Transferring a Car Title in Louisiana
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Louisiana when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: All used vehicles must be titled with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV); documents can be mailed or delivered to OMV headquarters or handled at an OMV office or public tag agent. Louisiana OMV, Used Title & Registration
| Transferring a car title | All used vehicles must be titled with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV); documents can be mailed or delivered to OMV headquarters or handled at an OMV office or public tag agent. The buyer needs a completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799), the current title assigned to the buyer before a notary (with any lien released), an odometer statement if required, a notarized bill of sale or invoice showing the price (not needed if the price is on the title assignment), photo ID, and proof of liability insurance; an Act of Donation must be notarized. Fees include a $68.50 title fee, an $8.00 handling fee, a local fee of up to $6, lien recording fees if applicable, the plate fee, and sales/use tax. The page reviewed did not state a deadline for the buyer to apply for title. |
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| Registering after you move | A new resident must transfer an out-of-state driver's license to a Louisiana license within 30 days of establishing a domicile. New residents must also register each vehicle they drive in Louisiana within thirty days of establishing residency, and the vehicle must have a valid Louisiana safety inspection certificate within that same thirty days. For this purpose, residency begins on the date the person is issued a Louisiana driver's license. License transfer: https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/drivers/personal-driver-s-licenses/license-transfers/ |
More Louisiana car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Louisiana
- Driving Without Insurance in Louisiana
- SR-22 Insurance in Louisiana
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Louisiana
- All Louisiana car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Louisiana?
All used vehicles must be titled with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV); documents can be mailed or delivered to OMV headquarters or handled at an OMV office or public tag agent. The buyer needs a completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799), the current title assigned to the buyer before a notary (with any lien released), an odometer statement if required, a notarized bill of sale or invoice showing the price (not needed if the price is on the title assignment), photo ID, and proof of liability insurance; an Act of Donation must be notarized. Fees include a $68.50 title fee, an $8.00 handling fee, a local fee of up to $6, lien recording fees if applicable, the plate fee, and sales/use tax.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Louisiana?
A new resident must transfer an out-of-state driver's license to a Louisiana license within 30 days of establishing a domicile. New residents must also register each vehicle they drive in Louisiana within thirty days of establishing residency, and the vehicle must have a valid Louisiana safety inspection certificate within that same thirty days. For this purpose, residency begins on the date the person is issued a Louisiana driver's license.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.