Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Louisiana? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Louisiana transfers ownership through the title assigned before a notary and Vehicle Application Form DPSMV 1799, and the state expects a notarized bill of sale or notarized title assignment on file — so a clear bill of sale both satisfies the OMV and protects both sides by locking in the price, the handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
Louisiana requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Louisiana?
Effectively yes. The OMV requires a notarized bill of sale or invoice unless the selling price is already shown on a title with a notarized assignment. Either way, a notarized bill of sale documents the price and sale date and proves you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
Yes. Louisiana requires the transfer paperwork to be notarized — the title assignment must be signed before a notary, and the bill of sale should be notarized too. Louisiana notaries hold broad authority, so it's a routine step there.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must file and pay the tax within 40 days of the sale at the OMV or a public tag agent. Missing the deadline triggers a 5% penalty on the tax for each 30-day period of delinquency, plus interest.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Louisiana charges 5% state sales tax plus the local parish/city rate, assessed on the sale price based on where the buyer lives. Combined rates often land near 9-10%. The buyer pays it when titling at the OMV.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Louisiana parish where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign before a notary — then the buyer files Form DPSMV 1799 at the OMV within 40 days.
Ready to create your Louisiana bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Louisiana bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Louisianabuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or a public tag agent. Confirm the details with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or a public tag agent.
Louisiana bill of sale FAQ
Does a Louisiana motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. Louisiana requires the transfer documents to be notarized — the title assignment is signed before a notary, and the bill of sale should be notarized as well. The OMV accepts the file when the title assignment or bill of sale is properly notarized.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Louisiana?
In most cases, yes. The OMV requires a notarized bill of sale or invoice unless the price already appears on a title with a notarized assignment. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Louisiana?
At a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) office or an authorized public tag agent. The buyer brings the notarized title and bill of sale, a completed Form DPSMV 1799, proof of Louisiana insurance, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Louisiana?
The buyer has 40 days from the date of sale to file and pay the tax at the OMV or a public tag agent. After 40 days, Louisiana adds a 5% penalty on the tax for each 30-day period of delinquency, plus interest, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Louisiana?
5% state sales tax plus the local parish and city rate, assessed on the sale price based on where the buyer lives. Combined rates often total around 9-10%. The buyer pays it at the OMV when transferring the title.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale before a notary, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Louisiana?
It can be, as long as it has the key details and is notarized — Louisiana cares more that the document is notarized than about its exact format. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the OMV.
Is this Louisiana bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.