Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Louisiana stands apart from every other state in the nation because it operates under a civil law system rooted in the Napoleonic Code rather than common law. For vehicle transactions, this means that a notarized bill of sale is not just recommended — it is strictly required. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) will not process a title transfer without a properly notarized act of sale.
The Louisiana OMV manages all motor vehicle titling and registration through its network of parish offices and the Express Lane online portal. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties, and each parish may have its own local tax rates that apply on top of the state rate. With combined sales tax rates that can reach 8% to 12%, Louisiana has some of the highest vehicle transaction taxes in the country.
Buyers have 40 days from the purchase date to complete the title transfer at an OMV office. Given the notarization requirement and the complexity of Louisiana's tax structure, it pays to have your paperwork in order before visiting the OMV.
4.45%
State sales tax
40 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Louisiana OMV Requirements
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has specific documentation requirements for private party vehicle transfers. Because Louisiana is a civil law state, the emphasis on properly executed and notarized documents is greater than in most other states.
Important: Notarization Is Mandatory
Louisiana requires the vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. This is not optional. The OMV will reject your transfer paperwork if the bill of sale lacks a proper notary acknowledgment. Both buyer and seller should sign in the presence of a Louisiana notary public before visiting the OMV.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the title on the designated line and complete all required fields including the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Notarized Bill of Sale: A completed and notarized bill of sale with all required fields — this is the most critical document in Louisiana
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage reading and its accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If any loan existed on the vehicle, a lien release letter from the financial institution is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the OMV
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all assignment fields completed
- Notarized Bill of Sale: Original notarized document signed by both parties
- Valid Photo ID: Louisiana driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Louisiana minimum liability coverage ($15,000/$30,000/$25,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($68.50), registration fee, and sales tax (4.45% state + parish/local taxes totaling 8-12%)
How to Fill Out a Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Louisiana vehicle bill of sale. Remember that the final document must be notarized before it will be accepted by the OMV.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the vehicle title, current Louisiana mailing address (including parish), and phone number. If the title has multiple owners, check whether it reads "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either may sign).
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current Louisiana address, and parish of residence. The parish determines which local tax rates apply on top of the 4.45% state sales tax, so accuracy matters.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or driver's side door jamb. Double-check that the VIN matches the title exactly — the OMV will reject any transfer where these don't align. Include the current license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or does not reflect the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. The OMV uses this figure to calculate your sales tax obligation. For gift transfers, write "$0 — Gift" but be aware that Louisiana may still assess tax based on the vehicle's fair market value. Given Louisiana's high combined tax rates, the stated price significantly impacts the buyer's total cost.
Sign, Date, and Notarize
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale in the presence of a Louisiana notary public. The notary will affix their seal and signature, making the document an authentic act under Louisiana civil law. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Take the notarized original to the OMV within 40 days.
Louisiana Title Transfer Process
After completing and notarizing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit an OMV office to complete the title transfer. Louisiana also offers some services through the Express Lane online portal.
Complete the Sale and Notarize
Sign the bill of sale before a notary, sign the title, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Louisiana minimum liability insurance before visiting the OMV office
Visit Your Parish OMV Office
Bring the notarized bill of sale, signed title, photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Taxes
Title fee ($68.50), registration (based on vehicle value), and sales tax (4.45% state + local)
Receive Your New Title and Registration
Louisiana issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides registration and license plate
Louisiana Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Louisiana's combined state and local sales tax rates are among the highest in the nation. The 4.45% state rate is just the starting point — parish and municipal taxes can more than double the total. Here is what to expect:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 4.45% of sale price |
| Parish / Local Tax | 3.55-7.55% additional (varies by parish) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $68.50 |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle value (varies) |
| License Plate | $20+ (or transfer existing plate for $3) |
| Late Transfer Penalty | $50 (after 40 days) |
| Duplicate Title | $18.50 |
Sample Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Louisiana-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the Louisiana OMV, including the notary acknowledgment section.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE (ACT OF SALE)
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer — Notarized
SELLER (VENDOR):
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
Parish: [Parish]
BUYER (VENDEE):
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Louisiana Address]
Parish: [Parish]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Louisiana vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and OMV requirements.
Official Louisiana Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, find your parish OMV office, and access government forms for your Louisiana vehicle transaction.
Louisiana OMV Express Lane
Online title and registration services
Louisiana OMV — Office Locations
Find your nearest parish OMV office
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Louisiana Department of Revenue — Sales Tax
State and parish sales tax rates and information
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 Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
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 Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Louisiana-compliant document in minutes. Includes the required notarization section accepted by every parish OMV office.
No account required. Free to create and preview.