A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale allows a seller to transfer the ownership of a car, truck, van, or other vehicles to the buyer’s name. The legal document serves as an official record showing that the vehicle described was sold to the named buyer by the original or authorized seller.
Whether you buy a car from a licensed dealer or a private owner, you need to bring the completed vehicle bill of sale to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) if the title assignment does not show the date of sale, selling price, and both signatures. The OMV recommends a bill of sale for the parties’ protection.
Louisiana Vehicle Registration
All new or used vehicles must be titled and registered with the OMV. Owners must also notify the office if they donate or trade the vehicle and transfer the title.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You can mail or deliver documents to the OMV. Buyers and sellers can also register vehicles at any local OMV office or a public tag agent location. If you pay by mail, the OMV accepts checks, money orders, and electronic payments. You can make in-person payments via cash, credit or debit card, money order, e-check, or electronically.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
New vehicles require:
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- A completed vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799)
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (a document from the dealer)
- Itemized invoice from the dealer to the purchaser
- Odometer disclosure statement
- UCC-1 form or other security agreement if the lien is to be recorded
- Fee payment, if applicable
Used vehicles require:
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- Vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799)
- Current certificate of title from seller to purchaser, notarized, with released lien if applicable
- Supplemental odometer disclosure statement if not included in the title
- Notarized bill of sale or invoice with the cost of sale or other consideration
- UCC-1 form or other security agreement if the lien is to be recorded
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Louisiana
Whether you write your own or use a template, you must include the following information on every vehicle bill of sale in Louisiana:
- Name and address of the seller
- Name and address of the buyer
- Vehicle description, VIN, make, model, and year
- Odometer reading, or attached Supplemental Odometer Disclosure Statement
- The purchase price or other consideration (i.e., “gift”)
- Signature of the seller
- Notary public seal and signature
The Louisiana vehicle bill of sale has three parts.
Part One: Vehicle Information
This is where you list the make, model, year, style, color, and VIN. The odometer reading goes here (digits only, no tenths) and whether you have filed a registration application before.
Part Two: Party Information
The buyer and seller information goes here. Be sure to print all information in capital letters. You will enter your name, street address, city, and state of the buyer and seller, along with the purchase price. If the transfer is a gift, you must state the relationship between the seller and buyer.
Part Three: Seller’s Statement and Signature
The statement must substantially state, “I declare under penalty of perjury that the statements herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.” The seller must sign and date the bill of sale, and the signature must be notarized.
Free Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
Below is a free printable Louisiana vehicle bill of sale. It is available in both PDF and Word formats.
FAQs
Can I write my own bill of sale in Louisiana?
Yes. A Louisiana bill of sale for a vehicle is valid as long as it contains all of the requirements listed above.
Does a vehicle bill of sale have to be notarized in Louisiana?
Yes, all vehicle bills of sale must be notarized in Louisiana.