Free Louisiana Car Bill of Sale
Louisiana car sales need one notarized document — the title assignment, or a notarized bill of sale ("Act of Sale") or invoice, which is required only if the price is not on the title assignment — plus Form DPSMV 1799 for title transfer. Parish taxes push total rates to about 9–11%. Sales tax is due by the 40th day after the sale, paid when the buyer applies for title, and a 2026 law is phasing out the annual inspection sticker for private cars.
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Louisiana Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Louisiana state sales tax is 5.0% (raised from 4.45% effective January 1, 2025). Parish (county) taxes are added on top — combined rates typically run 9–11%. Calculated on sale price.
Inspection Requirements
Louisiana passed a 2026 law that phases out the annual inspection sticker for most private cars. Check with the Louisiana State Police or OMV for the rule in effect on your sale date. Commercial vehicles and school buses are still inspected, and the five Baton Rouge-area parishes still have emissions testing.
Louisiana Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Write the selling price on the title assignment and have it notarized — or, if the price is not on the title, prepare a notarized "Act of Sale" (bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, price, buyer/seller names).
- Seller signs the title assignment (and the Act of Sale, if used).
- Buyer takes the title (+ Act of Sale if used) + DPSMV 1799 to LA OMV, paying the sales tax by the 40th day after the sale.
- Buyer pays 5.0% state tax + parish tax + title and registration fees.
- Inspection stickers are being phased out under a 2026 law — check the current rule with the Louisiana State Police or OMV.
Common Pitfalls
- Skipping the notary — the OMV needs the title assignment, the bill of sale, or the invoice notarized.
- Underestimating parish taxes — New Orleans (Orleans Parish) adds 5% on top of the 5.0% state rate.
- Missing the 40-day sales-tax due date — penalty and interest follow.
- Assuming the old brake-tag rules still apply — a 2026 law is phasing out the inspection sticker for most private cars, so check the current rule.
Pro Tip
LA car: one notarized document (title or Act of Sale) + DPSMV 1799 + sales tax due by day 40 + 5.0% state + parish tax.