Buying or selling a car in Louisiana seems easy until the paperwork starts. You can move the file fast with the right forms, fees, and a clean checklist. Use this guide to prevent penalties and rejected packets.
Private buyers must file and pay tax within 40 days of the sale date. The OMV’s application also repeats the same clock on DPSMV 1799.
| Item | What It Is | Amount or Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | State fee to issue a new title | $68.50 | OMV Fee Schedule |
| Handling fee | OMV service fee on title work | $8.00 | OMV Handling Fees |
| State sales tax | State portion of tax on the sale | 5% | LDR Sales Tax Rate |
| Local sales tax | Parish or city add-on tax | Varies by parish | Parish Rate Report |
| Odometer rule | Disclosure period | 20 years for 2011 and newer | NHTSA Odometer Guidance |
What Buyers Need to Bring
- Vehicle title with seller’s assignment complete. Louisiana titles include sections for buyer, price, date, and odometer. Follow the form language and notarize when required.
- Bill of sale that matches the title. Sales tax uses the selling price shown on the title or bill of sale under Policy 47.00 Sales Tax on Vehicle Transfers.
- Completed DPSMV 1799. OMV requires this application with every title file, as per Policy 2.03, Completion of Vehicle Application.
- Proof of insurance before registration. The application notes that liability insurance must be on file to process the title on DPSMV 1799.
- Valid ID for each owner. OMV policies describe ID and file requirements in Policy 2.00 Basic Requirements.
- Odometer disclosure if not exempt. Vehicles 2011 and newer require disclosure for 20 years.
- Lien release if a lien shows on the title. If recording a new lien, include the security agreement and any mortgage fee listed in the OMV Fee Schedule.
What Sellers Must Do
- Sign the title to the buyer and complete the odometer section when required. Use black ink. Avoid cross-outs.
- Provide a bill of sale that matches the title. Keep a copy for your records.
- Remove your license plate before the buyer leaves. The seller keeps plates in Louisiana.
- Protect yourself by filing the Notice of Vehicle Transfer online, so your record accurately reflects the sale.
- Cancel or change your insurance after the sale clears.
How Much the Transfer Costs
Expect a title fee of $68.50 and a handling fee of $8.00 on each title transaction. The state sales tax rate is 5%, and local rates vary by parish as shown in the Parish Rate Report. Registration fees and plate costs depend on the vehicle and plate type.
Timelines That Matter
- Buyers must file and pay tax within 40 days from the sale date to avoid penalty and interest.
- Dealers must apply for the title within 20 days. After 40 days from the sale date, penalty and interest begin to accrue.
Step by Step: Transfer a Louisiana Title in a Private Sale
- Agree on the price and confirm the VIN on the title and the car. Compare the odometer reading.
- Have the seller sign the title to the buyer. If a lien appears, collect a lien release from the lender.
- Prepare a bill of sale that matches the title. Keep names, VINs, prices, and dates consistent.
- Collect the buyer’s ID and insurance details so that registration can proceed.
- Complete DPSMV 1799 and gather fees and taxes. Follow Policy 47.00 Sales Tax on Vehicle Transfers for tax rules and domicile guidance.
- Submit the file to OMV or a Public Tag Agent within 40 days. Keep all receipts.
- Receive registration and plate after insurance verification. The title arrives by mail after processing.
Common Mistakes That Trigger Delays
- Missing odometer disclosure on a 2011 or newer model. The federal rule sets the window at 20 years.
- Struck through price or VIN on the title. Use clean, complete entries that match the bill of sale.
- Wrong tax location. Louisiana calculates tax at the buyer’s domicile under Policy 47.00 Sales Tax on Vehicle Transfers.
- No lien release. OMV will not issue a clear title until the prior lien is satisfied per the OMV Fee Schedule and related title policies.
- Late filing past 40 days. Penalty and interest accrue as noted in Use Tax and Penalty Guidance.
How Title Authority LLC Saves You Time
Title Authority LLC builds clean packets that pass on the first review. The team prepares DPSMV 1799, verifies IDs, gathers lien releases, balances taxes and fees, and submits through the right channel. You spend less time waiting and avoid repeat visits.
We prefer in-person help in St. Tammany Parish. Visit
73015 Highway 25, Covington, LA 70435, or call (985) 807-3855 for a same-day appointment.
Buyer Checklist
- Signed the Louisiana title with seller assignment complete
- Bill of sale with matching details
- DPSMV 1799
- Proof of insurance
- Valid ID
- Funds for fees and taxes
- Lien release or security agreement if needed
Seller Checklist
- Correct signatures on the title and the odometer section
- Bill of sale copy saved
- Plates removed before the car leaves
- Notice of Vehicle Transfer filed online
- Insurance canceled after the sale clears
Ready to Skip Rejections and Late Fees
Book an appointment with Title Authority LLC to transfer your title without errors or delays. Save time and meet the 40-day clock. Fill out the form below to request an appointment now or call (985) 807-3855.
