How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Louisiana From Out of State
Individuals establishing residency in Louisiana with vehicles previously titled in other states must complete registration within 30 days of becoming a Louisiana resident. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles oversees all motor vehicle titling and registration operations conducted through Office of Motor Vehicles locations and authorized agents throughout Louisiana's 64 parishes.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Registration transfer from another state to Louisiana requires payment of registration fees, certificate of title charges, handling fees, and applicable taxes. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles Title and Registration page establishes standardized fee structures applied consistently across all processing locations statewide.
Standard State Fees
Louisiana determines annual registration fees based on vehicle type, weight, and use classification. The Louisiana Department of Revenue publication summarizes motor vehicle fees:
Registration and Plate Fees:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | Registration Period |
|---|---|---|
| Private passenger car | $20.00 minimum (0.1% of selling price) | 2 years |
| Truck/van (up to 6,000 lbs GVW) | $40.00 | 4 years |
| Truck/van (6,001 to 10,000 lbs GVW) | $112.00 | 4 years |
| Motorcycle | $12.00 | 4 years |
| Commercial vehicles | $10.00 | 1 year |
| Boat trailer (up to 1,500 lbs) | $25.00 | 4 years |
| Utility trailer (up to 500 lbs) | $25.00 | 4 years |
| Motor home | $50.00 | 2 years |
| All other trailers | $10.00 / $40.00 / $70.00 | 1 year / 4 years / Permanent |
Title Transaction Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certification of title | $68.50 |
| Title correction | $68.50 |
| Mortgage recordation (UCC1) | $15.00 |
| Mortgage recordation (retail installment agreement) | $10.00 |
Additional Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| License plate transfer fee | $3.00 |
| Handling fee | $8.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Louisiana assesses sales tax on motor vehicles purchased for use in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Revenue establishes tax rates applied during vehicle registration through the Office of Motor Vehicles.
State Sales Tax
Louisiana's motor vehicle sales tax applies to the purchase price or fair market value of vehicles registered in Louisiana. Complete tax information is accessible through the Louisiana Department of Revenue General Sales and Use Tax page.
Motor Vehicle Sales Tax Rate:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State vehicle sales tax | 5.0% of purchase price or fair market value |
Louisiana grants credit for sales tax paid to another state when the vehicle was purchased. If the previous state imposed a tax equal to or greater than Louisiana's 5% rate, no additional state sales tax is due. If the prior state's tax was lower, Louisiana collects the difference as authorized under Louisiana Revised Statutes 47:301.
Local Sales Tax
Louisiana parishes and municipalities impose local sales taxes on motor vehicle purchases and registrations. Local option taxes supplement the state sales tax and vary by jurisdiction.
Parish and municipal sales tax rates typically range from 1.85% to 7% of the vehicle's purchase price or fair market value. Combined state and local sales tax rates on vehicles may reach 11% depending on the parish and municipality of residence. Vehicle owners should verify applicable local tax rates through their local Office of Motor Vehicles location based on registration address.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Gasoline vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less registered in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge parishes are required by Louisiana to undergo an annual safety inspection that includes an emissions test. Vehicle emissions inspection costs $18 per vehicle.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection
Motor vehicles bearing salvage titles or reconstructed from salvage components must undergo examination by the Louisiana State Police before receiving a salvage title and standard registration plates.
Salvage and Rebuilt Title Fees:
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Regular inspection fee | $10.00 |
| Salvage title fee | $68.50 |
The inspection fee is remitted to the Louisiana State Police at the time of vehicle examination. The salvage title fee is paid to the Office of Motor Vehicles when submitting the title application after successful inspection completion.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
7979 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (877) 368-5463
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles establishes regulatory standards for vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing throughout Louisiana's 64 parishes. The office operates branch locations and coordinates with authorized agents who process motor vehicle registration transactions and title applications for Louisiana residents.
Louisiana Vehicle Licensing Offices
Louisiana provides motor vehicle registration services through Office of Motor Vehicles locations and authorized agents in parishes throughout the state.
Baton Rouge OMV Office
7701 Independence Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Jennings OMV Office
210 S State Street, Jennings, LA 70546
Phone: (337) 824-5750
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
New Orleans OMV Office
100 Veterans Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124
Phone: (504) 483-1870
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Cameron OMV Office
148 Smith Circle Suite 151, Cameron, LA 70631
Phone: (337) 775-2238
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Lafayette OMV Office
3241 NW Evangeline Thruway Suite A, Lafayette, LA 70507
Phone: (337) 896-8121
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Chalmette OMV Office
3870 E Judge Perez Drive, Meraux, LA 70075
Phone: (504) 278-6513
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Oakdale OMV Office
229 S 10th Street, Oakdale, LA 71463
Phone: (318) 335-2578
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
St. Joseph OMV Office
203 Hancock Street Courthouse Annex, St. Joseph, LA 71366
Phone: (318) 766-3239
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Rayville OMV Office
6 Lynn Gayle Robertson Road, Rayville, LA 71269
Phone: (318) 728-3048
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Livingston Parish OMV Office
20355 Government Boulevard, Livingston, LA 70754
Phone: (225) 686-1447
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
