A Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale serves as a structured record for negotiations and transactions involving a carrying platform. Once signed, the document becomes legally binding and provides evidence of trailer ownership.
In Louisiana, all vehicles, including trailers and campers, must be titled and registered for use.
Registering a Trailer in Louisiana
Registration is handled through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). All vehicles must be registered within 40 days of purchase or transfer. Documents may be mailed to the OMV office or processed at your local OMV location. Parishes may have their own requirements for inspections and VIN checks. Buyers should check with their parish offices before submitting their documentation.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Louisiana?
New and used trailers have their own sets of document requirements. Both new and used trailers require that a Vehicle Application Form be submitted with the other paperwork.
To register a new trailer, owners must submit the following:
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
- Itemized invoice with vehicle description — the invoice must be notarized if a tax credit is shown
- Odometer disclosure statement
- UCC-1 form (financing statement) or other lien agreement
- Fee payment
To register a used trailer, you will need these documents:
- Current title. The title must be signed in front of a notary. If the title is from a state that did not issue a certificate of title, then the bill of sale or invoice may be notarized instead.
- Odometer disclosure statement, unless the vehicle is exempt
- Release of lien, if applicable
- UCC-1 form or security agreement if there is a lien recorded
The Louisiana bill of sale must include the full description of the vehicle (make, model, year, VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale. Both parties must sign the bill of sale, and it must be notarized.
Some counties require a fire marshal’s or sheriff’s inspection for out-of-state or used trailers. All first-time registrations must be presented at the county office so the officials can verify the VIN on the title.
The Louisiana OMV will not accept titles with alterations or erasures without an affidavit of correction. Errors on the odometer disclosure statement may not be correctable even with an affidavit.
Trailer Registration Fees
Louisiana uses a flat fee rate for all titles and registrations. Sales taxes are assessed by the parish where the trailer will be kept. Find the parish tax tables can here.
Title for Trailer
Travel trailers, campers, pop-up campers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and other recreational trailers must all have titles in Louisiana.
Insurance
Louisiana does not require separate trailer insurance, provided the owner has current Louisiana liability coverage. To license any vehicle in Louisiana, including trailers, owners must present a valid photo ID and proof of valid Louisiana liability insurance.
Exemptions
The following vehicles are exempt from Louisiana’s trailer registration requirements:
- Farm vehicles primarily used on farm property
- Single-axle two-wheel trailers
- Self-propelled construction vehicles
- Motor vehicles more than 25 years old that are primarily used for exhibitions or parades (including floats or trailers for parade usage).
Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Louisiana trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
