Louisiana Bill of Sale Form – Download Free Template

Are you selling or transferring ownership of a car, boat, or other vehicle type in Louisiana? Ensure legal proof of sale and ownership and protect yourself in case of disputes with a free Louisiana Bill of Sale.

What is the Louisiana Bill of Sale?

When buying or selling used cars, a Louisiana motor vehicle bill of sale provides information regarding the purchase and sale of a vehicle between the buyer and seller. It serves as evidence of a transaction in which the vehicle’s ownership changed from one party to another.

Here are some instances where a Louisiana bill of sale is required:

Legal Proof of Ownership Transfer: The bill of sale serves as legal evidence that ownership has been transferred from the seller to the buyer. This helps protect both parties in case of disputes.
Vehicle Registration & Title Transfer: Louisiana law requires a bill of sale when applying for a new title or registering the vehicle with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).
Tax and Financial Record Keeping: It provides proof of the transaction value, which is useful for tax calculations, insurance purposes, and financial records.

Why Do You Need a Louisiana Bill of Sale?

Both buyer and seller should have a copy of the bill of sale in their possession, as it is a solid document to prove the vehicle’s transfer. For the buyer, the bill of sale is used as one of the required documents to title the vehicle on the DMV.

For Seller

Protects from Future Liability: It acts as legal proof that the item was sold, meaning the seller is no longer responsible for any tickets or accidents.
Records Crucial Details: It records key information like the final sale price, the vehicle details, and the identities of both the buyer and the seller.
Assists with Official Processes: It is helpful for tax purposes, registration records, and avoiding disagreements over the vehicle’s ownership or condition.

For Buyers

Confirms Ownership: It serves as legal proof of purchase, documenting the details needed for registration and tax purposes.
Prevents Fraud: It records the agreed sale price and terms, which prevents fraud and confirms what was promised.
Protection Against Disputes: It protects the buyer from future disagreements or hidden liabilities related to the vehicle’s history.

Types of the Louisiana Bill of Sale

Louisiana has a few different types of bills of sale that are used to record the transactions, depending on what is being sold and where the sales took place. The bill of sale is divided into two types: by property and by transaction.

By property type

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: Used for selling cars, trucks, or motorcycles, and must include key details like the VIN, make, model, year, and mileage.
Boat Bill of Sale: Records the transfer of ownership for a boat or other type of vessel.
Aircraft Bill of Sale: Not required by the state, but needed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when selling an aircraft.
Firearm Bill of Sale: Used to document the legal transfer of a gun between private parties or through a dealer.

By transaction type

General Bill of Sale: Covers private sales of everyday personal items that aren’t vehicles, boats, or firearms.
As-Is Bill of Sale: States that the item is sold in its current condition, with no promises or warranties from the seller.
Gift Bill of Sale: Used when an item, often a vehicle, is transferred without payment.
Act of Cash Sale: Records a sale made in exchange for cash payment.
Bill of Sale of a Movable: Refers to the sale of movable property, such as furniture, electronics, or equipment.

What Does the Louisiana Bill of Sale Contain?

A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale documents the transfer of ownership of a vehicle and generally includes details like:

How to Register a Vehicle in Louisiana

To register your vehicle in Louisiana, you must complete an inspection and secure insurance before visiting an Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). It is recommended to have cash ready to pay the required fees.

Before You Go to the OMV

Secure Insurance: Obtain valid Louisiana liability insurance for the vehicle.
Pass Inspection: Get your vehicle inspected at an authorised location to receive a passing inspection sticker or pass sheet.
Get the Title: Obtain the vehicle’s title from the seller, ensuring it is properly signed and assigned to you.
Complete the Application: Fill out the Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799). If you are a new resident, make sure to complete the “Out of State Declaration” section.

What to Bring to the OMV

You must present all of the following documents:

Completed Application: The signed Form DPSMV 1799.
Driver’s License: Your Louisiana driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID.
Proof of Ownership: The vehicle’s title and/or a bill of sale.
Proof of Insurance: A valid Louisiana insurance card or electronic verification.
Inspection Pass Sheet: Proof that the vehicle has passed inspection.
Payment: Cash is often recommended to avoid potential extra charges on cards.

What Happens at the OMV

Processing: The OMV processes your paperwork, including the out-of-state title if you are a new resident.
Fees and Taxes: You will pay the necessary registration fees, any applicable sales tax, and a road use tax (for new residents).
Issuance: You will be issued license plates or a temporary plate. Your new vehicle title in your name will be mailed to you later.

Louisiana VIN Check – Verify Vehicle History Before You Buy

Plan to buy a used vehicle? Be sure to check the VIN and get the report before you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the specifications and the records, like auction, recalls, past usage, and more.

Mileage History

Title Brand

Ownership History

Warranty Status

Sales History

Salvage Title

Usage History

Repair Cost

Auction History

Hail Damage

Ownership Duration

Recalls History

Accident History

Flood Damage

Lien & Loans

Maintenance Schedule

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Louisiana Bill of Sale FAQs

Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, a bill of sale for a vehicle transfer must be notarized to ensure the document’s authenticity and compliance with state laws.

How to get a title for a car with a bill of sale in Louisiana?

To obtain a Louisiana car title with a bill of sale:

Gather the original title (signed by the seller), a notarized bill of sale, a completed application for a certificate of title (Form DPSMV 1799), proof of insurance, and valid identification for both the buyer and seller.
Submit these documents and pay the required fees at your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Can you register a car with a bill of sale and no title in Louisiana?

No, you cannot register a car in Louisiana with just a bill of sale and without a title; a valid title is required to prove ownership and complete the registration process.

Do the Iowa bill of sale need to be notarized?

No, an Iowa bill of sale usually doesn’t need to be notarised. However, it must clearly include key details about the vehicle and the sale for it to be considered valid.

Notarization may only be required in special situations, such as when there are mistakes, missing details, or concerns about the authenticity of the documents.