Louisiana Title Transfer: Steps, Fees & DMV Requirements

You transfer a Louisiana vehicle title by signing and notarizing the title with the seller, providing a matching bill of sale, and completing DPSMV 1799 with odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. Submit everything to OMV within 40 days, along with proof of insurance, ID, and fees starting at $18.50 plus taxes, then file the online Notice of Transfer to limit liability. Liens demand a release first—what if yours complicates it?

Key Takeaways

• Complete DPSMV 1799, signed title, notarized bill of sale, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old.
• Submit documents within 40 days at OMV or public tag agent to avoid penalties.
• Sellers must file Notice of Vehicle Transfer online with VIN, plate, and buyer details.
• Provide proof of insurance, valid ID, and lien release if applicable.
• Pay $76.50 base fees plus taxes; late transfers incur 5% monthly penalties.[BACKGROUND]

How to Transfer a Louisiana Vehicle Title Step by Step

If the vehicle title is less than 10 years old, include an odometer disclosure statement.

For leased or financed vehicles, provide a UCC-1 Financing Statement or security agreement.

Pay the OMV’s $68.50 title fee plus $8 handling charge.

Submit all properly signed and notarized documents at an OMV office or public tag agent within 40 days to complete the transfer process without delays.

Documents Needed for Louisiana Title Transfer

Meet these title transfer requirements:

Louisiana Title Transfer Fees Breakdown

1. Pay the base fees: You’ll owe $68.50 title fee and $8 handling—total $76.50 minimum.
2. Budget for replacements: Lost, damaged, or destroyed titles cost another $68.50.
3. Account for extras: Add credit card fees and parish surcharges; sales tax varies locally.
4. Choose fee payment methods: Contact your local OMV for exact totals, updates, and options like cash or card.

File OMV Notice After Vehicle Sale

After selling your vehicle in Louisiana, file a Notice of Vehicle Transfer with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to protect yourself from future liabilities and guarantee accurate records.

This fulfills your vehicle transfer responsibilities and provides seller liability protection by flagging OMV records immediately upon submission.

Gather the license plate number, registration expiration date, VIN, your driver’s license or EIN, buyer’s name and address, sale date, and price if applicable.

Submit online via OMV’s ExpressLane for instant processing; the buyer must then apply for title to complete legal transfer.

Failure risks fines or penalties under R.S. 47:510(B).

Submit Vehicle Transfer Notice Online

Gather these essentials to submit your vehicle transfer notice online: license plate number, VIN, registration expiration date, buyer’s name and address, your driver’s license number or EIN, and sale date.

Follow the OMV’s five-step process: enter vehicle and seller details, verify information, add buyer details and price, then submit for instant record flagging that shields you from liability.

Save your confirmation as proof, ensuring you maintain protection against future claims.

Required Information Checklist

Here’s your checklist:

1. License plate number and expiration date from the vehicle’s registration.
2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. Driver’s license number or company EIN from the registration.
4. Buyer’s name and address.

Submit promptly, retain records, and confirm OMV receipt.[99 words]

Submission Steps Overview

Submit your vehicle transfer notice online immediately after the sale, donation, or trade to flag your OMV record and avoid liabilities. Gather your license plate number, VIN, and buyer’s name and address for the online submission. Enter your credential information, such as driver’s license or EIN and vehicle expiration date. Validate all data for accuracy before submitting to the Office of Motor Vehicles. You’ll receive confirmation once processed, protecting your vehicle ownership record. Keep records of the submission; note the new owner must apply for title to complete the legal transfer.[99 words]

Record Keeping Importance

Prioritize these steps for effective record keeping:

1. Save the submission confirmation with license plate, VIN, expiration date, and buyer’s details.
2. Note the sale, donation, or trade date to document the transaction precisely.
3. Store copies securely for legal evidence against ownership disputes.
4. Monitor your OMV record to confirm the flag, avoiding complications from non-notification.

Transfer Louisiana Title to Family

When you’re gifting a car to a family member in Louisiana, you’ll need to complete several key steps to guarantee the title transfer is valid and compliant with state law.

Both you and the recipient complete and notarize the Vehicle Application form (DPSMV 1799).

> Both you and the recipient complete and notarize the Vehicle Application form (DPSMV 1799).

Prepare a notarized Act of Donation of a Movable form, submit it with the signed title—endorsed by donor and donee—and bill of sale.

Expect fees like $68.50 for the title and $8 handling.

Follow Louisiana OMV guidelines precisely to secure family ownership of the gift vehicle.

Transfer Title After Owner’s Death

1. Confirm legal authority via will, succession, or affidavit if intestate.
2. Secure lien release if applicable, plus photo ID and odometer statement.
3. Pay fees and visit the Office of Motor Vehicles with all docs.
4. Await new title processing for smooth heir transfer.

Quickly Replace a Lost Louisiana Title

To quickly replace your lost Louisiana title, submit a completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) form with the notarized duplicate title affidavit to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

> To quickly replace your lost Louisiana title, submit a completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) form with the notarized duplicate title affidavit to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Include your vehicle’s registration certificate and VIN number with your application process submission. The standard fee is $68.50 plus an $8 handling fee, with potential additional parish surcharges up to $18.

Processing typically takes 7-10 business days through mail or in-person submission. For expedited service, you can pay extra for completion in 3-5 business days.

Only the registered owner, authorized agent, or lienholder can request a duplicate title. Confirm you’re the vehicle’s last registered owner before initiating the application process, as this requirement streamlines your lost title replacement.

Out-of-State to Louisiana Title Transfers

Transferring your out-of-state vehicle title to Louisiana requires you to submit the original out-of-state title (or a copy/registration if held by a lienholder), proof of insurance, a valid ID, and a completed Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) with Section F: Out-of-State Declaration filled out.

Meet title transfer requirements for out of state vehicles:

1. Handle liens: If financed or leased, provide a UCC-1 Financing Statement, security agreement, or lien release from your lender.
2. Pay use tax: Expect calculation on purchase price, reduced by out-of-state taxes paid; new residents register within 90 days.
3. Cover fees: Budget $68.50 title fee, $8 handling fee, plus local charges.
4. Get VIN inspection: Required for OMV approval; services verify to avoid delays.

Transfer Louisiana Title With Lien

Vehicle Donation Title Transfer Steps

1. Present valid IDs for donor and donee, plus donee’s proof of insurance, at an OMV office or authorized agent.
2. Submit the notarized Act, signed title, and Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) completed by donee.
3. Note tax implications: no sales tax due, but pay title, registration, and plate fees.
4. Receive instant new license plate upon approval.

Louisiana OMV Locations and Contacts

Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) maintains its headquarters at 7979 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, where you can handle title transfers and other vehicle services.

Use P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896 for mailing documents. Call 888-214-5367 for technical support on registrations and titles.

The OMV, under the Office of Public Safety Services, oversees OMV services overview like compliance with state vehicle laws.

> The OMV, under the Office of Public Safety Services, oversees OMV services overview like compliance with state vehicle laws.

Find your local OMV hours and locations via the Louisiana Department of Public Safety website’s interactive map.

Top Louisiana Title Transfer Mistakes

You risk delays or rejection if you omit the odometer disclosure required for vehicles 2011 or newer models.

Overlooking unreleased liens prevents the OMV from issuing a clear title until the lender provides proof of satisfaction.

Transferring late beyond 40 days triggers penalties and interest under Louisiana’s use tax rules.

Missing Odometer Disclosure

Because odometer disclosure requirements have expanded significantly, missing this critical step ranks among the costliest mistakes in Louisiana title transfers.

You’ll face serious consequences if you overlook this requirement for vehicles 2011 and newer.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Delays and rejections: The Louisiana OMV won’t issue a new title without a properly completed odometer disclosure statement, halting your entire transfer process.
2. Legal liability: Failing to disclose accurate mileage exposes you to odometer fraud charges, creating title discrepancies that invite legal complications.
3. Both signatures required: You and the buyer must sign the disclosure together—verbal statements won’t suffice under state law.
4. Accuracy matters: Double-check the mileage reading before submission to prevent costly errors and potential misrepresentation claims against you.

Unreleased Liens Overlooked

Overlooking unreleased liens ranks among the top Louisiana title transfer mistakes, as you’ll encounter delays and rejections until you provide proof of lien release from all lienholders.

Failing to release liens before initiating a title transfer causes title complications, preventing the new owner from obtaining clear title. Pay the $76.50 lien release fee when submitting your Vehicle Application for a title with an existing lien.

Verify all lienholders have released their interest to comply with state regulations; otherwise, you’ll face processing hurdles at the OMV or ELT system.

As seller, unreleased liens leave you liable until proper transfer.

Late Transfer Penalties

1. Penalty accrual: Missing the deadline activates a 5% penalty on taxes for each 30-day delinquency period.
2. Registration flags: Your vehicle’s registration becomes flagged, complicating insurance verification and delaying plate issuance.
3. Original owner liability: The seller remains liable for any incidents involving the vehicle until you officially transfer title into your name.
4. Late fee consequences: These compounding late fees and interest charges accumulate quickly, increasing your total financial obligation substantially beyond initial costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Transfer Title of Car in Louisiana?

Complete the title transfer process by submitting DPSMV 1799, notarized bill of sale, signed title, odometer disclosure (if under 10 years), proof of insurance, and ID. Pay $68.50 fee plus $8 handling for vehicle ownership transfer.

Do Both Parties Have to Be Present to Transfer a Title in Louisiana?

Don’t judge a book by its cover: you don’t both need to be present for Louisiana title transfer requirements. You authorize via notarized bill of sale and signed title, fulfilling buyer seller obligations with DPSMV 1799.

How Much Is It to Do a Title Transfer in Louisiana?

You’ll pay title transfer costs of $68.50 plus an $8 handling fee for Louisiana fees. Add sales tax (5% state + local), liens ($10-$15), or surcharges; contact your OMV for totals.

How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Title in Louisiana?

You complete your Louisiana title transfer in 15-30 minutes in person at an OMV; submit title documents for title processing in 7-10 business days, or up to 2-4 weeks if mailed or verified.

Conclusion

You’ve navigated Louisiana’s title transfer labyrinth like a medieval cartographer charting new territory. You’ll submit your Vehicle Application within 40 days, pay the transfer fees, and file your Notice of Vehicle Transfer online to shield yourself from liability. By completing these steps with precision—gathering notarized documents, odometer disclosures for vehicles under 10 years old, and proof of insurance—you’ve successfully transferred ownership and protected your interests post-sale.