Louisiana Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Louisiana vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
PO Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4886
225.925.6146
Title & Proof of Ownership
All motor vehicles, ORVs, UTVs, golf carts, and trailers must be titled. Boats and motors with a lien or titled in another state must be titled. Mopeds 1.5 hp or less with a max speed of 25 mph, snowmobiles, farm or husbandry implements, and heavy machinery used in road construction or oil fields are exempt. Manufactured homes are titled — one title issued for each unit. Manufactured homes or factory-built homes classified as immovable are exempt from titling.
Application for Title
Application for Title — Vehicle Application (1799) may be mailed to the Office of Motor Vehicles in Baton Rouge or made to any branch office or public tag agency. Valid photo identification required. Title fee $68.50 plus $8.00 handling fee. An additional service fee of up to $6.00 is charged in some OMV offices. A transaction fee applies to credit/debit/e-check payments. Allow 7–10 business days to receive title upon application.
Expedited titles may be requested at participating tag agencies by dealers licensed by the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission or the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission for an additional $10.00 fee.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $68.50 |
| Handling Fee | $8.00 |
| Service Fee (some OMV offices) | Up to $6.00 |
| Expedited Title (dealer only) | +$10.00 |
| Duplicate/Amended Title | $68.50 + $8.00 |
| Boat/Motor Title (Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries) | $26.00 + $10.00/lien |
Boats and motors are titled through the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A Statement of Utility Terrain Vehicles must be submitted when titling UTVs. A Statement of Golf Carts must be submitted when titling golf carts.
Electronic Signatures
Notarized affidavits and/or documents electronically signed and completed remotely will be accepted as part of the vehicle transfer but must include the notary's electronic seal/signature and ID, applicable party's electronic signature, and a declaration that the form was completed via Remote Online Notary. Remote online notarization cannot be completed on titles, MSO/MCOs, odometer statements, or bills of sale.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin and Dealer's Invoice.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title. A notarized bill of sale or invoice is required if title assignment does not include date of sale, selling price, and buyer/seller signatures. A bill of sale or statement of ownership is required if title has not been previously issued in Louisiana.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Registration certificate.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1) and a notarized bill of sale including odometer reading.
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus Federal Air Pollution Regulations Declaration (EPA 3520-1), Federal Motor Vehicle Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards Declaration (NHTSA HS-7) stamped "Released by Customs", and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form (CBP 368, 3299, 3311, 3461, 6059B, 7501, or 7523). Military Registration and Certificate of Title of Motor Vehicle (DD 430) is accepted from military personnel. English translation required for documents written in a foreign language.
Surrender of Proof of Ownership: Required. Documents are not returned to issuing state; however, state is notified. Louisiana provides data to and inquiries NMVTIS prior to issuing titles.
Special Titles: None.
Odometer Disclosure Statement
Required upon transfer of ownership. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt. An Odometer Disclosure Statement (1606) must be completed when a non-conforming title is submitted.
VIN Inspection
Required when there is a VIN discrepancy, on reconstructed vehicles, on foreign vehicles, and for justice of the peace court orders. Inspections must be performed by full-time POST certified law enforcement officers. Homemade boats and boats with an illegible or incorrect VIN must have a HIN inspection. An Affidavit for Boat Inspection is required with a fee of $25.00 for a HIN inspection.
Title Brands
Brands are printed on bottom left side of the Louisiana title. Brands from out-of-state are forwarded onto Louisiana titles.
Stolen Vehicle
Vehicles that were stolen and never recovered may be titled in the name of the insurer upon settlement with the owner. An unrecovered theft title can only be issued to vehicles reported as stolen through the NCIC. The current title assigned to the insurer must be submitted to the Specialized Vehicle Unit with a proof of loss statement. Any liens recorded on the title must be released. The vehicle registration will be suspended until the OMV is notified in writing of the recovery.
Salvage Vehicle
A vehicle that has been declared a total loss in an insurance settlement. Total loss means motor vehicle has sustained damages equivalent to 75% or more of the market value; however, damages caused by hail shall not be deemed a total loss but will be issued a branded title indicating hail damage. Salvage title must be applied for within 30 days from the settlement of a total loss claim.
Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle
When salvage vehicle has been rebuilt, vehicle may be retitled upon submission of the salvage title, an Affidavit of Physical Inspection completed by a law enforcement officer, a bill of sale, an Application for a Salvage-Reconstructed Motor Vehicle (1637), a Reconstructed Parts List (1635), receipts for all major component parts, a Vehicle Application (1799), plus applicable fees and taxes.
Junked Vehicle
A vehicle that cannot be profitably restored and has a fair market value of $500.00 or less may be junked.
Certificate of Destruction
Issued for motor vehicles 20,000 lbs. gross weight or less, whose power train, computer, or electrical system has been damaged by flooding due to a gubernatorial declared disaster and has been declared a total loss. The insurer must apply within 30 days. An application for title to a water-damaged vehicle previously titled or registered outside Louisiana will be denied; however, a certificate of destruction may be issued.
Abandoned Vehicle
May be sold or disposed of if not claimed and all charges paid by the owner within three months of notification. Title may be obtained upon submission of certified letters, postal receipts, a copy of an appraisal, proof of advertisement for sale, a notarized bill of sale from the municipality, an affidavit of physical inspection by a POST certified law enforcement officer, a Vehicle Application (1799), and applicable fees.
Title Only
Issued.
Duplicate / Amended Title
A notarized Vehicle Application (1799) must be submitted by the titled owner with the Duplicate Title Affidavit section completed and a copy of the registration. Valid photo identification required. Fee $68.50 plus $8.00 handling fee. An additional service fee of up to $6.00 is charged in some OMV offices. Allow 7–10 business days. For boats/motors, a Boat Registration/Boat & Motor Title Application is submitted with a $23.00 fee.
Lien Law
Liens are filed upon submission of a UCC1 Financing Statement, security agreement, or chattel mortgage along with the Vehicle Application (1799) and properly assigned title, if previously issued. Title fee applies plus $15.00 recordation fee for UCC; $10.00 for all others. The lien is perfected as of the date the financing statement is received by the OMV. Liens are shown on the title and registration. To add a second lienholder, the first lienholder must surrender the title to have the second lien perfected on the title.
Lien Expiration
Liens are valid until a release is submitted.
Responsible Party for Filing Lien
The dealer is responsible for filing a lien on a vehicle purchased through their dealership; however, the lienholder has the ultimate responsibility to make sure their lien is filed.
Assignment of Lien
Lienholder must submit the title and a copy of the lien document along with Vehicle Application (1799) and recordation fees.
Storage / Mechanic Lien
A Permit to Sell allows for the sale of a vehicle that was placed in storage or left in a repair facility and subsequently abandoned by the owner. The licensed storage and/or repair facility must notify the owner and lienholder, by certified mail, of all charges against the vehicle. If not claimed within 15 days of final notice, a Permit to Sell may be issued.
Release of Lien
Liens may be released on title. If title is lost or lien has not been properly released on the title, a satisfaction of lien may be executed by the lienholder on company letterhead or the original note marked paid or cancelled signed by the lienholder is required. Title fees apply. If the satisfaction of lien is not on company letterhead, it must be notarized.
Lien Records on File
Central Office of the OMV.
Electronic Lien & Title (ELT) Program
All documentation and applicable fees/taxes required to generate a paper title will be required for an electronic lien (paperless) title. Lienholders are assigned an ELT code. Perfection and release of liens are electronically transmitted to and from participating lienholders via public tag agents. Once lien has been satisfied, a clear title is printed and mailed. A list of participating public tag agents is available online.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by notarized assignment of the title. If the title is not notarized, a notarized bill of sale is required. The purchaser must apply for title within forty days of receipt of the title from the seller, or within forty days of delivery of the vehicle, if a title has not been previously issued. Any person transferring a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer must notify the OMV of the transfer within 15 days. This may be done online or a Notice of Transfer of Vehicle (1697) may be submitted. Dealers must submit a Monthly Report of Vehicles Sold or Leased (1716) for all sales and leases.
Add/Remove an Owner
Same procedures are followed as any other transfer, including forms, fees, and taxes. New registration is issued; however, some plates may be transferred.
Damage Disclosure
The Disclosure of Salvaged/Reconstructed/Water Damaged/Hail-Damaged section of the Vehicle Application (1799) must be completed when transferring these types of vehicles. Both the seller and buyer must sign the disclosure. When a new motor vehicle is sold, the seller must notify the purchaser in writing of any body or mechanical damage which the vehicle has sustained that exceeds 6.0% of the MSRP.
Joint Ownership
Names are joined by the conjunction "and." Both signatures are required to transfer ownership. Titles are not issued with the conjunctions "or" or "and/or."
Notarization on Title
Required. All vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealers in non-notary states are exempt from notarization. Seller's signature is not required to be notarized when transferring ownership to an insurance company or to/from a Louisiana licensed dealer.
Deceased Owner
If a succession has been opened through the courts, a certified copy of the final judgment of possession is required. If a small succession has been filed, a validated Affidavit of Small Succession must be submitted. If there is no succession, an Affidavit of Heirship (1696) must be submitted with a copy of the death certificate. If the decedent died testate, a copy of the Will or a notarized statement of its contents is required.
If the owner of a boat is deceased, a Judgement of Possession awarding the boat to the heir(s) must be submitted with the title. If there is no succession, an Affidavit for Transfer of Decedent's Boat must be submitted with a copy of the death certificate.
Transfer on Death (TOD)
There is no procedure for adding a beneficiary to a Louisiana title.
Power of Attorney
Dealers may obtain Secure Power of Attorney forms upon submission of an Application for Secure Power of Attorney (4254) and a fee of $5.00 per set of 10, plus an $8.00 handling fee. A notarized POA may be used to appoint an agent to act on behalf of the owner. A Permission to Process Transaction (1806) may be used to allow an agent to process a renewal or replacement plate, obtain a duplicate registration, process a transfer of ownership, or surrender a license plate.
Limited Assignment Space
When an out-of-state title has no further assignment space available, the applicant must present a notarized bill of sale. (A dealer's reassignment form is required when vehicle sold by dealer.) When a Louisiana title has no further assignment space available, dealers may use a Certificate of Title Extension form.
Repossession
After default in the terms of a security agreement, the secured party may take possession of the vehicle only after the debtor's abandonment or surrender of the vehicle to the lienholder, or with the debtor's consent, or through judicial process. Any lienholder with a recorded lien on a Louisiana title who acquires a vehicle by repossession is not required to file a Vehicle Application. Lienholders may sell repossessed vehicles without obtaining a Dealer's Permit. The lienholder must provide the title, an affidavit of repossession, and a notarized bill of sale to the purchaser.
Out-of-State Repossession
Above information also applies to out-of-state repossessions of Louisiana-titled vehicles. Vehicles titled in other states must obtain a title in the debtor's state of origin. A notarized copy of contract is required from out-of-state lienholders.
Registration
All vehicles operated upon the highways must be registered. All motorized watercraft, including sailboats 12 feet in length or longer and nonmotorized houseboats, are registered. Farm or husbandry implements, heavy machinery used in road construction or oil fields, and tow dollies are exempt. ORVs are issued a decal. Manufactured homes may be registered annually.
Application for Registration
Submitted to the Office of Motor Vehicles, any branch office, or public tag agency located throughout Louisiana. Applicant need not apply in the parish of residence. Registration certificate must be carried in the vehicle. New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. For on-road use of military surplus vehicles, a Military Surplus License Plate Applicant Certification (1819) is required. Watercraft are registered through the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Nonresidents
Nonresidents may operate a vehicle with valid registration from home state for a period not to exceed 90 days. Nonresident vessels may be operated in Louisiana with a valid out-of-state registration for up to 90 consecutive days on Louisiana waters.
Planned Non-Operation
Vehicles are subject to continuous registration in Louisiana unless a Statement of Non-Use (3002) is submitted. This may also be done online. Non-use affidavit must be submitted on or prior to the date of cancellation of an insurance policy.
Expiration
Plates
One plate issued. Plates may be cancelled online. Truck and trailer plates may stay with the vehicle and transferred to new owner. Special prestige plates remain with the owner. Dealers must submit a Monthly Report of Louisiana License Plates Removed by Dealers (4251).
Military Registration
Nonresident military personnel stationed in Louisiana may title and register their vehicles in Louisiana without payment of use tax, provided sales tax was collected at time vehicle was purchased in another state. Vehicles registered to active-duty military personnel are exempt from payment of sales tax, unless vehicle is a commercial vehicle. Military personnel separated from active duty may operate a vehicle in Louisiana without obtaining Louisiana registration or paying sales or use tax for up to 90 days following separation.
Special Permits
| Permit Type | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Registration Plates (T-Markers) | 60 days | Dealer-issued |
| 30-Day In-Transit Permits | 30 days | $13.50 |
| 48-Hour Trip Permits | 48 hours | $50.00 |
| Unladen Permits (power unit and trailer) | 30 days | Non-transferable |
Taxes
Sales / Use Tax
4.45%
State Sales/Use Tax
+ Local
Municipality / Parish Tax
40 Days
Tax Remittance Deadline
State Sales/Use Tax
4.45% plus municipality and/or parish tax based on selling price or current taxable value. Tax rate is based on the domicile of the purchaser. Credit is allowed for trade-in if titled in the seller's name. Nonresidents who purchase a vehicle in Louisiana for registration in home state are exempt. Residents are allowed credit up to 4.45% for similar tax paid in another state if that state grants a similar credit to Louisiana residents.
Road Use Tax
Road use tax is imposed on all vehicles imported into Louisiana from another jurisdiction for use on the highways. Tax is based on the loan value or average trade-in value of the vehicle, rather than the sales price. Credit is allowed for state and local use tax paid to the other state.
Interstate Commerce Exemption
The purchase or lease of certain trucks 26,000 lbs. GVWR or more and trailers used in combination that are used at least 80% or more in interstate commerce may be exempt from sales tax. (The 80% interstate mileage requirement does not apply to vehicles 80,000 lbs. GVWR or more.) Only trucks that maintain Louisiana apportioned plates or supply a Containerized Cargo Permit are eligible. An Interstate Exemption Worksheet (DPSMV 1903) and a Purchase or Lease of Certain Trucks and Trailers Used in Interstate Commerce (R-1367) must be submitted.
Other Exemptions
- ●A Boat Registration Tax Payment Certification (R-1331) is required for boats prior to registration
- ●Exemption for purchases of mobile homes by tribal members upon submission of a Sales Tax Exemption Certificate (1045)
- ●Exemption on the first $50,000 of the sales price of qualifying farm equipment upon submission of a Non-Road Utility Vehicles Used Exclusively on Commercial Farms Sales Tax Exemption Certificate (1065)
Late Payment Penalty
Taxes must be remitted within 40 days of purchase to avoid a penalty of 5.0% for 30 days or fraction thereof (maximum 25%) plus interest of 1.25% per 30 days or fraction thereof based on the amount of sales tax due. Use tax is payable by the 30th day after the vehicle first enters Louisiana. Manufactured home tax must be remitted prior to the 20th of the month following the month of purchase.
Property Tax
None, except in Parish of Orleans.
Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
Proof of payment is required for vehicles with a declared gross weight of 55,000 lbs. or more.
Registration / Plate Fees
Important Notes
- •An $8.00 handling fee may be charged in addition to fees below.
- •A transaction fee applies to credit/debit/e-check payments.
- •An annual $110.00 road usage fee is levied on all electric vehicles, except school buses; $60.00 annually for hybrid vehicles.
- •Automobile license plates are based on the selling price of the vehicle. The rate is 0.1% of the value of the vehicle per year, with a minimum of $20.00. Valid two years.
- •There is a heavy truck plate calculator online. Service charges apply to electronic payments.
Standard Registration Fees
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Automobile (0.1% of value/year, min $20.00, valid 2 years) | Varies |
| Antique/classic/vintage (permanent) | $28.50 |
| Motorcycle/moped (4 years) | $12.00 |
| Motor home (2 years) | $50.00 |
| Mobile/manufactured home (1 year) | $10.00 |
| Utility trailer up to 500 lbs (4 years) | $12.00 |
| Boat trailer up to 1,500 lbs (4 years) | $25.00 |
| All other trailers (1 year) | $10.00 |
| All other trailers (4 years) | $40.00 |
| Permanent trailers | $70.00 |
| Taxi (1 year) | $30.00 |
| ORV decal (4 years) | $12.00 |
| Personalized Plates (annual + $3.50 admin + $8.00 handling) | $25.00/year |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $3.00 |
| Duplicate/Replacement Plate + Sticker | $10.00 + $8.00 |
| Duplicate Registration | $12.00 + local fees up to $6.00 |
Truck / Tractor License Plates
| Gross Weight | Class 1 (Trucks) |
|---|---|
| 6,000 lbs or less | $10.00/year |
| 6,001 to 10,000 lbs | $28.00/year |
| 10,001 to 23,999 lbs | $0.38 per 100 lbs |
| 24,000 to 37,999 lbs | $0.60 per 100 lbs |
| 38,000 to 80,000 lbs | $0.63 per 100 lbs |
| 80,000 to 88,000 lbs | $0.64 per 100 lbs |
Additional classes available: Forest Products (Class 2), Gravel Haul (Class 3), City Use Only (Class 4), Farm Trucks (Class 5). Farm truck rates range from $3.00 to $40.00 based on weight. See the Louisiana OMV for the complete fee schedule.
Boats (through Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries)
Registered through the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries, Boat Registration Section, 2000 Quail Drive, PO Box 14796, Baton Rouge, LA 70898, 225.765.2898. Boat registrations are valid three years. Make checks payable to LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries.
| Vessel Class | 3-Year Fee |
|---|---|
| Class A — Less than 16 feet | $36.00 |
| Class I — 16 to less than 26 feet | $57.00 |
| Class II — 26 to less than 40 feet | $78.00 |
| Class III — 40 feet or greater | $99.00 |
Reduction of Fees / Credit / Refund
License plate fees may be prorated if vehicle requires a non-staggered plate and is purchased in or brought into Louisiana after the initial registration period expires (July 31). Credit is allowed for the unused portion of a truck license plate if increasing the weight of the plate or changing classes. A license plate fee credit is given to a surviving spouse at time of transfer of ownership. Refunds issued when applicant submits more than the amount due, if plate or sticker was issued or renewed in error, or on cancelled/rescinded sales. Refunds for less than $6.00 will not be issued unless due to an official error. Handling fees, parish fees, and convenience fees are not refundable. A Request for Refund (1955) must be submitted.
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles forms and resources. Title and registration transactions are processed through OMV offices and public tag agencies throughout Louisiana.
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
7979 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Mailing:
PO Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896-4886
Helpful Links
Louisiana OMV — Office of Motor Vehicles
Main resource for titling and registration
OMV Online Services (GeauxPass)
Renew registration, check title status, request duplicates
OMV Forms Library
All Louisiana OMV forms and applications
Find an OMV Office or Public Tag Agency
Locate your nearest OMV office
Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries — Boat Registration
Boat and motor registration
IRP Unit
International Registration Plan for commercial vehicles
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Contact UsGeneral Information
Lease Information
Same forms and procedures are used for leased vehicles as privately-owned vehicles. Lessor is shown on title as owner; lessee shown as second address. Lessee must have Louisiana address. Tax is based on lessee's domicile. Lease is indicated on registration certificate.
Dealers that collect sales tax on motor vehicle leases or rentals must file tax returns electronically through LaTAP or through an OMV-approved software vendor. A 3.0% automobile rental tax is assessed on automobiles rented in Louisiana for periods of 29 days or less. A 4.45% state sales tax is imposed on leases and rentals of motor vehicles and is paid on the monthly rental receipts. Tax is reported on the Sales Tax Return (R-1029).
If an existing lease has been broken or terminated, the vehicle owner's record will be immediately updated to reflect the date of termination and the reporting motor carrier's name if a Notice of Lease Termination is submitted within 15 days. Notice may be submitted online.
Financial Responsibility Laws
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Vehicles 20,000 lbs GVW or less | $15,000 / $30,000 / $25,000 |
| Vehicles 20,001–50,000 lbs GVW | $25,000 / $50,000 / $25,000 |
| Vehicles over 50,000 lbs GVW | $100,000 / $300,000 / $25,000 |
| Tow trucks | $300,000 CSL |
Proof of insurance required at time of registration and must be carried in the vehicle. Plates must be canceled prior to cancelling liability insurance. Failure to maintain insurance may result in civil and criminal penalties.
Emission Inspection
Required in the five parishes designated as ozone non-attainment areas (Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, West Baton Rouge). Vehicles manufactured prior to 1980, vehicles fueled by other than gasoline, and vehicles over 10,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Required annually or biennially. Vehicles that require emissions testing shall only be eligible to receive an inspection valid for one year. Farm tractors, implements of husbandry, self-propelled farm equipment, single axle two-wheel trailers, boat trailers, antique vehicles, vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers, vehicles 10,000 lbs. GVWR or more used in the transportation of hazardous materials, vehicles 26,000 lbs. or more, and mini trucks are exempt.
Records
Filed by name, title number, license number, and VIN. Title records are maintained seven years; registration records are kept up to three years. A Title History Request Form (1958) may be used to obtain current owner and/or last title transactions. Fee $10.00 per vehicle; add $2.00 per page for certified record.
Enforcement
Department of Public Safety, Louisiana State Police, 7919 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.925.6006.
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
7979 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone:
225.925.6146Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.