it also provided some mystery after some research into general Mississippi license plate lore.
1. The measurement dimensions were not what Mississippi was using in 1938. The state had been using 6" x 12" plates since 1934 and prior to that the dimensions were 5.5" x 15" from 1923 to 1932. Issues even earlier than 1922 were not the 5.5" x 13.5" of this MHP specimen.
2. The mounting hole configuartion/dimension was not something that regular Mississippi license plates were using at the time. 1937 and 1938 license plates used in the state had longer mounting "slots" top and bottom. Earlier types used everything from smaller circular mounting holes to corner circular holes with longer slots only on the top of the plate with no slots on the bottom.
3. The die font used for MISS upon close examination is not a type used by the state of Mississippi on their general-issue license plates at anytime since they began issuing license plates in 1912. The style of the S's varied over the years, but none used the style of S as seen on this MHP specimen.
4. The very ornate die for the numbers was also never used by the state of Mississippi on any of its issued license plates at anytime in their history.
All of this leads one to believe that these license plates were manufactured out of state for the new Mississippi Highway Patrol, possibly by a private manufacturer.
Either way, the mystery and excitement this old plate caused once it hit the light of day certainly added to the fullness of this archive. Our thanks to Sean Moore and his dad Alan for sharing this cornerstone piece of Mississippi Highway Patrol motoring history!!

Passenger license plates during the period of 1941 to 1950 were made of embossed steel and displayed their county name in the upper left corner of the plate. The MHP used the title STATE in place of the county designation. This was followed on the same line as the expiry date of 10-31 (October 31) and the last two digits of the year of expiry. This was used as the general expiry of the plates to coincide with the other issues in the state at the time. The state abbreviation MISS was run vertically after the MHP prefix and ahead of the assignment number.
This style changed in 1951.
Many of these earliest photos seen below were graciously provided by Retired MHP Captain Art Richardson.

1950 issue. Embossed steel. Black over yellow. STATE followed by EX 1-31-50. MHP prefix followed by MISS stacked vertically down center followed by number up to 3 digits.

In 1951 the state of Mississippi changed the format of the state's license plates and the MHP license plates were part of that change.
Much like the previous issue, all license plates expired at midnight on Halloween of every year, so the month designation of OCT appeared in the bottom left corner of all Mississippi license plates including MHP plates.
The plates measured 6 inches by 12 inches.
The state name was embossed between the upper mounting holes, the prefix MHP appeared before numerals up to three digits or Troop letter appeared in the center field of the plate. STATE occupied the center lower portion of the plate and the last 2 digits of the year of expiry occupied the lower right corner of the plate. This format of MHP license plates continued until 1976 with only color schemes changing from year to year.

1952 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". White over green. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 52 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1953 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". Maroon over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 5 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1954 (White over black)
(Courtesy Phillip Kidd) 

1954 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". White over black. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner and 54 in lower right corner.

1955 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". White over blue. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 55 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1956 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". Yellow over black. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 56 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1957 issue. Embossed steel. 6 " x 12". White over green. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 57 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1959 issue. Embossed steel. Green over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 59 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1960 issue. Embossed steel. Red over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 60 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1961 issue. Embossed steel. Black over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 61 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1962 issue. Embossed steel. Maroon over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 62 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1962
(Courtesy Phillip Kidd) 

1963 issue. Embossed steel. Blue over white. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 63 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

1965 issue. Embossed steel. White over blue. MISSISSIPPI over MHP-### over OCT. in lower left corner STATE embossed in lower center and 65 in lower right corner. (Need photo)

In 1977, the Mississippi Highway Patrol issued a multi-year "permanent" license plate. The plate was made of galvanized steel and colored red over reflective white. As with previous issues, the state name was embossed at the top center and the title STATE was embossed at the bottom center. The plate had two recessed "decal navels" in the top corners. The right one had 77 engraved into the center of it and was the place for all subsequent annual validation decals. The left decal navel was occupied with a white over green decal indicating the October expiration.
This plate was used until October 31 1981.

Once the 1977 issue MHP plates expired after Halloween of 1981, the MHP rolled-out a new replacement plate for marked MHP vehicles. The plates were made of galvanized steel and embossed once again but with a step border instead of a raised painted border.
The plates consisted of blue characters over a reflective white background. The state name occupied the top center of the plate and situated between the upper mounting holes. STATE was centered on the lower line of the plate. The prefix MHP was followed by a number up to three digits and occupied the center field of the plate.
The upper corners of the plate consisted of recessed decal navels as did the 1977-1981 issue, however on this issue, were never occupied by validation decals during their usage through 1986 and early 1987.

In 1982, the state of Mississippi began replating all motor vehicles in the Magnolia State. The MHP were part of that re-issuance initiative but did not begin receiving the new graphic design license plates until early 1986.
The new plates were also made of galvanized steel and utilized a debossed step border. The plates were known as the "Sagging S's" based on the stylized font used for the state name in red where the letter s's had pronounced loops on their lower sections shown on the top center of the plate. This style of font used for the state name continued until current times. The title STATE was once again centered and embossed in blue at the bottom line of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate was embossed in blue in the center field of the plate.
The upper corner decal navels had red rectangles screened with MONTH in white in the upper left and YEAR in white in the upper right decal navel. They only bear mentioning as validation decals were never used on MHP vehicles during this time.
Many of these issues had subdued holograms indicating 1987 running down the center of the plate.
There were variances in production of this plate where some numerals/characters were bunched-together and others spaced furhter apart.
This was also the first issue to use the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number.
Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix.
This version was used until 1992 when another re-issuance took place.

Mississippi HP District Stations/ Troop & Detachment Designations

In 1992, the state of Mississippi once again re-plated all motor vehicles in the state. This time, there was no delay in getting the same style rolled-out to the MHP.
The plates were embossed galvanized steel and utilized the "Sagging S" motif for the state name in the upper center of the plate again but this time in blue. The remainder of the plate was reflective light blue fading to white as it progressed to the bottom of the plate. The title STATE was once again centered and embossed in blue at the bottom line of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate was embossed in blue in the center field of the plate.
The recessed validation decal navels on this issue are at the bottom corners with the MONTH section to the left and the YEAR section to the right.

This issue also used the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number.
Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix.
This issue was used until 1997.

1997 saw the introduction of yet another license plate to the Magnolia State. These plates were embossed aluminum and also utilized the "Sagging S" motif for the state name in the upper center of the plate again but this time green. The remainder of the plate had yellow fading to white from the top left corner to center and green fading to white from the bottom right to center. The title STATE was once again centered and embossed in green at the bottom line of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate was embossed in green at each end and the center field of the plate was occupied by a large graphic of a blossoming magnolia.

The recessed validation decal navels on this issue are at the bottom corners with the MONTH section to the left and the YEAR section to the right but this time covered by generic decals.

This issue also used the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number.
Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix.
This issue was used until 2002.

MHP began issuing new license plates in early 2003. These plates were completely flat-screened aluminum with the only embossing being the step border. This version also utilized the "Sagging S" motif for the state name in the upper center of the plate again in green. The remainder of the plate had images of trees in varying soft shades of green over white fading to white at the center of the plate. The bottom portion of the plate had shades of blue offset bands to indicate water from dark to light as it faded to white towards the center of the plate. The title STATE was once again centered but screened in green at the bottom line of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate was screened in green at each end and the center field of the plate was occupied by a smaller graphic of a blossoming magnolia.
The validation decal areas on this issue were also at the bottom corners with the MONTH section to the left and the YEAR section to the right but this time covered by black over yellow decals inscribed with NO DECAL REQUIRED and also with generic decals used.
This version also had a small monicker in the top right corner of the plate inscribed with the word COUNTY. No county decal was used by MHP as state agencies were not required to place a county decal on their license plates.
This issue also used the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number.
Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix.
This issue was used until 2008.

2008 saw the introduction of a new graphic license plate used by the Mississippi Highway Patrol. These plates were also completely flat-screened aluminum with the only embossing being the step border. This version also utilized the "Sagging S" motif for the state name in the upper center of the plate again, but this time in dark blue with a white outline. The remainder of the plate had the image of a subdued sunrise bursting into a sky of blue, pink, purple and white. The title STATE was once again centered but screened in dark blue at the bottom line of the plate, but several issues on this base also had the word ENFORCEMENT screened in dark blue in this section of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate was screened in dark blue at each end and the center field of the plate was occupied by the image of a lighthouse.

The validation decal areas on this issue were also at the bottom corners with the MONTH section to the left and the YEAR section to the right but this time covered by black over white decals inscribed with NO DECAL REQUIRED and also with generic decals used.

This issue also used the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number.

Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix. This issue was used until 2013.

Early 2013 saw the release of yet another graphic license plate used by the MHP.
These plates were also completely flat-screened aluminum with a reflective white background and a step border. This version also utilized the "Sagging S" motif for the state name in the upper center of the plate again in dark blue. The remainder of the plate has the design of a blue banded sunburst emananting from the bottom center of the plate which fades to white at the edges. The title ENFORCEMENT is centered but screened in dark blue at the bottom line of the plate. The MHP prefix and number of the plate is presented in two fashions: one has the characters embossed and one has them screened in dark blue. The center of the plate is occupied by a circular design with an old blues guitar in blue imposed over a gold colored scroll. The words CELEBRATING MISSISSIPPI'S CREATIVE CULTURE is inscribed in the blue circle. Two other gold-colored scrolls appear below the state name which reads: BIRTHPLACE OF -- America's Music.

The validation decal area on this issue is only at the bottom right corner and covered by a black over white decal inscribed with NO DECAL REQUIRED and also with generic decals used.
This issue also used the Troop letter prefix ahead of the number. Headquarters and MHP vehicles not tied-into a particular troop/assignment utilized all numbers after the MHP prefix. This issue is slated to be used until 2018.

In mid to late 2015, the Mississippi Highway Patrol introduced a new license plate issue. The plates were made of rolled aluminum with a step border. Dark blue characters were used over a reflective white background. The ubiquitous stylized MISSISSIPPI continued to occupy the top center of the plate. The bottom center of the plate has a dark blue band trimmed in red at the top and bottom much like the stripe markings on MHP vehicles. STATE TROOPER is emblazoned in yellow over the dark blue band.
A full color image of the MHP shoulder patch emblem occupies the left center field of the plate and MHP is stacked vertically at the right center field of the plate. The assignment number occupies the center of the plate. Vehicles assigned to a particular troop have the Troop letter ahead of the assignment number.
All-numeric plates are assigned to general headquarters or otherwise not assigned to a given troop.

Front License Plates of the Mississippi Highway Patrol

The usage of front license plates in Mississippi is optional and beginning in the mid-1950's, the Mississippi Highway Patrol ceased running front plates altogether on their patrol vehicles.
The next appearance of a front license plate for the patrol was in 1987 when a silkscreened vinyl license plate was made to honor the 50th anniversary of the MHP in 1988.
The plates were white and had four wide mounting slots. The plate was bordered in red. A silhouette of the state in gold and outlined in red occupied the left portion of the plate. The center of the silhouette was inscribed with 1938 over 1988 in blue. A red and white laurel lies over top the lower portion of the silhouette. To the right of the image in blue characters is Mississippi Highway Patrol over the words Golden Anniversary inscribed in gold-colored cursive font. These plates were run optionally on the front of MHP vehicles for the duration of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.
In the early 1990's, the MHP began to issue Troop "booster" license plates. These plates were made on the contemporary base plate and featured a full color silkscreened image of the MHP emblem to the left of the plate. The remainder of the center portion of the plate was occupied by the word TROOP embossed next to the troop letter or HDQT for a headquarters car. It is not know how widespread their issue was, as some MHP patrol vehicles seen during this time still ran no front plates at all.
These Troop plates appeared to only have been run on the 1992-1997 and 1997-2002 base plate.
Since that time the primary front plate used by marked MHP vehicles is a screened reflective grey aluminum plate which features the MHP shoulder insignia design in the center and flanked on the bottom by SINCE 1938 in black. The plate is bordered in dark blue and red.

Motorcycle License Plates used by Mississippi Highway Patrol

As with all early state traffic enforcement organizations, motorcycles were a primary means of motorized deployment for the pioneers of these agencies, and Mississippi was no different. Motorcycles outnumbered patrol cars in the earliest days, but as on-duty injuries and fatalities increased, the popularity of the motorcycle decreased in favor of the car.
Double-sided front fender title plates were used on the early MHP cycles, the later examples of which were inscribed with HIGHWAY over PATROL. Unknown what the coloring was, but standard ones of the day used gold lettering over black.
The earliest known MHP motorcycle license plate is, just as with the car issue a 1949. The plate was embossed steel and measured approximately 7 1/2" x 4". It was colored the same as the car plates of the day in orange over black. The top left corner of the plate was occupied with 19 followed by MISS in the top center and 49 in the top right corner. The prefix MC was stacked below the 19, the number was embossed below the MISS and the legend TAX followed by FREE was stacked below the 49. The plate also had a raised painted border.
It can therefore be assumed that motocycle license plates used by the MHP prior and after 1949 utilized a similar type which reflected the color scheme used by the car plates of the day, but there is no confirmation of this.
The MHP phased-out their use of motorcycles in the 1950's but were re-introduced some time again in the 1990's.

Specialty Issues

Since 2004, retired MHP officers have the option to register their personal vehicles with a special MHP retiree license plate. The all-screened aluminum plates are dark blue over reflective white and have the distinctive stylized state name at the top center. The "MHP door emblem" design occupies the left portion of the plate between the left side mounting holes. The number follows in the center and the stacked suffix RT occupies the right side of the plate. The lower line of the plate reads RETIRED STATE TROOPERS and is flanked on the left by the month of expiry decal and to the right by the year of expiry decal. A white decal with a number in black is situated in the top right corner and is the county designation where the registered owner resides.

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