How to Gift a Car in Louisiana in 2026
In Louisiana, gifting a car represents the transfer of motor vehicle ownership from a donor to a donee without monetary consideration. The transfer occurs through Louisiana's formal titling and registration system overseen by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Under Louisiana's certificate of title law, the donor must properly assign the title before a notary, and the recipient applies for a new certificate of title through the OMV.
How Does Gifting a Car in Louisiana Work?
When a motor vehicle is gifted in Louisiana, the transaction is subject to distinct procedural requirements set forth in OMV Policy 52.00. The transfer requires execution of either a notarized Act of Donation (DPSMV1699) or a Manual Gift (DPSMV1698) form, depending on the circumstances of the transfer.
An Act of Donation is a formal legal document executed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses. The donor certifies that the property is being transferred freely, with full warranty of title, and that no mortgages, liens, or other encumbrances attach to the vehicle. The Manual Gift form may be used only when the transfer is conducted by a Louisiana-licensed motor vehicle dealer.
Once the proper donation documents are completed, the recipient applies for a new certificate of title using the Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV1799).
Louisiana Car Gifting Rules You Should Know
Title Status
All motor vehicles operated on Louisiana public roads must be titled. Under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:707, any recipient of a vehicle must apply for a certificate of title within five days after delivery of a previously issued title or within five days of delivery if no certificate has been previously issued. The OMV will not issue a license plate until a valid certificate of title is issued to the recipient.
When a title is transferred, the names of all owners must match exactly as they appear on official identification documents. If the title was previously issued in another state, the recipient may still apply for a Louisiana title by presenting the out-of-state title along with supporting documentation.
License Plates
When vehicle ownership changes, the donor should remove the existing license plate before transferring the vehicle. If the recipient intends to reuse an existing plate on another vehicle owned by the same person, a plate transfer may be available for a $3.00 fee. The recipient may obtain a new plate for the gifted vehicle during the title and registration process.
Taxes and Fees
Under OMV Policy 52.00, a bona fide gift does not trigger sales or use tax liability. No sales tax is assessed when a vehicle is transferred by Act of Donation, and no mortgage or lien is being assumed. However, title, handling, and license plate fees still apply when the recipient registers the vehicle. If the recipient intends to drive the vehicle on public roads, liability insurance must be in effect before the plate is issued.
The donor is responsible for reporting the gift through the Notice of Vehicle Transfer process to remove the vehicle from the donor's registration record. This prevents future liability for violations, taxes, or other obligations tied to the vehicle.
Step-By-Step Process To Gift a Car in Louisiana
Step 1: Prepare the certificate of title.
The donor obtains the current certificate of title from any lienholder if the vehicle is not paid in full. If a lien exists, the lienholder must release it on the title or provide a separate release document.
Step 2: Execute the Act of Donation before a notary.
The donor, donee, two witnesses, and a notary public meet together. The Act of Donation form (DPSMV1699) is completed with the vehicle description, VIN, year, make, and model. The donor and donee sign the form in the presence of the witnesses and the notary. The notary then signs and seals the document. This step is mandatory for all donation acts; notarization cannot be waived.
Step 3: Disclose the odometer reading.
If the vehicle is not exempt from odometer disclosure requirements, the donor must complete the Odometer Disclosure Statement (DPSMV1606). Both the donor and donee sign this form, certifying the current mileage reading. If the odometer reading field on the back of the title is blank, a separate supplemental odometer statement must be submitted with the application.
Step 4: Obtain proof of insurance.
The recipient secures Louisiana liability insurance for the vehicle. Louisiana law requires minimum liability coverage of $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Proof of current liability insurance must accompany the title application if a license plate is to be issued.
Step 5: Prepare identification documents.
The recipient obtains a copy of the front of a valid state driver's license or identification card. If the identification is issued by a state other than Louisiana or by a U.S. territory, both the front and back must be provided.
Step 6: Complete the Vehicle Application Form.
The recipient completes the Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV1799) and signs it. The form must clearly identify this as a gift or donation transfer.
Step 7: Submit the application to the OMV.
The recipient submits the completed Vehicle Application Form along with the original notarized Act of Donation, the certificate of title, the odometer disclosure statement, proof of insurance, and identification to the OMV. The application may be submitted in person at any OMV office, by mail to the OMV headquarters in Baton Rouge, or through a Public Tag Agent location.
Step 8: Register the vehicle.
Upon approval of the title application, the recipient receives the new certificate of title. Registration becomes effective upon the recipient's receipt of the certificate and payment of the applicable fees. The vehicle must be registered within thirty days of acquisition to avoid penalties. The recipient may then receive license plates.
Step 9: Notify the OMV of the disposition (Donor).
The donor completes the Notice of Vehicle Transfer online, by mail, or in person to report that the vehicle has been donated. This removes the vehicle from the donor's registration record.
Documents Needed for Gifting a Car in Louisiana
| Document | Purpose | Official Form/Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Current certificate of title | Proof of ownership to be assigned | Issued by OMV |
| Act of Donation | Legal instrument transferring ownership | DPSMV1699 |
| Vehicle Application Form | Application for new title and registration | DPSMV1799 |
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Certification of vehicle mileage | DPSMV1606 |
| Proof of liability insurance | Evidence of required coverage | Insurance company documentation |
| Valid identification | Photo ID for donee | Driver's license or state ID card |
| Lien release | If a mortgage exists on the title | From lienholder |
The Act of Donation must be notarized and witnessed by two individuals. The certificate of title must be assigned by the donor in the presence of the notary and witnesses. If the odometer field on the title is blank, a supplemental odometer statement (DPSMV1606) is required, in addition to any disclosure already on the title.
For vehicles previously registered in another state, the out-of-state title or registration documents must accompany the application. Louisiana recognizes out-of-state titles and will issue a Louisiana title upon assignment by the donor.
Applicable Fees and Taxes When Gifting a Car in Louisiana
| Fee Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $68.50 | Applied to all certificates of title |
| Handling fee | $8.00 | Processing fee for title application |
| License plate fee (automobile) | $20.00–$82.00+ | Based on vehicle value; see plate fee table |
| License plate transfer | $3.00 | If transferring existing plate to another vehicle |
| Sales/use tax | $0.00 | Not assessed on bona fide gifts without mortgage assumption |
| Lien recordation (UCC-1) | $15.00 | Only if a security agreement is filed |
| Lien recordation (other) | $10.00 | Only if a non-UCC security agreement is filed |
Automobile license plate fees are calculated at 0.1% of the vehicle's value per year, sold in two-year increments, with a minimum base value of $10,000 (minimum plate fee: $20.00). Consult the official plate fee table for the specific plate fee based on the vehicle's appraised or assessed value.
A true gift transfer does not incur sales or use tax under Louisiana law when no assumption of a mortgage or lien occurs. However, if the donee operates the vehicle, all other fees and applicable license plate charges apply. The donor may also incur fees if reporting the transfer through the Notice of Vehicle Transfer system.
Contact Information
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: (225) 925-6146
Official Website: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
