Louisiana Bill of Sale

Vehicle, boat, trailer or general bill of sale with odometer statement, as-is clause and your state's notary and DMV requirements.

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Louisiana rules that this document follows

Notarization (vehicle)RequiredSource: La. R.S. 32:707; Louisiana OMV policy: bill of sale/act of sale for a private vehicle transfer must be an original, signed by buyer and seller, and notarized (or the title assignment notarized)
Official DMV formOMV Vehicle Bill of Sale (unnumbered; DPSMV 1697 Act of Donation for gifts)
Odometer disclosureRequired for vehicles under 20 model years oldSource: 49 U.S.C. § 32705; 49 C.F.R. Part 580 (odometer statement required for vehicles less than 20 model years old)
Buyer must apply for title within40 daysSource: La. R.S. 32:707 (application within 40 days; penalty thereafter)
General propertyNo notarization; no witnesses requiredSource: La. Civ. Code art. 2456 (sale of movables perfected by consent); authentic act (notary + 2 witnesses, art. 1833) required only for immovables/donations
BoatNotarized bill of sale required for LDWF boat registration/titleSource: La. R.S. 34:851.4
Sales taxBuyer pays 4.45% state sales/use tax plus parish/local tax on the purchase price to the OMV at titling.

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Bill of Sale in Louisiana

Fill in the VIN exactly as it appears on the title, record the odometer without tenths, and have both parties sign two originals — one each. If Louisiana requires notarization, sign in front of the notary, not before.

Sellers: remove your plates if your state requires it and file a release of liability with the DMV. Buyers: apply for title and registration promptly and insure the vehicle before driving it.

Frequently asked questions

Does a bill of sale need to be notarized in Louisiana?

Yes, for a vehicle bill of sale (La. R.S. 32:707; Louisiana OMV policy: bill of sale/act of sale for a private vehicle transfer must be an original, signed by buyer and seller, and notarized (or the title assignment notarized)). This template adds the notary block automatically.

Is a bill of sale enough to transfer a car?

No — ownership passes with the assigned certificate of title. The bill of sale documents the price, date, odometer and as-is terms, and Louisiana uses OMV Vehicle Bill of Sale (unnumbered; DPSMV 1697 Act of Donation for gifts). The buyer must apply for a new title within 40 days.

What does 'as is' mean?

The buyer accepts the property in its current condition with no implied warranties. Sellers should still disclose known defects; fraud is never protected by an as-is clause.

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FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.