Louisiana Bill of Sale
Whether you are buying or selling a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or piece of equipment in Louisiana, a properly completed bill of sale protects both parties and satisfies LA record-keeping requirements. Louisiana is one of the states that requires notarization for a bill of sale, so make sure you plan a visit to a notary public before finalizing your transaction. Use the information below to understand exactly what Louisiana expects before you complete your transfer.
Louisiana Bill of Sale Requirements
To create a legally valid bill of sale in Louisiana, you must include the following information. Missing any of these details could delay your title transfer or leave you unprotected in a dispute.
- Full legal names, addresses, and signatures of both parties
- Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and license plate number
- Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading
- Notarization of the bill of sale is required
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Louisiana
The buyer must submit the notarized bill of sale, signed title, a completed DPSMV 1799 form, proof of insurance, and a VIN inspection at the OMV office within 40 days of purchase.
Pro Tip
Complete the bill of sale at the same time the title is signed over. Having both documents ready together prevents trips back and forth to the LA DMV.
Notarization Requirements
Notarization Required
Louisiana requires the bill of sale to be notarized for motor vehicle transactions. Both the buyer and the seller must sign the document in the presence of a licensed notary public. Without proper notarization, the LA title transfer office may reject your application.
Notary services are available at most banks, UPS Store locations, AAA offices, courthouse offices, and many law firms. Fees typically range from $2 to $15 per signature depending on the provider. Schedule your notary visit in advance and bring valid photo identification for all signers.
Louisiana DMV Information
For the most up-to-date forms, fees, and office locations in Louisiana, visit the official state motor vehicle agency website. Processing times, required documents, and fee schedules can change, so it is always a good idea to verify current requirements before your visit.
Important Notes for Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the few states that requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicle transfers. The state also requires a VIN inspection and a completed Act of Sale document. Louisiana uses the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) rather than a DMV.
Always keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for your personal records. Both the buyer and the seller should retain their own copy. In the event of a future dispute about the sale, your bill of sale serves as primary evidence of the transaction terms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bills of sale in Louisiana.
Yes. A bill of sale is strongly recommended for any private-party transaction in Louisiana and is often required by the LA DMV or equivalent agency when transferring a vehicle title. It serves as your official proof of purchase and documents the terms of the sale, including the price paid, the date, and both parties' information. Without one, you may face delays or complications during the title transfer process.
Yes. Louisiana requires that the bill of sale be notarized for motor vehicle transactions. Both the buyer and seller should sign the document in the presence of a licensed notary public. Failing to notarize the bill of sale can result in the DMV rejecting your title transfer application. Many banks, UPS stores, and courthouse offices offer notary services.
The buyer must submit the notarized bill of sale, signed title, a completed DPSMV 1799 form, proof of insurance, and a VIN inspection at the OMV office within 40 days of purchase. Make sure all fields on the bill of sale and the title assignment are filled out completely and accurately. Missing information is one of the most common reasons title transfers are delayed or rejected.
A Louisiana bill of sale must include: Full legal names, addresses, and signatures of both parties; Vehicle year, make, model, VIN, and license plate number; Sale price, date of sale, and odometer reading; Notarization of the bill of sale is required. Our bill of sale generator automatically includes all of these fields and formats the document to meet LA standards, so you do not have to worry about missing any required information.
In Louisiana, you do not typically "file" the bill of sale with a state agency. Instead, the buyer presents the bill of sale along with the signed title and other required documents at the appropriate office when applying for a title transfer. Louisiana is one of the few states that requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicle transfers. The state also requires a VIN inspection and a completed Act of Sale document. Louisiana uses the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) rather than a DMV. Keep your original bill of sale in a safe place, as both the buyer and seller should retain a copy for their personal records.
Bill of Sale in Nearby States
Buying or selling across state lines? Check the requirements for neighboring states to make sure you have the right documents for both jurisdictions.
Louisiana Bill of Sale by Vehicle Type
Need a document tailored to a specific type of property? Choose the template that matches your transaction.
BillOfSaleKit is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents generated are templates based on common Louisiana requirements. Users should verify documents meet their specific state and local requirements. Information on this page was last reviewed in 2026.