Yes. A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for any bus weighing more than 26,001 pounds or designed to carry 16 or more passengers. For interstate operations, drivers must be at least 21 years old — make sure your driver meets both the age and licensing requirements for how and where the bus will be used before it goes into service.

Mississippi does not require routine emissions testing for all buses, which keeps ongoing compliance simpler than in many other states. However, diesel buses — particularly school buses — must still comply with federal diesel emissions standards. If the engine was manufactured in 2007 or later, it must meet EPA emissions requirements. Check your bus's engine year before you buy if diesel compliance is a concern.

Yes. Nonprofit organizations with valid IRS 501(c)(3) status can qualify for a sales tax exemption by submitting the required documentation to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Get your paperwork submitted and approved before you finalize the purchase — the exemption won't apply retroactively, and it's one of the easier ways to reduce the total cost of a bus acquisition.

Liability coverage requirements in Mississippi vary by seat count, so the right minimum depends on the size of the bus. Unlike many states, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in Mississippi — factor that into your coverage planning from the start. Group policies are available for churches and schools, and for-hire operations face different requirements than nonprofits. Confirm the appropriate coverage level with your carrier before the bus goes into service.