What Do I Need for a Louisiana Title Transfer?

Transferring a Louisiana vehicle title is not as complicated as you may think. When you need to transfer a Louisiana vehicle title, you need to complete these steps:

  • The buyer and seller of the vehicle are required to complete the vehicle title assignment on the current title certificate and it must be notarized
  • Complete a vehicle application
  • Complete an odometer disclosure statement (if applicable)
  • Submit the above documentation with all applicable payments to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)
  • The seller needs to submit a Notice of Transfer or report the sale transaction online

You must have the required documentation and the necessary payment for all applicable fees.

Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection

When you go to a licensed smog/vehicle inspection station in Louisiana to have an emissions test performed, you need to present your current vehicle registration, valid driver’s license, and proof of a valid LA vehicle insurance policy.

Certain residents of Louisiana are required to get an enhanced vehicle safety inspection, which includes a smog check. Your vehicle may require an enhanced auto inspection if your residence is one of the following parishes:

  • Ascension
  • East Baton Rouge
  • Iberville
  • Livingston
  • West Baton Rouge

The state of Louisiana requires all trucks, cars, and motorcycles to pass a vehicle emissions test when it meets the following requirements:

  • It runs on gasoline
  • The vehicle is a 1996 model year or newer
  • The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less

LA vehicles that require an enhanced vehicle inspection will receive a:

  • Visual inspection of the catalytic converter, air injection system, positive crankcase ventilation system, evaporative emissions control system, and exhaust gas recirculation system
  • Gas cap pressure test
  • Onboard computer systems test (OBDII)

Once you complete the vehicle emissions test, you will receive a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) and a vehicle inspection sticker. The vehicle inspection sticker is valid for one year.

Smog Check Exemptions in Louisiana

If your vehicle falls into one of the following categories, the vehicle is exempt from having a smog test performed:

  • Farm tractors and farm equipment
  • Vehicles that are 40 years old or older
  • Exhibition/parade vehicles that are not used for transportation on a daily bases
  • Vehicles that regularly carry more than 15 passengers and required to obtain a commercial MVI sticker
  • Vehicles that exceed 20,000 pounds and require a commercial MVI sticker

The Louisiana smog test is $18. This smog test is valid for one year.

How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Louisiana?

There are different steps you need to follow to transfer a vehicle’s title in the state of Louisiana.

New to the State Vehicle Title Transfers

Once you establish residency in Louisiana, you can complete the LA vehicle title transfer process by submitting the following documentation and payments to the LA Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV):

  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799) Don’t forget to complete the “Out of State Declaration” section
  • The vehicle title certificate from your previous state (if you are paying a vehicle loan, and the lien holder has the vehicle title, you can submit a copy of the vehicle’s title, or the registration certificate from your previous state
  • Proof of a valid LA vehicle insurance policy
  • Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee

You can submit the above-mentioned documentation in person at your local OMV office location, or by mail to the address listed on the application.

If you are transferred the title to a vehicle that was previously titled in your parent’s or legal guardian’s name for insurance purposes, you may be eligible for a tax credit if:

  • You submit a notarized affidavit stating the relationship between you and the person listed on the vehicle title
  • The affidavit is signed by the person listed on the vehicle title
  • The vehicle was titled in a state that has a reciprocal agreement with Louisiana to allow road use tax credit

It’s important to make sure you visit your local Louisiana OMV office with the above-stated documents to ensure the LA vehicle title transfer is successful.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When You are Buying or Selling a Vehicle in Louisiana

When you’re buying or selling a vehicle in Louisiana, there are specific steps that need to be taken in order to successfully transfer a vehicle’s title.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealer

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, oftentimes, the dealer will take care of the vehicle titling process for you. The following documentation and payment must be submitted to your local Louisiana OMV:

  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799)
  • Manufacturer’s statement of origin, assigned to you by the dealer (this statement must be notarized)
  • Itemized invoice
  • Odometer disclosure
  • A photocopy of your valid driver’s license or ID
  • A copy of the financing statement or security agreement (if applicable)
  • Payment for the applicable LA vehicle title fees and applicable sales tax

Missing a single document will delay the vehicle title transfer process, so make sure you have all the required documentation before heading to your local LA OMV office.

Transferring the Vehicle Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller

Once you purchase a vehicle from a private seller in Louisiana, you are responsible for completing the vehicle title transfer. You have 40 days to file for your LA vehicle title. Make sure you bring the following documentation and payment for all applicable fees:

  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799)
  • The current vehicle title, assigned to you by the previous vehicle owner. The vehicle title must be notarized and contain the following information:
    • Date of sale
    • Selling price
    • Both buyer and seller must sign the vehicle title
  • A notarized bill of sale is required if the vehicle title certificate does not contain the above-listed information.
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DSPMV 1606). Only required if the vehicle is less than 10 years old
  • A copy of your valid ID or driver’s license
  • Proof of a valid Louisiana auto insurance policy
  • Payment for the applicable vehicle title transfer fees and any other necessary fees

It’s important to make sure you have the required payment and necessary paperwork ready to submit to your local Louisiana OMV office to avoid delays and possible penalties and additional fees.

Transferring a Louisiana Vehicle’s Title When Selling a Car

When you’re selling a vehicle, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to complete the OMV vehicle title transfer by submitting the required paperwork. However, you, the vehicle seller, are responsible for:

  • Assigning the vehicle title to the buyer, which should include:
    • Date of sale
    • Selling price
    • Your notarized signature
  • If the vehicle’s title doesn’t allow you to provide the information listed above, you can provide the vehicle’s buyer with a bill of sale

The vehicle’s title transfer won’t be complete or valid until the vehicle’s buyer finishes the application process. It’s okay to notify the LA OMV of the sale immediately.

If you choose to complete a vehicle title transfer notice online, you will be required to provide the following information:

  • Your license plate number and expiration dates (do not give your plates to the new vehicle owner)
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Driver’s license number
  • Buyer’s name and address
  • Date of sale (donation/trade)
  • Selling price

You can notify the LA OMV of the vehicle title transfer process by completing a Notice of Transfer of Vehicle (Form DPSMV 1697), and submitting the form to your local Louisiana OMV office, or mailing it to the address provided on the form.

How to Transfer a Car Title When the Owner is Deceased?

When the owner of a vehicle dies, and you are the beneficiary, if you want to keep the vehicle, you are responsible for transferring the vehicle’s title. As the beneficiary, you can also gift the vehicle to a relative or sell the vehicle to someone else.

If you’re a surviving spouse, beneficiary, or joint owner, you have the legal authority to transfer the vehicle’s title to someone else when the owner passes away. The process for transferring the vehicle’s title depends on whether the vehicle is part of a probated estate.

You need to know whether the vehicle’s title was in the individual’s name, listed as the descendant, or joint ownership. If the vehicle’s title was only in the descendant’s name, you need to find out if the estate is being probated.

Probate occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse listed on the will. This legal process involves the administering of an individual’s estate that has passed away. Probate also proves the last will and testament are legitimate. Probate Court will determine how everyone should proceed with the person’s belongings, and during this process, the property of the deceased will be distributed based on the will.

If the vehicle is part of a probated estate, make sure you follow these steps to successfully transfer the vehicle title of the deceased individual:

Contact Probate Court and Attorney

Until the probate process is complete, the vehicle’s title can’t be transferred. The administrator or the executor of the deceased need to contact Probate Court and await further instructions in this situation. When the probate process is completed, the heir will receive the vehicle. If the executor was given the vehicle, they can decide to sell the vehicle.

Gather the Required Documents to Transfer the Vehicle of a Deceased Individual

You need to make sure you have the correct documentation to proceed with the vehicle title transfer process. The documentation you need to have to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased individual are as follows:

  • Odometer disclosure statement
  • Certificate of title
  • Order from Probate Court to transfer the vehicle
  • Death certificate
  • Transfer fee

All of the following documents are required to successfully transfer the vehicle title of a deceased individual.

Visit the Title Office

As the administrator of the estate or beneficiary of the deceased individual’s estate, you can visit your local Louisiana title office with the above-mentioned documentation to initiate the vehicle title transfer process.

Following these steps will help you transfer the vehicle title of the deceased individual and put the vehicle’s title in your name. Once the vehicle title is in your name, you are responsible for all payments that are associated with the vehicle.

Transferring a Vehicle Title Without Probate

In Louisiana, the deceased person’s property can’t be more than a certain amount, and a specific amount of time must have passed before the vehicle title transfer process can be initiated. Spouses, administrators, joint owners, and beneficiaries may be able to submit the death certificate and vehicle title to their local title office and have the title retitled. Attorneys and court orders are not required for this process.

Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle

The process for completing a vehicle title transfer in Louisiana for inherited vehicles varies depending on how the distribution of the deceased individual’s estate is determined. If the court determines distribution, a court order is required to complete a vehicle title transfer.

When the Department of Revenue (DOR) is determined by distribution, you are required to submit an Affidavit of Small Succession as a part of the vehicle title transfer application. When the court or DOR determines the succession, you need an Affidavit of Heirship (Form DPSMV 1696), and a copy of the death certificate and will. You can also use a notarized statement of the content of the will.

If the heir of the vehicle is an out-of-state resident, and their home state will not accept the Affidavit of Heirship, the out-of-state officials are required to write a letter stating this fact. You will also have to submit the following documentation to the Louisiana OMV in order to successfully complete a vehicle title transfer:

  • The vehicle application (Form DPSMV 1799)
  • The title certificate assigned to the new vehicle owner by the heir(s) and notarized
  • Current vehicle registration (if applicable)
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DSPMV 1606) if the vehicle is less than 10 years old
  • Satisfaction of a lien written on the lien holder’s letterhead (if applicable)
  • Acceptable form of ID
  • Payment for any applicable vehicle title transfer fees

The above-stated documents are required to transfer the vehicle title of an inherited vehicle in Louisiana.

Transferring a Title After a Lease Buyout

When you pay off your vehicle loan, the lien holder needs to release the lien hold on your vehicle. In order to successfully complete an LA OMV vehicle title transfer and obtain a clear vehicle title, you need to submit the following to the LA OMV:

  • Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799)
  • The vehicle title certificate reflecting the lien release (if the vehicle’s title doesn’t reflect the lien release, you need to get a letter from the lender that is written on their letterhead. This letter needs to state that the lien has been satisfied. The letter from the lender must also include the lender’s:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Telephone number
  • A copy of your current vehicle registration
  • Payment for the $68.50 lien release fee

When you pay off your vehicle, make sure you take these necessary steps to successfully transfer your vehicle’s title after a lease buyout.

How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Louisiana?

You can’t transfer a vehicle title without having the original title. If you have lost your vehicle’s title, you must apply for a duplicate vehicle title. Head to your local LA OMV office and complete a Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799) and complete the “Duplicate Title Affidavit” section of the title and have it notarized.

Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?

Yes! You can gift a vehicle to a relative. When you need to transfer ownership of a vehicle’s title because you’re donating or gifting a vehicle in Louisiana, you may be required to submit an Act of Donation of a Movable Form, click here for the form. This form needs to be completed and notarized with the necessary signatures of the individual gifting the vehicle and the recipient of the vehicle.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title

When you’re transferring the title and registering an out-of-state vehicle, you are required to submit certain documents to complete this transaction.

You need to make sure you have these documents to transfer the title of an out-of-state vehicle in Louisiana:

  • A completed Louisiana vehicle application form
  • The current vehicle title certificate that contains the vehicle odometer disclosure statement
  • A separate odometer disclosure document is required if the vehicle title doesn’t provide a section for the odometer reading
  • A lien release form or financing statement (if applicable)
  • A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID card
  • Proof of a valid vehicle insurance policy

You may be required to submit additional documents depending on your specific situation. Make sure you have the required documents to successfully transfer the title of an out-of-state vehicle.

Out-of-State Vehicle Title Transfer Fees in Louisiana

The out-of-state vehicle title must be completed at the same time you complete the registration process. You are required to pay different fees, such as the license plate fees and the standard vehicle titling fee in Louisiana of $68.50. You may be required to pay additional fees for car inspections or financing release forms.

Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Louisiana

Your vehicle’s title needs to be replaced if it is lost, stolen, or damaged to the point the information on the title is illegible.

In order to successfully replace a lost or damaged Louisiana vehicle title, you need to submit the following to your local Louisiana OMV office:

  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799). You need to complete the “Duplicate Title Affidavit” section of this form and have it notarized.

If you have an active lien on your vehicle, you need to complete the “Affidavit of Non-Possession of Title by Lien Holder” section of the vehicle title and make sure it’s notarized. If the vehicle’s title needs to be sent to anyone other than the person listed on the title, you need to check the authorization section of the application.

  • Power of attorney. If you are applying on someone’s behalf, this form needs to be notarized.
  • A copy of your current registration
  • Payment for all applicable vehicle title fees

If you have recently moved out of state and need to order a duplicate vehicle title from the state of Louisiana, you need to also submit a statement from your new state’s OMV affirming you have not been issued a new vehicle title.

How Much Does a Title Transfer Cost in Louisiana?

There are different fees associated with vehicle title transfer costs in Louisiana. The title transfer fees are as follows:

  • All titling transactions: $68.50
  • Public license tag agents fee: $18 (the max fee title is not obtained through the OMV)
  • Lien release fee: $68.50
  • Handling fee: varies by OMV branch location
  • In-person credit/debit fee: Additional $1.25 plus 1% of the transaction total
  • E-check fee: additional $1
  • Sales tax: based on where you live and your vehicle’s selling price

Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Louisiana?

There are different OMV locations in Louisiana where you can transfer a vehicle’s title.

Express OMV Office of Motor Vehicles
3200 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 541-0007

Monday-Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Express OMV Office of Motor Vehicles
12690 Perkins Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 366-6600

Monday-Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
112 Rue Centre
Abbeville, LA 70510
(337) 893-1316

Monday-Friday (8 AM to 4 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

How to Fill Out the Louisiana Title and Title Transfer Forms

In order to complete a Louisiana vehicle title and transfer form, all the required forms must be filled out completely, including the required signatures. Make sure you have a bill of sale that discloses information regarding the vehicle, such as its color, make, year, and model. Don’t forget to include the vehicle’s VIN.

If you decided to gift a vehicle instead of selling it, you need to add sales tax to the vehicle’s price. Provide an accurate odometer reading in the “transfer of title by seller” of the vehicle’s title. The recipient of the vehicle is responsible for the signing the vehicle title in the required spaces.

Additional documentation may be required to complete any transactions at the LA OMV, such as, a valid LA vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the coverage requirements set by the state of Louisiana. You may also be required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID. If you don’t have a valid government-issued ID, you can use a foreign passport as an alternative of proof of identification.

Once you have taken these steps, you are required to pay the necessary Louisiana vehicle title transfer fees.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

A vehicle title that was signed but never transferred is considered a vehicle with an open title. An open title means the seller didn’t register the vehicle in their name. With an open vehicle title, the vehicle’s seller is not liable for any legal or financial matters that pertain to the vehicle.

If the seller loses the vehicle title, the vehicle’s title will remain temporarily open. This problem can be solved by applying for a duplicate Louisiana vehicle title. The person listed on the vehicle’s title are responsible for requesting and applying for a duplicate LA vehicle title. They must sign the vehicle title for you to put it in your name.

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