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State guide

Selling a car privately in Louisiana

Everything you need to complete a legal private vehicle sale in Louisiana — title transfer steps, required forms, fees, and official DMV links.

Key note: Louisiana requires a notarized act of sale — this is mandatory, not optional. A notary must sign the bill of sale for the transfer to be legal. Combined tax rates can exceed 11%.

Step-by-step title transfer guide

  1. 1

    Gather required documents

    Before listing your car, locate the original title (lien-free), your government-issued ID, and any maintenance records. In Louisiana you'll also need an odometer disclosure statement and access to a notary public.

  2. 2

    Agree on price and conduct a test drive

    Research comparable listings on CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to price competitively. Meet in a public place for the test drive. Bring a friend if possible. Verify the buyer has a valid driver's license before handing over the keys.

    Protect yourself with a vehicle history report

    Buyers expect it. Sellers who provide a CARFAX report close deals faster and at higher prices.

    Get CARFAX Report →~$40 · 30-day cookie · recommended for all private sales
  3. 3

    Complete the title transfer (notary required)

    Louisiana requires that the seller's signature on the title be notarized. Both you and the buyer must sign the back of the title in the presence of a notary public. Do not sign the title before meeting with the notary.

  4. 4

    Complete the bill of sale

    Louisiana requires a bill of sale documenting the transaction. Include seller name, buyer name, vehicle year/make/model/VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. Use our free generator above or print two copies — one for each party.

  5. 5

    Collect payment safely

    For amounts under $5,000, cash is fine. For larger transactions, use a cashier's check from a major bank or a bank wire transfer. Verify any check at the issuing bank before releasing the vehicle. Never accept personal checks from strangers.

    Selling for $5,000+? Use a secure payment service

    Escrow.com holds the buyer's funds until the title is transferred — eliminating payment scams.

    Use Escrow.com →~0.89% fee · recommended for high-value transactions
  6. 6

    Notify the Louisiana DMV and cancel your insurance

    Report the sale to the Louisiana DMV to protect yourself from liability after the transfer. Remove your license plates (unless transferring them) and cancel or transfer your insurance. Keep copies of all paperwork for at least 1 year.

  7. 7

    Buyer registers within 40 days

    The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle at the Louisiana DMV within 40 days of the sale date. They will pay the 4.45% state (+ local) sales tax and the $68.50 title fee at that time.

Required forms & documents

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Vehicle title (signed)

The original title in your name, signed on the back

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Bill of sale

Use our free generator

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Odometer disclosure

For vehicles under 10 years old

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Photo ID

Government-issued ID for both parties

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Notary public

Required for title signature in Louisiana

Transfer your warranty to the buyer

A transferable extended warranty increases buyer confidence and can add $500–$2,000 to your sale price.

Check warranty options →Transferable coverage · improves sale price

Louisiana bill of sale (required)

Louisiana requires a bill of sale for private vehicle transactions. Use our free generator or download the official form.

Generate bill of sale →

Official Louisiana DMV resources

Louisiana DMV — Vehicle Title Transfer

https://www.expresslane.org/

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Frequently asked questions — Louisiana

Do I need a notary to sell my car in Louisiana?+
Yes — Louisiana requires a notary public to witness the seller's signature on the title. Do not sign the title before appearing before a notary.
Is a bill of sale required in Louisiana?+
Yes, a bill of sale is required for private vehicle sales in Louisiana. Use our free generator or create your own including all required fields.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Louisiana?+
The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle within 40 days of the sale date in Louisiana. Late registration typically results in penalty fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Louisiana?+
The title transfer fee in Louisiana is $68.50. Additional fees such as registration, county surcharges, or processing fees may apply when the buyer visits the DMV.
Is there sales tax on a private car sale in Louisiana?+
Yes. The buyer pays 4.45% state (+ local) sales tax when registering the vehicle at the Louisiana DMV. This is collected at the time of title transfer, not at the point of sale.