Louisiana
Title Fee
$68.50
Sales Tax Rate
4.45%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Louisiana?
All motor vehicles, ORVs, UTVs, golf carts, and trailers must be titled.
Boats/motors with a lien or previously titled in another state must be titled.
Exempt: Mopeds ≤1.5 hp and ≤25 mph, snowmobiles, farm/husbandry implements, heavy road/oilfield machinery, and manufactured/factory-built homes classified as immovable.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), Baton Rouge, branch office, or public tag agency.
Application: Vehicle Application (1799); boats via Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Fee: $68.50 + $8.00 handling fee (additional service fees at some locations; expedited title: +$10.00 for dealers).
Boats: $26.00 title fee, +$10.00 per lien.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin + dealer’s invoice.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title; notarized bill of sale/invoice if assignment is incomplete.
Non-title states: Registration certificate.
Government surplus: SF97-1 + notarized bill of sale with odometer.
Foreign vehicles: Ownership docs, EPA 3520-1, NHTSA HS-7 (stamped), CBP forms, English translation if needed.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Brands: Assembled, Duplicate, Hail Damaged, Justice of Peace, Not Actual Mileage, Reconstructed, Salvage, Water Damaged, Unrecovered Theft. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required if total loss (≥75% of value); hail damage gets branded title. Salvage title must be applied for within 30 days of loss settlement.
Rebuilt: Submit salvage title, law enforcement inspection, bill of sale, Application for Salvage-Reconstructed Motor Vehicle (1637), parts list, receipts, and fees.
Junk: Vehicle with FMV ≤$500 and not restorable may be junked.
Certificate of Destruction: For vehicles ≤20,000 lbs. with flood damage from a declared disaster.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Notarized Vehicle Application (1799) + Duplicate Title Affidavit and copy of registration; $68.50 + $8.00 handling fee (boats: $23.00).
Expedited: +$10.00 at participating tag agencies.
Amended: Submit current title + supporting docs.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required on transfer (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for discrepancies, reconstructed vehicles, foreign vehicles, or court orders.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for notarized affidavits and documents (must include notary’s e-seal, party signature, and RON declaration); not for titles, MSO/MCOs, odometer statements, or bills of sale.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 4.45% state + parish/municipal tax, based on selling price or taxable value (by domicile).Trade-in credit allowed (if titled in seller’s name).
Nonresidents registering out of state are exempt.
Credit up to 4.45% for similar tax paid to another state (with reciprocity).
Road use tax: Imposed on vehicles imported from another jurisdiction (based on loan or trade-in value).
Exemptions: Certain trucks/trailers used ≥80% in interstate commerce, tribal mobile home purchases, farm equipment, gifts to family, insurance/junk claims, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Property Tax: None, except in Orleans Parish.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Submit UCC1 Financing Statement, security agreement, or chattel mortgage with Vehicle Application (1799) and title; $15.00 for UCC, $10.00 for others (plus title fee).
Lien is perfected on date OMV receives financing statement.
For second lien, first lienholder must surrender title for update.
How are liens released or assigned?
Release on title or via satisfaction letter (must be on company letterhead or notarized).
Assignment: Submit title, copy of lien document, application, and recordation fees.
How does repossession work in Louisiana?
Secured party may repossess only after debtor’s abandonment, surrender, consent, or judicial process.
Lienholder with recorded lien may sell repossessed vehicle without new title; must provide title, affidavit of repossession, and notarized bill of sale to purchaser.
Out-of-state repossessions must follow LA guidelines; out-of-state titles require contract copy.
Other notes:
Storage/mechanic’s liens require certified mail notice, final notice, permit to sell, and public sale.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program available; releases/updates are electronic.
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
PO Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4886
225.925.6146
Enforcement Agency:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles7979 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
PO Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4886
225.925.6146
Louisiana OMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Louisiana State Police: 7919 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.925.6006
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $15,000/$30,000/$25,000 minimum (higher for heavier vehicles).
Proof of insurance required at registration and in vehicle.
Emission inspection required in five parishes (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, West Baton Rouge); annual/biennial safety inspection required statewide.
One plate issued (truck/trailer plates may transfer); plates may be cancelled online.
Title records kept 7 years; registration records up to 3 years.