How To Transfer a Car Title in Louisiana 2026

Transferring a car title in Louisiana is governed by R.S. 32:705, which requires the seller to hand over a properly endorsed certificate of title at the time of sale. Louisiana is one of the few states that requires a notary public to witness the seller's signature on the title. Once the buyer receives the title, they have 40 days from the purchase date to file the transfer with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Applications can be filed in person at any OMV field office, mailed to OMV Headquarters, or handled through an authorized Public Tag Agent location.

Required Documents for Title Transfer in Louisiana

Gather the following items before visiting the OMV or a Public Tag Agent. Original documents are required unless noted otherwise. Note that Louisiana requires notarization on more documents than most other states.

Notarization note: The seller must sign the title in front of a notary. As an alternative, the seller may sign before two witnesses, with one witness then acknowledging the signature before a notary. Donations must always be fully notarized.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Louisiana

Step 1: Secure a Properly Released Lien

If the vehicle has an existing loan or lien, it must be fully released before the title can be transferred. The lienholder must either sign the lien release section on the title itself or provide a written release letter. If the title is held electronically, the lienholder sends the release directly to the OMV. The transfer cannot move forward until all liens are cleared or the lienholder provides written consent.

Step 2: Execute the Notarized Title Assignment

The seller fills in the assignment section on the back of the title. This section must include the sale date, the selling price, and the buyer's full name and address. The seller then signs the completed assignment in the presence of a notary public before handing the title to the buyer. Per R.S. 32:705, this endorsed title must be physically delivered to the buyer at the time of sale. Minor errors, such as a misspelled address or incorrect date, will not automatically void the assignment, but errors that affect the calculated fees or taxes will require a corrected, notarized document.

Step 3: Prepare a Notarized Bill of Sale

A notarized bill of sale or itemized dealer invoice is required for every used-vehicle transfer in Louisiana. The document must include the vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN, as well as the actual sale price. If a trade-in vehicle is listed on the invoice, the entire document must be notarized. When the sale takes place in Louisiana, the original notarized bill of sale is required.

Step 4: Complete Form DPSMV 1799

Form DPSMV 1799 is Louisiana's standard vehicle application form. The buyer completes and signs this form, which records the vehicle identification details, new ownership information, and the declared purchase price used to calculate sales tax. The form is available at all OMV offices and authorized Public Tag Agent locations. For vehicles coming from another state, the buyer must also provide the original out-of-state title with the seller's valid endorsement.

Step 5: Submit All Documents to the OMV or a Public Tag Agent

Once all documents are signed, notarized, and assembled, submit the complete package through one of the following channels:

• In person at any Louisiana OMV field office
• By mail to OMV Headquarters: P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
• Through an authorized Public Tag Agent — a network of licensed businesses designated by the OMV to process title and registration transactions

Sellers should also file a Notice of Vehicle Transfer online after the sale. This creates an official record of the transfer and protects the seller from being held responsible for tickets, accidents, or other incidents that occur after the vehicle changes hands.

Step 6: Pay All Required Fees and Taxes

All fees and taxes are due upon submission of the application. Sales and use tax is based on the combined state and parish rate for the buyer's home parish. Automobile license plate fees are calculated at 0.1% of the vehicle's value per year, billed in two-year increments, with a minimum plate fee of $20.00.

Contact Information

Louisiana Department of Public Safety — Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles