Motor Vehicles

State laws vary when it comes to motor vehicle insurance requirements, licensing and registration. The term vehicle generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Service members and their families will want to understand their state’s laws on registration and licensing before moving to a new state. Visit the USA.gov Motor Vehicle Services page for links to state-specific websites.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Mississippi State law requires you to have sufficient liability insurance and a valid driver’s license in order to operate a vehicle. The term “vehicle” generally includes automobiles, motorcycles, vans, trailers and boats regularly parked or garaged overnight. Further, your vehicle must be properly registered. Even though you are in the Military, you may be required to register your vehicle in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of moving. Access complete information on insurance, driver’s licensing, and where and how to register your vehicle by asking the State Department of Motor Vehicles.

State Laws

You and your passengers must always wear seat belts while driving, you will be ticketed and issued heavy fines if seat belts are not secured. State law requires that all children under 8 years of age be properly restrained in child seats. Some states also require younger, smaller children to sit in the back seat.

Motorcycles and their operators are subject to special laws. If you own and operate a motorcycle, you must comply with those laws. Visit the State Department of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Many States and local jurisdictions have strict laws about the use of cell phones and other digital devices while driving. Research these laws on the State Department of Motor Vehicles website. Tickets will be issued and fines assessed for violating these laws. Play it safe and always use a “hands free” device if you must use a cell phone or other PDA while driving. Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide.

Mississippi Driver's License

A Mississippi driver's license is not required by military service member or spouse if you hold valid license from your state of legal residence.

If you chose to obtain a driver's license in Mississippi, contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety at (601) 487-7028. There is an office in Biloxi that is open 8am to 5pm Monday thru Friday. Due to limited seating at driver license locations, please limit the number of people per appointment or transaction.

Mississippi Vehicle Registration

You are not required to register your car with Mississippi while at NCBC, Gulfport. If you choose to, there is a discount offered to military members (not dependents or family members). The military member's name must be on the title of the vehicle. You will need to have a hard copy of your PCS orders and a hard copy of your most current LES. If you are not a legal resident of MS, you may get a significantly reduced price. 

Mississippi vehicle registration can be done at the Harrison County Tax Collector's  Office, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Boat Registration

Boat registration is worked through Jackson, MS. but the necessary forms can be obtained at the Harrison County Courthouse, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 228-865-4040.

Base Regulations

Speeding -- Speed limits are strictly enforced on board NCBC. Be sure to observe all posted speed limits.  Security Force personnel utilize radar in traffic enforcement. Unless otherwise posted, the NCBC speed limit is 25 MPH. Tickets will be issued to offenders.

Motorcycles -- NCBC regulations require the use of an approved D.O.T. helmet, proper reflective outer wear, long sleeves, eye protection, pants, gloves and hard soled shoes to operate on base. Personnel or visiting motorcycle riders must complete the approved Motorcycle Safety Course before they can register their bike on base.

DUI -- NCBC has "zero tolerance" for drunk driving or driving under the influence of any controlled substance.

Seatbelts -- Use of seatbelts and proper child restraint seats in vehicles is required on base and in the community.

Radar Detectors -- The operation of radar detectors on base is prohibited. Radar detectors must be turned off before entering NCBC Gulfport.

Cell Phone Use -- Use of a hand-held cellular phone in a moving vehicle is prohibited. Prohibition against hand-held cellular phones does not include hands-free cellular phone devices including: console/dash mounted or other wise secured cellular phones with integrated features such as voice activation speed dial, Speakerphone or other similar technology for sending and receiving calls. 

Troop Formation -- While driving on board NCBC Gulfport, all troop formations have the right-of-way.

Traffic Flow -- Traffic on base and to and from the base is not a problem. The peak traffic hours are 5:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. through 4 p.m.

Vehicle Checks -- All vehicles on base are subject to random checks as determined by Commanding Officer.

Accidents -- All on base accidents MUST be reported to base security by calling 228-871-2361 or in an emergency, call 911.

Any person on board NCBC Gulfport is required to conform in all aspects to the laws and traffic regulations of the state of Mississippi and the Station regulations.

Pass and ID

The Pass and ID office is located at 2401 John Paul Jones Avenue in Building 452, Room 105. 
All vehicles registration requires a valid driver's license, a state registration, (if the vehicle is "on loan", the registered owner must provide a notarized affidavit or power of attorney in the operator's name in order to obtain a pass), current proof of insurance and a valid DOD ID card or DOD employed sponsor. The office is open Monday - Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm .  After duty hours, Sundays and holidays passes are issued at the gates. The office telephone is 228-871-4271 or DSN 312-868-4271.

State and local laws regulate the operation of motor vehicles, and these laws can vary by location. Many states regulate the following:

• Seatbelt use
• Child safety seats
• Motorcycle operation
• The use of cellphones and other digital devices while driving

Learn more about motor vehicle laws in your state at the Distraction.gov State Laws page.