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Free Louisiana Car Bill of Sale

Louisiana car sales use an "Act of Sale" — a notarized bill of sale required by law — plus Form DPSMV 1799 for title transfer. Parish taxes push total rates to 9–10.45%. Buyers have 40 days to transfer title, and since 2025 there is no statewide safety inspection to schedule for a private car.

Louisiana Requirements: Notarization required. Transfer title within 40 days. 5% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Car Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Louisiana Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
DPSMV 1799
Vehicle Application for Certificate of Title
Agency
LA OMV
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
4.45%
Title Required
Yes
Louisiana title must be transferred within 40 days. Louisiana uses a "Act of Sale" document alongside the title — this is a notarized bill of sale.
Inspection
Not required

Sales Tax Details

Louisiana state sales tax is 4.45%. Parish (county) taxes add 5–6%, making total rates of 9–10.45% in most areas. Calculated on sale price.

Inspection Requirements

Louisiana eliminated its statewide annual safety inspection in 2025 for most private passenger cars — the old brake-tag was replaced by a QR-code registration sticker (about $6) mailed when you register. Commercial vehicles and school buses are still inspected, and New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego retain authority to keep local inspection rules.

Louisiana Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Prepare an "Act of Sale" (notarized bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, price, buyer/seller names).
  2. Seller signs the title assignment + Act of Sale.
  3. Buyer takes Act of Sale + title + DPSMV 1799 to LA OMV within 40 days.
  4. Buyer pays 4.45% state tax + parish tax + title and registration fees.
  5. No statewide safety inspection since 2025 — a ~$6 QR-code sticker arrives with registration; check local rules if the car will live in New Orleans, Kenner, or Westwego.

Common Pitfalls

  • Skipping the Act of Sale notarization — Louisiana legally requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicle transfers.
  • Underestimating parish taxes — New Orleans (Orleans Parish) adds 5% on top of the 4.45% state rate.
  • Missing the 40-day title transfer deadline.
  • Budgeting time for the old annual brake-tag inspection — the statewide program ended in 2025 for private cars, though New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego can still set local rules.

Pro Tip

LA car: notarized Act of Sale + DPSMV 1799 + 40-day transfer + 4.45% state + parish tax.

Louisiana Car Bill of Sale — FAQs

What is a Louisiana "Act of Sale"?
An Act of Sale is a notarized bill of sale required by Louisiana law for private vehicle sales. It must include the VIN, year, make, model, sale price, and the full names and signatures of both buyer and seller before a notary public.
How much is sales tax on a car in Louisiana?
Louisiana's state rate is 4.45%. Parish (county) taxes typically add 5–6%, so most Louisiana buyers pay 9–10.45% total. The exact rate depends on the buyer's parish of residence.
Does a car need a safety inspection when it changes hands in Louisiana?
Not anymore for most private cars. In 2025 the Louisiana legislature eliminated the statewide annual safety inspection — the familiar brake-tag was replaced by a QR-code registration sticker costing about $6 that is mailed to you. Commercial vehicles and school buses still require inspection, and New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego kept the authority to run local inspection programs, so check municipal rules if the car is garaged there.

Other Louisiana Templates

Vehicle Bill of SaleUsed Car Bill of SaleMotorcycle Bill of SaleBoat Bill of SaleTrailer Bill of SaleHorse Bill of SaleATV Bill of SaleGun / Firearm Bill of SaleRV Bill of SaleGeneral Bill of SaleFree Printable Bill of SaleOdometer Disclosure Bill of SaleAs-Is Bill of SaleGift Bill of Sale

Car in Other States

TexasFloridaGeorgiaMissouriUtahOregonAlabamaColoradoConnecticutArkansas

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