Louisiana Car Bill of Sale: Notarized Form + Requirements

Louisiana is one of 5 US states that require a notarized bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. Both seller and buyer signatures must be witnessed by a notary public. The state publishes Form DPSMV 1606.

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Is a bill of sale required in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana requires a notarized bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer.

Notarization

Required. Both seller and buyer signatures must be witnessed by a notary public. This is the Louisiana-specific quirk to plan for.

Most banks offer free notarization to account holders; UPS Stores typically charge $5–$25; mobile notaries run $25–$50.

State-specific form

Form DPSMV 1606 (Bill of Sale) is published by Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Available at omv.dps.la.gov.

The form must include:

Seller's full legal name, address
Buyer's full legal name, address
Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
Odometer reading on the date of sale
Sale price
Date of sale
Both signatures, notarized

Sales tax implications

Louisiana state sales tax: 4.45% + local. Major parishes:

Orleans Parish (New Orleans): 9.45% (state 4.45% + local 5%)
Caddo Parish (Shreveport): ~9.55%
East Baton Rouge: ~9.95%

The buyer pays at the OMV at title transfer.

State-specific seller disclosures

Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
No statewide emissions testing: Louisiana doesn't require periodic emissions inspection (limited program in Baton Rouge area)
Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
Hurricane / flood damage disclosure: not state-mandated but a meaningful local concern post-Katrina (2005) and post-Ida (2021)

Where to file

The buyer files at any Louisiana OMV office within 40 days of sale.

For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our New Orleans guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notarized bill of sale in Louisiana?

Yes. Louisiana is one of 5 US states requiring a notarized bill of sale for private vehicle transfers (along with Maryland, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and West Virginia).

Where can I get a notary in Louisiana?

Most banks offer free notarization to account holders. UPS Stores typically charge $5–$25. Mobile notaries run $25–$50. Many tag agencies in LA also offer notary services.

What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Louisiana?

State 4.45% + local. New Orleans (Orleans Parish) total is 9.45%; Baton Rouge is ~9.95%; Shreveport is ~9.55%.

What form do I use?

Form DPSMV 1606 (Bill of Sale), available at omv.dps.la.gov.

Where do I file the bill of sale in Louisiana?

At any Louisiana OMV office, with the signed title. Within 40 days of sale.

Does Louisiana require emissions testing?

No statewide program. Limited program in the Baton Rouge area for some vehicle classes.

What about hurricane / flood damage?

Not state-mandated disclosure but a meaningful local buyer concern. Disclose any flood history; attaching a vehicle history report removes the question for non-flooded cars.

What if I lost the title in Louisiana?

Apply for a duplicate at the OMV. Standard duplicate-title process.

Selling a car in Louisiana?

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