How to Sell a Car Privately in Louisiana
Selling your car yourself in Louisiana comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.
Transferring the title
- A seller may not sell a vehicle without giving the buyer a certificate of title in the seller's name with a signed endorsement and assignment showing title passing to the buyer. legis.la.gov
- All used vehicles must be titled with the OMV, and the buyer submits the Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV 1799). expresslane.la.gov
- The buyer must apply for a new certificate of title within five days after delivery of the previously issued title. legis.la.gov
- Vehicle ownership is not legally transferred until the new owner applies for a title. expresslane.la.gov
- The OMV must still accept an assignment with certain clerical errors, such as a misspelled name, an address error, or a sale-date error that does not affect fees or penalties. legis.la.gov
Bill of sale
- The OMV asks for an original notarized bill of sale or invoice stating the actual consideration and a full vehicle description. expresslane.la.gov
- A separate bill of sale is not needed if the price is on the title assignment. expresslane.la.gov
Notarization
- The seller must assign the current certificate of title to the buyer before a notary, with any lien properly released. expresslane.la.gov
- By statute the seller's signature is witnessed before a notary or before two witnesses who sign an acknowledgment form. legis.la.gov
- A financing institution's authorized officer may witness the seller's signature instead when the buyer finances through that federally insured lender. legis.la.gov
- An Act of Donation must be notarized. expresslane.la.gov
Odometer disclosure
- Odometer disclosure is required unless the vehicle is exempt, and if the title back has no Odometer Disclosure Statement a supplemental Odometer Statement is submitted. expresslane.la.gov
- Federal odometer disclosure is required for vehicles within twenty model years. expresslane.la.gov
Taxes and fees the buyer pays
- Sales tax is based on the selling price, and the rate depends on the buyer's domicile. expresslane.la.gov
- The buyer pays the state and local sales tax to the OMV when registering or titling, and a title will not be issued until all taxes and fees are paid. dam.ldr.la.gov
- The title fee is $68.50, with an $8.00 handling fee and a local fee of up to $6.00 that may apply. expresslane.la.gov
- A license transfer costs $3.00 and recording a lien costs $15.00 with a UCC-1 or $10.00 otherwise. expresslane.la.gov
- Plate fees for automobiles are .1 percent of the vehicle's value per year with a minimum base of $10,000, sold in two-year increments for a $20.00 minimum. expresslane.la.gov
Loans and liens
- The seller must assign the title with any lien properly released. expresslane.la.gov
- A lien must be satisfied on the lienholder's letterhead. expresslane.la.gov
- Recording a new lien requires the UCC-1 financing statement or security agreement and a fee of $15.00 for UCC or $10.00 for other instruments. expresslane.la.gov
Easy-to-miss rules in this state
- A sale on or after August 1, 2012 requires a copy of the owner's valid photo ID. expresslane.la.gov
- If an out-of-state buyer lacks residency documents and the paperwork is notarized in Louisiana, use tax may apply through a double transfer. expresslane.la.gov
- The OMV page says a federally insured financial institution's agent may witness the assignment in place of a notary when a lien is recorded at transfer and the seller is present. expresslane.la.gov
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notary to sell a car in Louisiana?
The seller must assign the current certificate of title to the buyer before a notary, with any lien properly released. By statute the seller's signature is witnessed before a notary or before two witnesses who sign an acknowledgment form.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Louisiana?
The OMV asks for an original notarized bill of sale or invoice stating the actual consideration and a full vehicle description. A separate bill of sale is not needed if the price is on the title assignment.
Is an odometer disclosure required when selling a car in Louisiana?
Odometer disclosure is required unless the vehicle is exempt, and if the title back has no Odometer Disclosure Statement a supplemental Odometer Statement is submitted. Federal odometer disclosure is required for vehicles within twenty model years.
Official Louisiana resources
- OMV: Used Title and Registration
- OMV: Notice of Vehicle Transfer
- OMV: Cancel Plate
- OMV: Title and registration overview
- OMV: Registration, title and plate fees
- La. R.S. 32:705: Acceptance and delivery of certificate
- La. R.S. 32:707: Application for certificates of title
- Louisiana Dept. of Revenue: Motor vehicle sales tax (R-20164)
Next steps
Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.