FAQs
What do I need to register a new, previously unregistered vehicle?
- Manufacturer’s statement of origin, assigned before a notary by the licensed dealer to the applicant
- If the dealer selling the vehicle is located in a state that does not require notarization, the file will be accepted without the MSO or invoice being notarized
- Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, showing complete description (make, year, model, and vehicle identification number) of the vehicle sold, vehicle traded-in (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number
- The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted
- A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
- Properly completed and signed odometer disclosure statement
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
What do I need to register a vehicle with a Louisiana title?
- “Current” certificate of title assigned before a notary by seller to purchaser, with the properly released lien, if applicable
- If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
- Act of Donation must be notarized
- Original notarized bill of sale or invoice specifying the actual consideration involved and full description of vehicle. If an invoice from a dealer is submitted, the full description of the trade-in vehicle (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number. A separate bill of sale is not required if the selling price is included on a title with a notarized assignment.
- The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted.
- A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement) or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- Proof of liability insurance coverage as required by law, unless the vehicle was purchased from a dealer
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued; however, a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
What do I need to register a vehicle with an out-of-state title?
Same requirements as listed above plus the following documentation:
- If the documents were notarized out of state, the file will be accepted, since it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title is not a resident of Louisiana. Several states do not require notarization of all or some title transfer documents. If an unnotarized bill of sale is received, but the assignment of title from the registered owner is notarized out of state, this will suffice as proof of non-residency of the seller. If neither the bill of sale nor assignment of the title is notarized, a notarized affidavit is required from the registered owner indicating that he is not a resident of Louisiana. The affidavit MUST include the out-of-state address. If the documents submitted were notarized in Louisiana, it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title has become a resident of Louisiana and must pay use tax. A “double transfer” will be processed and taxes are due on both transactions. An affidavit of non-residency or a copy of the seller’s out-of-state driver’s license/identification card will be accepted as proof of residency.
Exemptions from this procedure will be acceptable if:
- The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title provides a notarized affidavit of non-residency in Louisiana and states his true out-of-state address; or
- The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title presents his out-of-state driver’s license
- An international driver’s license shall not be accepted as proof of out-of-state residency
- If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the out-of-state title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
- An out-of-state title indicating alternate ownership may be transferred with one of the titled owner’s signatures if only one signature is required by that jurisdiction
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
- An out-of-state title with the brand of “Bonded Title” or “Bonded Vehicle Title” cannot be accepted for any type of title in this state
- Any person who is a new resident of Louisiana shall apply for a title and/or registration for each motor vehicle he owns and operates on the public streets of Louisiana within thirty days of the date he establishes residency. The date a person establishes residency shall be the date he/she is issued a Louisiana driver’s license.
I moved to Louisiana and need to register my car. Help!
- Vehicles transferred to Louisiana from another state are subject to the payment of road use tax
- Road use tax due is based upon loan value of the vehicle listed in the NADA Official Used Car Guide book, or average trade-in listed on the electronic (internet) NADA. Road use tax differs from sales tax in that sales tax is assessed on the sales price of the vehicle.
- Newer model vehicles, not indicated in the NADA guide, should be assessed road use tax based on the original invoice price less 15% to determine the current taxable value
- The tax rate to be assessed is determined by the parish/municipality tax rate for the location in which the vehicle is domiciled
To transfer a vehicle to Louisiana which has already been registered in the applicant’s name in another state, the following documents must be submitted:
- The original out-of-state certificate of title. If the original certificate of title is being held by a lienholder, a copy of the title or a vehicle registration indicating the lienholder’s information must be presented with the file.
- Proof of current liability insurance. The insurance company must be authorized to do business in Louisiana.
I bought a car from a dealer in another state and they made me pay taxes! Help!
Applicants who purchase a vehicle out of state and pay use or sales tax to that state are allowed credit against the state and local use taxes imposed in Louisiana for the full rate of sales or use tax paid in the other state.
The following documents are required:
- MSO or out-of-state title properly assigned (and notarized, if applicable) to the applicant
- Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, inclusive of a complete description of the vehicle (make, year, model, body style and vehicle identification number)
- Properly completed odometer disclosure statement
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012 must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state.
What do I need to sell my car?
To ensure that the vehicle is completely transferred out of your name, the Certificate of Title must be assigned to the new buyer in front of a notary. We will prepare a bill of sale or Act of Donation and provide copies for your files. We can also put a comment on the vehicle record showing that the car has been transferred. Before you cancel your insurance, you must cancel your license plate; otherwise, you can be fined for having an “active” license plate without insurance.
How do I buy a car without a notary present?
The certificate of title must be executed by the seller in the presence of a notary public or two witnesses. If executed in the presence of two witnesses, the Acknowledgment of Witness must be signed by one of the witnesses in the presence of a notary public.
I lost my title! Can I get another one?
A duplicate title can be issued when the original has been mutilated, lost, destroyed, or never received. Only the registered owner, the registered owner’s agent, or lienholder can apply for a duplicate title. Proof of lien satisfaction must be provided, if applicable.
What do I need to register a new, previously unregistered vehicle?
- Manufacturer’s statement of origin, assigned before a notary by the licensed dealer to the applicant
- If the dealer selling the vehicle is located in a state that does not require notarization, the file will be accepted without the MSO or invoice being notarized
- Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, showing complete description (make, year, model, and vehicle identification number) of the vehicle sold, vehicle traded-in (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number
- The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted
- A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
- Properly completed and signed odometer disclosure statement
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
What do I need to register a vehicle with a Louisiana title?
- “Current” certificate of title assigned before a notary by seller to purchaser, with the properly released lien, if applicable
- If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
- Act of Donation must be notarized
- Original notarized bill of sale or invoice specifying the actual consideration involved and full description of vehicle. If an invoice from a dealer is submitted, the full description of the trade-in vehicle (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number. A separate bill of sale is not required if the selling price is included on a title with a notarized assignment.
- The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted.
- A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement) or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- Proof of liability insurance coverage as required by law, unless the vehicle was purchased from a dealer
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued; however, a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
What do I need to register a vehicle with an out-of-state title?
Same requirements as listed above plus the following documentation:
- If the documents were notarized out of state, the file will be accepted, since it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title is not a resident of Louisiana. Several states do not require notarization of all or some title transfer documents. If an unnotarized bill of sale is received, but the assignment of title from the registered owner is notarized out of state, this will suffice as proof of non-residency of the seller. If neither the bill of sale nor assignment of the title is notarized, a notarized affidavit is required from the registered owner indicating that he is not a resident of Louisiana. The affidavit MUST include the out-of-state address. If the documents submitted were notarized in Louisiana, it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title has become a resident of Louisiana and must pay use tax. A “double transfer” will be processed and taxes are due on both transactions. An affidavit of non-residency or a copy of the seller’s out-of-state driver’s license/identification card will be accepted as proof of residency.
Exemptions from this procedure will be acceptable if:
- The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title provides a notarized affidavit of non-residency in Louisiana and states his true out-of-state address; or
- The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title presents his out-of-state driver’s license
- An international driver’s license shall not be accepted as proof of out-of-state residency
- If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the out-of-state title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
- An out-of-state title indicating alternate ownership may be transferred with one of the titled owner’s signatures if only one signature is required by that jurisdiction
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
- An out-of-state title with the brand of “Bonded Title” or “Bonded Vehicle Title” cannot be accepted for any type of title in this state
- Any person who is a new resident of Louisiana shall apply for a title and/or registration for each motor vehicle he owns and operates on the public streets of Louisiana within thirty days of the date he establishes residency. The date a person establishes residency shall be the date he/she is issued a Louisiana driver’s license.
I moved to Louisiana and need to register my car. Help!
- Vehicles transferred to Louisiana from another state are subject to the payment of road use tax
- Road use tax due is based upon loan value of the vehicle listed in the NADA Official Used Car Guide book, or average trade-in listed on the electronic (internet) NADA. Road use tax differs from sales tax in that sales tax is assessed on the sales price of the vehicle.
- Newer model vehicles, not indicated in the NADA guide, should be assessed road use tax based on the original invoice price less 15% to determine the current taxable value
- The tax rate to be assessed is determined by the parish/municipality tax rate for the location in which the vehicle is domiciled
To transfer a vehicle to Louisiana which has already been registered in the applicant’s name in another state, the following documents must be submitted:
- The original out-of-state certificate of title. If the original certificate of title is being held by a lienholder, a copy of the title or a vehicle registration indicating the lienholder’s information must be presented with the file.
- Proof of current liability insurance. The insurance company must be authorized to do business in Louisiana.
I bought a car from a dealer in another state and they made me pay taxes! Help!
Applicants who purchase a vehicle out of state and pay use or sales tax to that state are allowed credit against the state and local use taxes imposed in Louisiana for the full rate of sales or use tax paid in the other state.
The following documents are required:
- MSO or out-of-state title properly assigned (and notarized, if applicable) to the applicant
- Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, inclusive of a complete description of the vehicle (make, year, model, body style and vehicle identification number)
- Properly completed odometer disclosure statement
- Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012 must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state.
What do I need to sell my car?
To ensure that the vehicle is completely transferred out of your name, the Certificate of Title must be assigned to the new buyer in front of a notary. We will prepare a bill of sale or Act of Donation and provide copies for your files. We can also put a comment on the vehicle record showing that the car has been transferred. Before you cancel your insurance, you must cancel your license plate; otherwise, you can be fined for having an “active” license plate without insurance.
How do I buy a car without a notary present?
The certificate of title must be executed by the seller in the presence of a notary public or two witnesses. If executed in the presence of two witnesses, the Acknowledgment of Witness must be signed by one of the witnesses in the presence of a notary public.
I lost my title! Can I get another one?
A duplicate title can be issued when the original has been mutilated, lost, destroyed, or never received. Only the registered owner, the registered owner’s agent, or lienholder can apply for a duplicate title. Proof of lien satisfaction must be provided, if applicable.