Louisiana Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

Louisiana requirements

• Under La. R.S. 32:705, a seller may not sell a vehicle without delivering the certificate of title endorsed with the sale and assignment needed to show title in the purchaser.
• Under La. R.S. 32:707, the purchaser must file an application for a new certificate of title within five days after delivery of the existing title, or of the vehicle if no title was previously issued.
• Title applications are made on the form prescribed by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and are processed through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
• An act of sale or bill of sale is commonly used in Louisiana to document the price for tax purposes; whether it must be notarized depends on the transaction, so confirm current requirements with the Office of Motor Vehicles before signing.
• Complete the odometer disclosure with the title paperwork for vehicles that still require it; the OMV can confirm whether your vehicle is exempt.
• Our template is a general purpose bill of sale, not an OMV form; use it alongside, not instead of, the endorsed title.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to apply for a title after buying a car in Louisiana?

Five days. La. R.S. 32:707 requires the purchaser to file an application for a new certificate of title within five days after delivery of the previously issued title, or of the vehicle if no title had been issued.

Does a Louisiana vehicle bill of sale have to be notarized?

It depends on the transaction, and OMV practice has changed over the years. Before you sign, confirm the current documentation and notarization requirements with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles at expresslane.la.gov.

Official sources

• https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88517
• https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=88520
• https://expresslane.la.gov/