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Louisiana Guide

How to Title a Private Car Sale in Louisiana

Last verified: October 2026 against Louisiana OMV and LDR sources

When you buy a car from a private seller in Louisiana, you title it with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), in an office, at a Public Tag Agent, or by mail, and pay the sales tax there.

Here is the order to do it in, what it costs, and what to bring.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Have the title assigned before a notary

    The seller assigns the current title to you before a notary, with any lien properly released. If the title has no odometer disclosure, add a supplemental odometer statement.

  2. 2

    Get a notarized bill of sale

    You need an original notarized bill of sale showing the price and a full description of the vehicle, unless the price is written in the title assignment.

  3. 3

    Complete the vehicle application

    Fill out the Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799). For a plate, add a copy of each owner’s photo ID and proof of liability insurance.

  4. 4

    Pay the tax within 40 days

    Sales tax is due by the 40th day after the sale: the 5% state rate plus parish and municipal tax (2% to 8.5%) where the vehicle is domiciled. Late payment adds a penalty of 5% of the tax for each 30 days, up to 25%, plus interest.

  5. 5

    Pay the title and plate fees

    The title is $68.50, plus an $8 handling fee and a local fee of up to $6. The plate is 0.1% of the sale price per year (minimum value $10,000), sold for two years: $30 on a $15,000 car.

Louisiana plates by sale price (two years)

  • $10,000 to $10,499: $20 (the minimum)
  • $14,500 to $15,499: $30
  • $19,500 to $20,499: $40
  • $29,500 to $30,499: $60

What to bring

  • Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799)
  • The current title, assigned before a notary
  • Notarized bill of sale (unless the price is on the title assignment)
  • Odometer statement, if not on the title
  • Copy of each owner’s photo ID and proof of liability insurance, for a plate
  • Payment for sales tax, the title, handling, and plate fees

Estimate your Louisiana costs

The calculator includes the $68.50 title fee, the $8 handling fee, and the two-year plate, and shows parish tax as a range from 2% to 8.5%.

Open the full Louisiana calculator

Vehicle & Transaction Details

Enter purchase information to calculate true out-of-pocket costs in Louisiana.

51 Jurisdictions Active
Louisiana 5% tax base
$
7 years old
Louisiana tag options
2-Year Term (Louisiana registers for two years)
EV surcharge rules
Lien fee: $10.00
Louisiana: Non-Deductible
$

Louisiana Notice: Louisiana taxes the full agreed vehicle price. Trade-ins do not reduce the tax base on private-party sales.

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Estimated taxes & fees

Estimated taxes & fees

Jurisdiction

Louisiana

Estimated taxes & fees
$1,156.50 – $2,131.50

Sales/Excise Tax (State + Local Range) + Title Certificate + Tags & Registration

Itemized Line ItemEstimated Fee
1Vehicle Sales / Excise Tax (5% State + Local Range)

State tax $750.00 + Local tax (varies by county) $300.00–$1,275.00

$1,050.00 – $2,025.00
2Certificate of Title Fee

Standard state title certificate issuance

$76.50
3Lien / Security Filing Fee

Unfinanced / cash purchase (waived $0.00)

$0.00
4Registration & Tag Fee

Base license plates & tags

$30.00

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Louisiana rates last verified: October 2026
Official Notice & Statutory Disclaimers

Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Verify with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Sales tax is the 5% state rate plus parish and municipal tax (2% to 8.5%) where the vehicle is domiciled, due by the 40th day after the sale.

The title shown includes the $68.50 title fee and $8 handling fee. A local fee of up to $6 may apply.

The plate is 0.1% of the sale price per year, with a $10,000 minimum value, sold for two years ($20 minimum). A motorcycle plate is $12 and lasts four years.

Electric vehicles owe a $110 road usage fee and hybrids $60 for each year, billed later by notice.

The title assignment must be signed before a notary.

Louisiana’s sources do not say whether its electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid fees apply to motorcycles, so the estimate leaves them out for a motorcycle. Confirm with the Office of Motor Vehicles.

County & Local Tax Note: Louisiana’s 5% state sales tax plus parish and municipal tax, from 2% to 8.5% in the OMV parish tax table (October 2026), is due based on where the vehicle is domiciled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this Louisiana OMV and LDR process.

Yes. The seller assigns the title before a notary, and the bill of sale must be notarized unless the price is on the title assignment.

Sources

Last verified: October 2026. Rules change, so check with Louisiana OMV and LDR before you go.

More Louisiana guides

How to Gift a Car in LouisianaThe act of donation, no sales tax, and the fees that apply.Titling a Car in Louisiana After Moving From Another StateThe out-of-state declaration, the $90 use tax limit, and fees.
Louisiana Private Party Car Tax Calculator