Ultimate Guide to Registering Your Vehicle in Louisiana

Here's the ultimate guide to registering your vehicle in Louisiana. We've simplified the entire process for you so you can save time.

What You’ll Need to Register your Vehicle in Louisiana

Title Transfer

Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV 1799) from your local OMV office.
Vehicle’s current registration certificate
Notarized bill of sale and a signed and notarized certificate of title.
For Vehicles less than 10 years old and trucks under 16,000 pounds, you’ll also need to include and odometer disclouse statement.
If the vehicle whose title is being transferred is also under a leasing or financing agreement, you’ll need to provide a UCC-1 Financing Statement or security agreement.
Fee:
$68.50 title fee
$8 handling fee
$68.50 to replace

New-to-State Title registration

A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
Remember to complete the “Out of State Declaration" section.
The vehicle title certificate from your previous state.
If you are paying a car loan, and your lender has the title, you can submit a copy of the title, or your registration certificate from your previous state.
Proof of car insurance.
Payment for the title transfer fee.

Register a Vehicle

Louisiana car insurance
The Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
Your driver's license (or a copy for mailed applications)
The current title and registration.
Proof of sales tax payment IF you paid tax in another state and will be claiming credit for it.
Payment for fees and taxes.
By mail: Check or money order.
In person: Credit or debit card, money order, e-check, or cash.

Register a Used Vehicle

A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
Your driver's license or current photo identification.
Proof of car insurance UNLESS you bought your vehicle at a dealership.
Proof of purchase, such as:
A bill of sale.
An invoice.
Ownership documents:
New car: The manufacturer's statement of origin, assigned to you.
Used car: The title certificate, signed over to you AND the vehicle's current registration.
An odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old.
This can be included on the title or in a separate statement.
A loan document IF you financed the vehicle. You can submit:
A UCC-1 Financing Statement.
A security agreement.
OR
A chattel mortgage.
Payment for fees and taxes.
By mail: Check or money order.
In person: Credit or debit card, money order, e-check, or cash.

What You’ll Do to Register your Vehicle in Louisiana

Title transfer

Step 1. Buyer and seller must complete the title assignments on the current title certificate and have it notarized.
Step 2. Complete vehicle application.
Step 3. Complete an odometer disclosure statement if applicable.
Step 4. Submit above, with payment, to the OMV.
Step 5. Seller should submit a Notice of Transport or report the transaction online.

Vehicle Registration

Step 1. Make sure to purchase a Louisiana car insurance. .
Step 2. Visit a a local OMV office and submit your registration documents.
Step 3. You'll get a standard license plate when you register your vehicle, unless you apply for a specialty plate.

Caveats and Exceptions in Registering your Vehicle in Louisiana

If your vehicle is financed, you'll also pay a fee to have the lien recorded. The fee varies based on the documentation you provide.
Louisiana vehicles must pass a safety inspection.
Some LA parishes also require a smog check as part of the inspection. Your vehicle must pass the emissions inspection if you live in:
Ascension.
East Baton Rouge.
Iberville.
Livingston.
West Baton Rouge.
Use tax is required for all registered vehicles, but you may be able to receive a credit if you already paid sales tax in your previous state.
When you move to Louisiana, you must register your out-of-state motor vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) within 30 days.
An applicant must be eighteen years of age to title and register a vehicle

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