How To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana

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Chris Cho

Chris Cho

Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.

When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!

Are you in the market for a new car in Louisiana? Whether you're buying from a dealership or a private seller, one thing is clear - undertaking the car title transfer procedure is essential.

Whenever there's a change in vehicle ownership, transferring the car title is a mandatory, intricate process that even applies when acquiring a brand-new car from a dealership. Failing to complete this procedure can result in an inability to establish legal vehicle ownership, which could lead to potential fines.

But don't worry. In Louisiana, car buyers can submit their title transfer documents and pay $76.50 in fees to the OMV within 40 days from the sale date. Let’s look at everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Louisiana so that you can navigate the process with ease and confidence.

So, if you're ready to take the next step in your car ownership journey, read on and discover the ins and outs of car title transfers in Louisiana!

What Documents Will You Need To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana?

All newly acquired vehicles must obtain a title from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). To secure the title for a new vehicle, the following requisites must be dispatched via mail or in-person delivery to the OMV Headquarters or processed at an OMV office or a designated Public Tag Agent location:

1. A diligently filled-out vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799).
2. The Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) is a highly confidential document crafted by the vehicle manufacturer. The MSO necessitates proper assignment from the dealer to the buyer, and if the transfer of ownership took place in a jurisdiction mandating notarization, it must be duly notarized.
3. A properly completed and signed statement disclosing the vehicle's odometer reading.
4. The original or a copy of the completed UCC-1 form (commonly known as a financing statement) or any other valid security agreement if a lien is to be officially recorded. This document can be obtained from the dealer or the financing entity involved.
5. Payment of all fees associated with the titling process.
6. The original detailed invoice issued by the dealer to the purchaser encompasses a comprehensive description (including the make, year, and vehicle identification number) of the sold vehicle, any trade-in vehicle (if applicable), and the dealer's present permit number.

• • If the invoice or the statement of origin is notarized, it shall be deemed acceptable. Nevertheless, the invoice must bear notarization if a tax credit or a trading vehicle is indicated.
  • An exception to this requirement arises if the transfer of ownership occurs in a jurisdiction where notarization is not obligatory; in such cases, neither the invoice nor the MSO necessitates notarization.

How To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana If You're New to the State

Upon establishing residency in Louisiana, you can finalize transferring your vehicle title within the state.

This can be achieved by submitting the subsequent documentation and payments to the esteemed Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV):

1. A fully completed Vehicle Application form (Form DPSMV 1799), ensuring to fulfill the "Out of State Declaration" section.
2. The vehicle's title certificate obtained from your previous state (in cases where a vehicle loan is being repaid and the lien holder retains the title, a copy of the title or the registration certificate from the former state may be submitted).
3. Evidence validating the possession of a valid vehicle insurance policy in Louisiana.
4. Payment for the vehicle title transfer fee.

You can present the documents mentioned above in person at a local OMV office or dispatch them via mail to the address specified on the application form.

If you acquire the title to a vehicle previously registered under your legal guardian's name for insurance purposes, you qualify for a tax credit under the following conditions:

1. Submission of a notarized affidavit delineating the relationship between yourself and the individual named on the vehicle title.
2. The affidavit must be signed by the indi named on the vehicle title.
3. The vehicle must have been titled in a state with a mutual agreement with Louisiana, allowing for a road use tax credit.

It is crucial to ensure a successful LA vehicle title transfer by visiting your local Louisiana OMV office with the documents mentioned above in hand.

How To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana If You Bought From the Dealership

After purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, it is commonplace for the dealer to assume responsibility for facilitating the intricate vehicle titling procedure on your behalf.

Nevertheless, the completion of the following documentation and submission of payment become imperative at your local Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV):

1. A meticulously filled-out Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
2. An authenticated manufacturer's statement of origin duly assigned to you by the dealer.
3. An itemized invoice providing a comprehensive breakdown of the transaction.
4. A disclosure statement explicitly detailing the vehicle's odometer reading.
5. A photocopy of your valid driver's license or identification.
6. A copy of the financing statement or security agreement, if applicable to your situation.
7. Payment covers the pertinent LA vehicle title fees and the applicable sales tax.

It is crucial to note that the absence of even a single document can significantly impede the progress of the vehicle title transfer process.

Therefore, ensuring you possess all the required documentation before visiting your local Louisiana OMV office is paramount.

How To Transfer Car Title If You Bought From a Private Seller

After procuring a vehicle from a private seller within Louisiana, the onus falls upon you to oversee the accurate completion of the vehicle title transfer process.

It is crucial to initiate the LA vehicle title filing within a strict window of 40 days. To ensure a seamless transaction, it is imperative to bring forth the following meticulous documentation and provide payment for all relevant fees:

1. A meticulously filled-out Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
2. The current vehicle title is duly assigned to you by the previous owner. The vehicle title must be notarized and encompass the following critical information:

• • Date of sale.
  • Selling price.
  • Both the buyer and seller must affix their signatures to the vehicle title.
  • In cases where the vehicle title certificate does not incorporate the details mentioned above, a notarized bill of sale becomes mandatory.

3. Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DSPMV 1606). This requirement only applies to vehicles less than ten years old.
4. A copy of your valid identification document or driver's license.
5. Substantiation of a valid auto insurance policy issued in the state of Louisiana.
6. Payment to cover the applicable fees for the vehicle title transfer and any other pertinent charges.

Ensuring you possess the necessary payment and requisite paperwork ready for submission at your local Louisiana OMV office is paramount.

This proactive approach will avert any potential delays, penalties, or supplementary fees that may arise.

How To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana If You're the Seller

When engaging in the sale of a vehicle, it is incumbent upon the buyer to complete the OMV vehicle title transfer process through the submission of the requisite paperwork.

However, as the vehicle seller, you bear the onus of fulfilling the following obligations:

1. Assigning the vehicle title to the buyer, ensuring that it encompasses the following vital details:

• • Date of sale.
  • Selling price.
  • Your notarized signature.
  • If the vehicle's title fails to accommodate the abovementioned information, you can provide the buyer with a bill of sale.

2. It is imperative to comprehend that the vehicle's title transfer remains complete and valid once the buyer fulfills the application process. You must promptly inform the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (LA OMV) of the sale.
3. Opting to complete an online vehicle title transfer notice necessitates the provision of the following information:

• • License plate number and expiration dates (note: do not surrender your plates to the new vehicle owner).
  • VIN or Vehicle Identification Number.
  • Driver's license number.
  • Buyer's name and address.
  • Date of sale (in the case of donation or trade).
  • Selling price.

To notify the LA OMV regarding the vehicle title transfer process, you can complete a Notice of Transfer of Vehicle (Form DPSMV 1697) and submit the form to your local Louisiana OMV office or mail it to the address indicated on the form.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer Car Title in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the process of vehicle title transfer incurs various fees. The fees associated with title transfer are outlined as follows:

1. For all titling transactions, a fee of $68.50 is applicable.
2. In the case of utilizing the services of a public license tag agent, an additional fee of $18 is levied unless the title is obtained through the OMV, in which case the maximum fee is charged.
3. A lien release fee of $68.50 is imposed.
4. The handling fee varies depending on the location of the OMV branch where the transaction occurs.
5. If making an in-person payment via credit or debit card, an extra fee of $1.25 plus 1% of the total transaction amount is incurred.
6. If opting for an E-check payment method, an additional fee of $1 is applied.
7. The sales tax is determined by the vehicle's selling price and the locality in which you reside.

Considering these various fees when calculating the total cost of a vehicle title transfer in Louisiana is essential.