Louisiana Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Louisiana. Confirm the latest requirements with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) before completing your transaction.
Quick answer
To complete a buy a used car in Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You have 40 days to complete the filing.
Key facts
- State
- Louisiana
- Agency
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- Yes
- Bill of sale
- Yes
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 40 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-13
- Official source
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles ↗
Quick reference
Notary required?
✓YesBill of sale?
✓YesOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
◆Conditional⏱ Important Deadlines
- 40-day deadline: Buyer must submit the title application to the OMV within 40 days of purchase. Motor vehicle sales tax is also due by the 40th day.Official source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Louisiana law requires the seller's signature on the title assignment to be made in the presence of a notary (who subscribes their name), or alternatively in the presence of two witnesses who sign and acknowledge the document.
A notarized bill of sale is required as part of the title application package in Louisiana.
Required by federal law for vehicles under 10 years old.
Louisiana no longer requires routine safety inspection stickers for private passenger vehicles. Emissions inspection is required only in specific parishes (East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, and Iberville).
Step-by-step process
- 1Run a vehicle history report (e.g., CARFAX or NMVTIS) before purchase.
- 2Verify the seller's name matches the name on the title.
- 3Ensure the title is free of liens or confirm the lien will be resolved.
- 4Have the seller sign the title over to you and complete odometer disclosure.
- 5Obtain a bill of sale from the seller.
- 6Submit the signed title, application, fees, and proof of insurance to your state DMV.
- 7Pay any applicable sales tax.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Not verifying that the seller is the titled owner.
- ✗Failing to check for outstanding liens before purchase.
- ✗Missing the deadline to register the vehicle after purchase.
- ✗Not getting a bill of sale.
Official links
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In Louisiana, confirm the registration deadline with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-13 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice