Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale

As in many other states, you cannot sell someone a motorcycle with only a check and a handshake.

You must submit proper documentation to the state for things like titling and registration. A Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale is among the most important documents.

This form acts as a proof of purchase, outlining specific details about the buyer, seller, and motorcycle so that all parties can have it for their records.

What is a Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form?

A Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale documents the transfer of ownership of a motorcycle from the seller to the buyer.

In addition to the previously mentioned information, it also includes whether any liens have been paid off by the previous owner (if applicable).

This will eventually be submitted to the state through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, otherwise known as the OMV.

Is a Motorcycle Bill of Sale Form Required in Louisiana?

A Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale is not required as long as there is a current certificate of title and the selling price is included on the title.

However, it is beneficial to have a motorcycle bill of sale as a record of the ownership transfer.

Do You Need a Bill of Sale to Register a Motorcycle in Louisiana?

You can use a motorcycle bill of sale to register a motorcycle in Louisiana but it is not required as long as the Certificate of Title contains the necessary information.

The new owner will have 40 days from the date of purchase to complete the registration process. Note that if you transfer a motorcycle you own from another state, that number drops to 30 days.

Registrations need to be renewed every two years. Thankfully, registration renewals can be handled online through the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles website.

Additionally, you will need to submit the following information to complete registration:

• A separate odometer disclosure statement used to specify the current mileage on the date of the sale if the back of the title does not contain the section.
• The motorcycle’s current Certification of Title assigned by the seller to the buyer before a notary public 
• The original notarized motorcycle bill of sale including the sale price and full description of the motorcycle. A separate bill of sale is not required if the sale price is included on the notarized title with assignment.
• A properly completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) form.
• A copy of a valid Louisiana driver’s license.
• A certificate of inspection. Note that this can only be provided after an accredited location has examined the motorcycle.
• Proof that any applicable registration fees have been paid.

Louisiana also requires owners to show proof of minimum liability insurance coverage before registration can take place.

That includes a minimum of $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for any potential property damage that may occur.

You should also submit photocopies of all documents because nothing will be returned to you in the future.

Sellers can notify the OMV of the sale through the Notice of Vehicle Transfer online service.

How Do I Transfer Ownership of a Motorcycle in Louisiana?

To transfer motorcycle ownership in Louisiana, both the seller and the buyer will need to fill out the rear side of the title, vehicle application, and bill of sale in certain instances.

They’ll also need to sign in the appropriate locations and before a notary public for certain documents.

All the items can either be mailed or delivered to the OMV headquarters or to an OMV office location to complete the transfer process.

Can I Transfer Motorcycle Title With a Bill of Sale Only?

Transferring a motorcycle’s title in Louisiana with only the bill of sale is possible.

All the documents outlined above will also be required to complete the process formally.

Does a Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?

Yes, the state of Louisiana does require that the signatures for both the buyer and the seller on a motorcycle bill of sale be notarized.

Buying and Selling a Motorcycle in Louisiana

Whenever you purchase or sell a motorcycle in Louisiana, there are several steps you’ll want to take to protect yourself.

Step 1 – Meeting with the Potential Buyer

It’s always recommended that a seller meet with any potential buyer at least once, preferably in person, before the sale itself.

This is your best chance to confirm that the other party is serious about moving forward.

It also allows the buyer to inspect the motorcycle to ensure everything is as previously discussed and to help avoid any potential scams or situations where someone with malicious intentions might be trying to take advantage of the situation.

Step 2 – Finalizing the Details

At that point, the finer details of the transaction can be finalized.

This includes discussing the purchase date, the final purchase price, and any other stipulations that both parties will agree to.

How to Write a Motorcycle Bill of Sale in Louisiana

Whenever you write a motorcycle bill of sale in Louisiana, there are several sections you’ll want to complete correctly.

Step 1 – Fill in Buyer and Seller Information

First, you’ll want to fill in all relevant information about the transaction’s buyer and seller including full names, addresses, and contact information. 

STep 2 – Fill in Motorcycle Information

Then, you can fill out more specific information about the motorcycle to be sold.

On the Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale, there are spots to write the motorcycle’s make, model, year of manufacture, color, odometer reading, and vehicle identification number (VIN).

You should also specify the motorcycle’s sale price and date of sale.

At that point, the bill of sale can be formally notarized using the section at the bottom of the page.

Summary

A Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale is critical to the transaction process. You want to get it right to avoid any potential issues later on.

If you’d like to learn more about buying or selling a motorcycle in Louisiana, or if you want to save time by referring to our motorcycle bill of sale template instructions, don’t hesitate to contact Legal Templates today.

Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale Sample

Below is an example of a Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale.