How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Louisiana in 2026
Louisiana offers an online system for canceling vehicle registration through the ExpressLane Online Services portal. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles administers all vehicle registration transactions statewide, with cancellation available online or through authorized OMV field offices and notaries public.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Ending your vehicle registration may become necessary in several situations:
- Completing a vehicle sale or donation to a new owner
- Establishing residency in a different state
- Taking the vehicle to a salvage facility or scrap processor
- The vehicle was stolen and has not been located
- An insurance company has declared the vehicle a total loss
- Keeping the vehicle in storage without any road use
- Discontinuing vehicle insurance without intent to operate the vehicle
- Settling an estate after the death of the registered owner
- Returning a leased vehicle to the dealership
- Permanently removing the vehicle from operational service
Online Cancellation Process
Louisiana provides convenient online registration cancellation through the ExpressLane portal, available 24 hours daily. Alternative in-person processing is also available through OMV field offices and commissioned notary publics.
Online Registration Cancellation
Access the online cancellation system through the OMV ExpressLane Cancel Plate portal. The transaction provides immediate processing with optional email confirmation.
Information Required:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Louisiana license plate number
- Driver's license number (DLN)
- Owner name exactly as registered
- ZIP code of the registered owner
- Email address for receipt (optional)
Transaction Steps:
Complete the online form by entering all required vehicle and owner information. The system validates your information against OMV records and processes the cancellation immediately upon submission. Database updates may take up to 24 hours to reflect across all state systems. Providing an email address ensures you receive electronic confirmation of your cancellation transaction.
License Plate Requirements:
Louisiana statute RS 47:505 requires removal of license plates upon termination of lawful use. After completing online cancellation, remove your license plates from the vehicle. While the state does not require physical surrender of plates for online cancellations, you should destroy them to prevent unauthorized use. Contact your local OMV field office if you have questions about plate disposal.
In-Person Processing at OMV Field Office
Vehicle owners may complete cancellation transactions at any Louisiana OMV field office during posted operating hours.
Materials to Submit:
- Valid photo identification issued by government authority
- Current vehicle registration certificate or renewal documentation
- Any additional forms as requested by OMV personnel
- Receipt of transaction for personal records
OMV staff process cancellation requests immediately and update the state vehicle registration database accordingly.
Processing Through Notary Public
Louisiana law permits vehicle registration transactions to be completed through commissioned notaries public who are authorized to process motor vehicle documentation.
Transaction Requirements:
- Present acceptable identification to the notary public
- Provide current registration paperwork
- Surrender license plate when applicable
- Complete required cancellation documentation
- Obtain confirmation of the completed transaction
Notaries public forward cancellation records to the Office of Motor Vehicles for permanent registration database updates.
Petition for Refund of Registration Fees
Louisiana provides for refunds of registration fees when vehicle owners cancel registration under qualifying conditions. Refund eligibility and calculation methodology depend on the timing and circumstances of cancellation.
Refund Qualification Criteria
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles reviews refund petitions based on specific circumstances:
- Incorrect fee calculations resulting in excess payment
- Mid-year cancellation with remaining registration validity period
- Multiple payments made for the same registration cycle
- Errors in registration processing requiring correction
- Office mistakes resulting in improper fee collection
- Rescinded Vehicle Sales
Refund Request Process
Step 1: Cancel Your Registration
Complete the online cancellation process or submit cancellation documentation through an OMV field office as described above. The OMV cannot evaluate refund requests until registration cancellation appears in the state database system.
Step 2: Prepare Refund Documentation
Contact your nearest OMV field office to request a refund application form. Compile all supporting materials for your refund claim:
- Original registration payment receipt
- Vehicle license plate being surrendered
- Proof of vehicle sale, transfer, or other qualifying event
- Insurance termination documentation if relevant
- Bill of sale or transfer paperwork if applicable
- Detailed written explanation of refund justification
Step 3: File Application with OMV
Submit your completed refund application with supporting documentation to:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Applications may also be submitted at any OMV field office location, where staff will forward materials to the central processing unit for evaluation.
Step 4: OMV Review and Determination
The Office of Motor Vehicles reviews refund petitions against statutory requirements and administrative procedures. Refund calculations are prorated based on complete months remaining in the registration period. Approved refunds are processed through the state warrant system, with checks mailed to the address provided on your application. Processing timelines generally range from four to six weeks depending on application volume and documentation completeness.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Vehicle registration cancellation procedures in Louisiana are established through state revised statutes and administrative regulations:
- Louisiana Revised Statute 47:505 governs license plate issuance, requirements for plate removal upon termination of lawful use, and plate transfer procedures
- Louisiana Revised Statute 32:900 establishes compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements throughout Louisiana
Government Agencies
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Online Services Portal
P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Online Services Portal
OMV Field Offices
The Office of Motor Vehicles operates field offices throughout Louisiana that can assist with registration cancellation transactions. The following offices serve Louisiana's largest metropolitan areas:
OMV - Baton Rouge
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Baton Rouge OMV
OMV - New Orleans
100 Veterans Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 483-1870
Official Website: New Orleans OMV
OMV - Shreveport
6005 Financial Plaza, Suite 100, Shreveport, LA 71129
Phone: (318) 688-6807
Official Website: Shreveport OMV
OMV - Lafayette
3241 NW Evangeline Thruway, Suite A, Lafayette, LA 70507
Phone: (337) 896-8121
Official Website: Lafayette OMV
OMV - Lake Charles
951 Main Street, Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone: (337) 491-2533
Official Website: Lake Charles OMV
OMV - Monroe
5171 Northeast Road, Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: (318) 362-3121
Official Website: Monroe OMV
OMV - Alexandria
5602 Coliseum Boulevard, Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone: (318) 487-5933
Official Website: Alexandria OMV
OMV - Houma
108 Capital Boulevard, Houma, LA 70360
Phone: (985) 857-3675
Official Website: Houma OMV
OMV - Kenner
421 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, LA 70062
Phone: (504) 463-5783
Official Website: Kenner OMV
OMV - Metairie
3939 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 204, Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 272-2333
Official Website: Metairie OMV
