What Is a Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale allows a seller to transfer the ownership of a car, truck, van, or other vehicle to the buyer. This legal document serves as an official record, confirming that the vehicle described was sold to the named buyer by the authorized seller.
A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale contains the following key elements:
- Party identification
- Vehicle’s make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Date of sale
- Sales price
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) often requires the buyer to have this form when registering their vehicle. It’s needed when the previous owner signs over the title or the buyer purchases the vehicle out of state.
You may need to present the car bill of sale alongside other documents, such as:
- The signed vehicle certificate of title
- A completed Notice of Transfer of Vehicle (Form DPSMV 1697)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (if applicable)
Why Is a Louisiana Car Bill of Sale Important?
A Louisiana car bill of sale doesn’t just help fulfill vehicle registration requirements. It creates transparency, confirming who the true vehicle owner is.
A Louisiana auto bill of sale also clarifies aspects of the vehicle’s condition and history, meaning the seller can’t later claim that the car was in a different condition. Plus, it limits liability, ensuring each party is only responsible for tickets, toll violations, and other infractions while the vehicle is under their ownership.
Does a Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized?
The Louisiana OMV requires most vehicle bills of sale to be notarized for private sales. Otherwise, your bill of sale may not be recognized as a valid document.
Notarization is not required if the vehicle sale took place on or after January 1, 2023, and the sale involves a Louisiana-licensed vehicle dealer.
Louisiana Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
View a free sample of a Louisiana motor vehicle bill of sale form to see what elements to include. Then, use our guided template to prepare your own that you can use during the registration process. Download it in PDF or Word format.
