How To Get a Car Title in Louisiana 2026
Louisiana law mandates that all motor vehicles operated in the state must be titled and registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. The certificate of title serves as the legal document establishing vehicle ownership and is administered by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections through the Office of Motor Vehicles.
Where to Apply for a Louisiana Certificate of Title
Applications for a Louisiana certificate of title must be submitted to locations authorized by the Office of Motor Vehicles:
- OMV Customer Service Centers – State-operated facilities located throughout Louisiana
- Public Tag Agent Offices – Private businesses authorized to process title applications and issue license plates on behalf of OMV
- Auto Title Company Offices – Licensed third-party agents authorized to handle title transactions and vehicle registrations
- Mail-In Service – Applications may be mailed to OMV Headquarters in Baton Rouge for processing
Required Documents for Title Application in Louisiana
Applicants must present specific documentation to the Office of Motor Vehicles establishing legal ownership and satisfying state requirements. Required documents vary depending on whether the vehicle is new or previously titled.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV 1799) | Completed and signed by all owners | Must be filed within 40 days from date of purchase |
| Proof of Ownership | Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (new vehicles) or properly assigned certificate of title (used vehicles) | Must be notarized if transfer occurred in Louisiana or a notarization-required state |
| Bill of Sale or Invoice | Original notarized document specifying consideration and vehicle description | Required for used vehicles unless selling price included on notarized title |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Completed for vehicles not exempt | Required if not included on back of title |
| Photo Identification | Current and valid driver's license or identification card | Required for all vehicle owners listed on application |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplemental documents may be necessary based on transaction circumstances:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UCC-1 Financing Statement | Record security interest | Original or copy required if lien to be recorded; federally insured institutions may use authorized agent witness |
| Proof of Liability Insurance | Verify insurance coverage | Required when obtaining license plates |
| Lien Release | Establish clear title | Must be properly documented on title or separate notarized document |
| Trade-In Documentation | Support tax credit claim | Invoice must be notarized if trade vehicle or tax credit shown |
| Act of Donation | Document gift transfer | Must be notarized |
Louisiana Title Fees and Costs
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has established standardized fee schedules for certificate of title transactions and vehicle registration.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $68.50 |
| Title Correction | $68.50 |
| Duplicate Title | $68.50 |
| Handling Fee | $8.00 |
| Local Fee | Up to $6.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Lien recordation and license plate fees apply to most title transactions:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UCC-1 Lien Recordation | $15.00 | For UCC-1 financing statements |
| Other Security Agreement Lien | $10.00 | For non-UCC security agreements |
| License Transfer | $3.00 | Transfer existing plate to different vehicle |
| Motorcycle Plate | $12.00 | Valid 4 years |
| Automobile Plate | $20.00+ | Based on 0.1% of vehicle value per year; minimum $20.00 for 2-year registration |
| Motor Home Plate | $50.00 | Valid 2 years |
| Commercial Plate | $10.00 | Valid 1 year |
| Boat Trailer (up to 1,500 lbs) | $25.00 | Valid 4 years |
| Utility Trailer (up to 500 lbs) | $12.00 | Valid 4 years |
| Truck Plate (up to 6,000 lbs GVW) | $40.00 | Valid 4 years |
Sales Use Tax: Assessed based on parish of domicile and calculated on vehicle sales price minus qualifying trade-in allowance and rebates.
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Complete Required Notarization
Louisiana requires notarization of title assignments and certain supporting documents. Before visiting an OMV office or authorized agent, schedule an appointment with a Louisiana notary public if:
- Transferring ownership of a vehicle (title assignment must be notarized)
- Completing a bill of sale that shows a trade-in vehicle or tax credit
- Executing an Act of Donation for gift transfers
- The transfer occurred in Louisiana or another state requiring notarization
Important Exception: New vehicle sales completed in Louisiana by licensed dealers on or after January 1, 2023, do not require notarization if processed by the dealer.
Have all parties present with valid photo identification. The notary will witness signatures and complete the notarial certificate on the documents.
Step 2: Assemble Documentation Package
Collect all required documents as discussed above before submitting your application. Verify all documents are complete and properly executed. Missing signatures, incorrect notarization, or incomplete vehicle descriptions will delay processing.
Step 3: Calculate Total Fees and Taxes
Determine all applicable charges before submission. Use the OMV parish tax table to calculate sales use tax based on your domicile parish. For automobile license plates, calculate using 0.1% of vehicle value per year for a two-year registration (minimum $20.00).
Step 4: Submit Application to Authorized Location
Present your completed application package at an OMV customer service center, public tag agent office, or auto title company office. Alternatively, mail documents to:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Mail-In Title Section
P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Critical Deadline: Applications must be filed within 40 days from the date of purchase. Failure to meet this deadline results in penalties and interest charges on the sales use tax.
Staff will review documents for completeness, calculate total fees and taxes, and process payment. Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (processing fees may apply). If obtaining license plates, plates, and registration documents are issued immediately upon application approval.
Step 5: Receive Certificate of Title
Processing time and delivery method depend on service level and lien status:
Standard Title Processing
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles prints and mails certificates of title to the address shown on the application. Standard processing typically results in title receipt within 10 to 15 business days from application date for transactions without complications.
Expedited Title Service
Some authorized locations offer expedited title processing allowing next-business-day availability for an additional fee. Expedited titles may be picked up at the processing office rather than mailed. Contact your local OMV office or authorized agent to determine if expedited service is available.
Titles With Liens
When a security interest is recorded, the certificate of title is mailed to the lienholder's address shown on the UCC-1 financing statement or security agreement. The lienholder retains possession until the loan is satisfied. Upon loan payoff, the lienholder must provide a notarized lien release. The owner may then apply for a new certificate of title without the lien notation.
Electronic Title Options
Louisiana participates in electronic lien and title programs with participating lenders. Electronic titles are held digitally by the lienholder until the loan is paid off, at which point the owner may request a paper certificate.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Louisiana establishes exemptions from certificate of title requirements for specific vehicle categories:
- Vehicles owned by the United States government, unless registered in Louisiana
- Vehicles owned by manufacturers or dealers held exclusively for sale or demonstration purposes
- Implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural purposes and not primarily designed for highway transportation
- Special mobile equipment not designed or used primarily for the transportation of persons or property on highways
- Vehicles owned by nonresidents and properly titled and registered in another state
- Pole trailers used exclusively for transporting utility poles, pilings, or other long loads
- Vehicles subject to federal registration requirements operating exclusively in interstate commerce
Note: Golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and utility terrain vehicles have specific registration and titling procedures under Louisiana law, but are not exempt from OMV oversight when operated on public roadways under authorized circumstances.
Contact Information
Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana OMV ExpressLane
