Free Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale (2026)
A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale is a legal document that officially records the transfer of ownership of a motor vehicle between a private seller and a buyer. This document outlines the critical details of the transaction, including the purchase price, vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and the contact information of both parties. It serves as an essential receipt for the buyer and provides critical liability protection for the seller once the vehicle changes hands.
In Louisiana, a bill of sale is legally required to transfer a vehicle title if the purchase price is not recorded on the title itself, and the state strictly mandates that vehicle transfer documents must be notarized. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires the seller's signature on the certificate of title or the bill of sale to be witnessed and sealed by a commissioned notary public. Additionally, if the vehicle is under 20 years old, an odometer disclosure statement must be completed. Buyers have 40 days to register the vehicle, while sellers must submit a Notice of Transfer to the OMV within 15 days of the sale.
Louisiana Automobile Bill of Sale
Official printable document required for the private sale and title transfer of a vehicle in Louisiana. This PDF is optimized for clear printing and accepted by local county tax and DMV offices.
How to Sell a Vehicle Privately in Louisiana
Step 1: Negotiate the purchase price and payment terms with the buyer. Ensure you have the original Louisiana title in your possession, free of any active liens.
Step 2: Complete the Louisiana vehicle bill of sale by entering the buyer and seller details, purchase price, VIN, make, model, and year. Do not sign the document yet.
Step 3: Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale and the certificate of title in the physical presence of a Louisiana commissioned Notary Public. The notary must stamp and sign the documents for the OMV to accept them.
Step 4: The seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle before handing over the keys. Louisiana law requires the seller to keep the plates or surrender them to the OMV, and file a Notice of Transfer (Form DPSMV 1697) within 15 days of the sale.
Step 5: The buyer must take the notarized title, notarized bill of sale, proof of Louisiana liability insurance, a completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1692), and payment for sales tax and fees to a local OMV office or an authorized Public Tag Agent within 40 days to register the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Vehicle Bills of Sale
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a vehicle in Louisiana?
Yes. While the signed and notarized title is the primary transfer document, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) requires a notarized bill of sale to verify the purchase price for tax calculations if the title does not contain a specific section for the sales price and a notary stamp.
Does a Louisiana vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes, absolutely. Louisiana is a strict notary state. The seller's signature on the certificate of title and/or the bill of sale must be witnessed and sealed by a commissioned Notary Public in order for the OMV to process the title transfer.
Can I write my own bill of sale in Louisiana?
Yes, you can draft your own bill of sale or use a generic printable PDF. The Louisiana OMV accepts generic bills of sale as long as they contain the necessary vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year), purchase price, date, and are properly signed and notarized.
Are private vehicle sales in Louisiana considered 'as-is'?
Yes, private vehicle sales in Louisiana are generally considered 'as-is.' However, Louisiana civil law features 'redhibition,' which can sometimes hold a seller liable for hidden defects. To properly protect the seller, the bill of sale should explicitly state the vehicle is being sold 'as-is' and that the buyer waives their right to redhibition.
How is sales tax calculated on a private vehicle sale in Louisiana?
Louisiana calculates vehicle sales tax based on the actual purchase price listed on the notarized bill of sale or the fair market value of the vehicle as determined by the NADA Official Used Car Guide, whichever is greater. State sales tax is currently 4.45%, plus any applicable local parish or municipal taxes.
What documents does the buyer need to bring to the Louisiana DMV?
To register a privately purchased vehicle in Louisiana, the buyer must bring the original notarized title, the notarized bill of sale, a completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1692), proof of active Louisiana auto insurance, an Odometer Disclosure Statement (if the vehicle is under 20 years old), and a valid ID to the OMV or a Public Tag Agent, along with funds to pay title, registration, and tax fees.