How to transfer a car title in Louisiana
For private sellers and buyers in Louisiana. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Louisiana, the seller assigns the title to the buyer in front of a notary and writes the price on the assignment. The buyer fills out the Vehicle Application, DPSMV 1799, and applies at an OMV office or Public Tag Agent. The title fee is $68.50, plus a handling fee and parish sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Louisiana?
Seller
- Assign the title to the buyer in front of a notary.
- Write the selling price on the title assignment, or give the buyer a notarized bill of sale.
- You may report the sale online with the Notice of Vehicle Transfer.
Buyer
- Fill out the Vehicle Application, DPSMV 1799.
- Bring the notarized title, proof of insurance and ID to an OMV office or Public Tag Agent.
- Pay the title fee and the sales tax for your parish.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before you go: expresslane.la.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Louisiana?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title before a notary.
Assign the title to the buyer with any lien released.
expresslane.la.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Record the price.
Put the price on the title assignment. If it is not there, the buyer needs a notarized bill of sale.
expresslane.la.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Report the sale online.
The Notice of Vehicle Transfer flags your OMV record. It is optional.
expresslane.la.gov checked
expresslane.la.gov checked
Louisiana bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Louisiana?
Step 1 · Buyer
Fill out form DPSMV 1799.
This is the Vehicle Application.
DPSMV 1799 · Vehicle Applicationexpresslane.la.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Bring your papers.
The notarized title, proof of insurance and photo ID.
expresslane.la.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Apply and pay.
At an OMV office or a Public Tag Agent. Sales tax depends on where you live.
expresslane.la.gov checked
After OMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Louisiana guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Louisiana · Steps to buy a car in Louisiana
- Louisiana bill of saleOfficial form Bill of Sale of a Motor Vehicle
- Replace a lost title in LouisianaDuplicate title (DPSMV 1799)
- Car title after a death in LouisianaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Louisiana?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $68.50 | Buyer | expresslane.la.gov Checked |
| Handling fee | $8 | Buyer | expresslane.la.gov Checked |
| Local fee (may apply, up to) (if it applies) | $6 | Buyer | expresslane.la.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Parish rate on the price, minus any trade-in | Buyer | expresslane.la.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $76.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (sales tax at registration).
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Louisiana are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Does the title need a notary in Louisiana?
Yes. The seller assigns the title before a notary.
expresslane.la.gov checked
How is sales tax figured?
By where the buyer lives, on the price minus any trade-in.
expresslane.la.gov checked
Should the seller report the sale?
You may. The online Notice of Vehicle Transfer flags your OMV record.
expresslane.la.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Louisiana sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.