Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale Overview
In Louisiana, a trailer bill of sale is an essential document for any private party trailer transaction. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles requires a bill of sale to process trailer ownership transfers. Louisiana requires titles for all trailers regardless of weight. Whether you are selling a utility trailer, enclosed cargo trailer, travel trailer, or any other type, a properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and is needed to complete the transfer at the LA DMV.
Louisiana charges a 4.45% state sales tax on trailer purchases (plus parish tax (0-7%)). The buyer should complete the title transfer within 40 days of the purchase date to avoid penalties. The bill of sale serves as the primary record of the sale price, which is used to calculate any applicable sales tax. Both parties should keep copies of the signed bill of sale for their records.
4.45%
Sales tax
Yes
Titling required
Yes
Registration required
All weights
Weight threshold
Louisiana Trailer Requirements
Here is what you need to know for a smooth trailer transaction in Louisiana:
Important: Louisiana\'s 40 days Transfer Window
Louisiana requires the buyer to transfer the trailer title within 40 days of the purchase date. Late transfers may incur penalties. The date on your bill of sale starts this clock, so visit your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles office promptly with the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, and payment for fees and taxes.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Trailer Title: The seller must sign the title and complete the buyer's name, sale date, and sale price
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale with trailer details, VIN/serial number, GVWR, sale price, and both signatures
- Lien Release: If the trailer had a loan, provide a lien release from the lender
What the Buyer Must Bring
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all fields completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Louisiana driver's license or state ID
- Title/Registration Application: Completed application form from the DMV
- Payment: Title fee ($68.50), registration fee ($20-$82), and sales tax (4.45% state + local)
How to Fill Out a Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Louisiana trailer bill of sale. Our template guides you through each field to ensure compliance with Louisiana requirements.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name as it appears on the trailer title, current Louisiana mailing address, and phone number.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name, current Louisiana address, and phone number. The buyer's county of residence may determine where the transfer is processed and what local tax rate applies.
Describe the Trailer
Enter the year, make, model, trailer type (utility, enclosed, travel, flatbed, etc.), and color. Record the full VIN or serial number from the trailer's identification plate. Include the GVWR, overall length, number of axles, and hitch type.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Louisiana's DMV uses this figure to calculate sales tax. If the trailer is a gift, write "$0 — Gift."
Sign and Date
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Print two copies — one for each party. Louisiana requires notarization for title transfers, so plan to have signatures notarized.
Louisiana Trailer Fees & Taxes
Here is a breakdown of the fees and taxes you can expect when transferring a trailer in Louisiana:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 4.45% of sale price |
| Local Tax | parish tax (0-7%) |
| Title Fee | $68.50 |
| Registration Fee | $20-$82 |
Sample Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Louisiana-specific trailer bill of sale template.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
TRAILER BILL OF SALE
Private Party Trailer Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
TRAILER INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN/Serial #: [VIN]
GVWR: [Weight] lbs Type: [Trailer Type]
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Louisiana trailer bills of sale, titling, and registration.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official resources to verify requirements and access government forms for your Louisiana trailer transaction.
Other Louisiana Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Louisiana? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Cars, trucks, and SUVs
Louisiana Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Louisiana General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Louisiana ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Louisiana Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Louisiana Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale
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