Bill of Sale of a Movable - Louisiana

How to Sell a Vehicle in Louisiana?

Selling a car in Louisiana does not require a lot of documentation. In order to complete the process without getting into trouble with the state authorities, follow these tips:

• Make sure there are no liens on the vehicle you sell. If any unreleased liens are shown on the front of the Title, you need to obtain the original release document from the holder of this lien before you can sell the car;
• Fill out all fields necessary to assign the Title on the back part of it. Note, that Louisiana laws require you to assign the Title in front of a notary public. The State does not accept Titles without proper notarization. When filling out the document, use only blue or black ink. Remember that you are not allowed to cross out or erase anything, nor are you allowed to use "white-out." Any error can void the Title;
• Fill out a Bill of Sale for the car;
• Do not forget that a car license plate is not transferable and will need to be removed before you sell your vehicle. Surrender the license plate to a local Office of Motor Vehicles before you cancel your car insurance;
• You can notify the Office of Motor Vehicles of the car sale by submitting Form DPSMV1697 (VEH-30), Notice of Transfer of Vehicle. The Notice can be submitted in an electronic form at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections;
• Keep copies of the front and back part of the title, your copy of the Bill of Sale, and other documents related to the sale for your records.

For a Vehicle Bill of Sale in Louisiana to be legally accepted by a government agency, it must contain the following information:

1. The name of the parish where the deal takes place.
2. The name of the seller.
3. The name of the buyer.
4. Information about the transferred vehicle - its make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
5. The sales price of the car.
6. The date of sale.
7. The date the document was signed.
8. Signatures of both parties.

Does a Vehicle Bill of Sale Need to Be Notarized in Louisiana?

Yes, a Vehicle Bill of Sale is not considered legal without a notary public's certification.

Trouble finding a particular form? Take a look at these related forms below:

• Form DPSMV1606, Odometer Disclosure Statement;
• Form DPSMV1697, Notice of Transfer of Vehicle;
• Form DPSMV1799, Vehicle Application;
• Form DPSMV1820, Vehicle Appraisal;
• Form DPSMV1633, Application for Permit To Dismantle Vehicle.