Selling or junking a car in Louisiana

How do I sign over a car title in Louisiana?

The seller assigns the current title to the buyer in front of a notary, so notarization is required. A notarized bill of sale, invoice or title is acceptable. If the price is written in the title assignment, no separate bill of sale is needed. Otherwise the buyer needs the original notarized bill of sale showing the price and a full vehicle description. A bank agent may witness the assignment instead of a notary, but only if the seller is present, a lien is being recorded, and the bank's letter naming its authorized officers is provided. The buyer submits the Vehicle Application (DPSMV1799) and the assigned title with any lien released. The title fee is $68.50, plus an $8 handling fee, a local fee of up to $6, and sales tax. Odometer: if the vehicle is not exempt and the back of the title has no odometer disclosure, the buyer must add a Supplemental Odometer Statement.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Louisiana?

Yes, but only when selling the vehicle as scrap. Under R.S. 32:718 and OMV Policy 120.00, an owner selling an 'auto hulk' to a secondary metal processor or licensed automotive dismantler may sign the Auto Hulk Affidavit (DPSMV1801) instead of handing over a title. An auto hulk is a vehicle that cannot drive itself or carry anything on a highway, and whose main value is as parts or scrap. In the affidavit the seller swears they own the vehicle or may sell it, and that there are no liens. The buyer must also collect a copy of the seller's driver's license or state ID, the plate number and state of the vehicle that delivers the hulk, and a photo of the dash VIN. The buyer keeps these records for 2 years. No vehicle age limit is stated. The test is the vehicle's condition, not its age. For a normal private sale to a non-recycler, a title is still required.

How do I get a duplicate title in Louisiana?

Use the Vehicle Application (DPSMV1799) and complete its duplicate title affidavit section (OMV Policy 15.00, under R.S. 32:713). Sign that section in front of a notary, or in front of an OMV or Public Tag Agent employee. Only the registered owner, the owner's agent (with the power of attorney) or the lienholder can apply. A duplicate cannot be issued in a dead owner's name unless the affidavit was signed and notarized before death. If a lien was paid off, include the original note stamped paid or a lien satisfaction from the lender. Apply at an OMV office or Public Tag Agent, or mail to OMV, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Louisiana?

Yes. The seller files a Notice of Vehicle Transfer. Under R.S. 47:510(B), as quoted on the form, written notice is due within 15 days of the transfer, and the penalty is a fine of up to $100 and/or up to 30 days in jail (R.S. 47:537). You can file online through the OMV Notice of Vehicle Transfer service, or mail paper form DPSMV1697. Either way you need the plate number, registration expiration date, VIN, the seller's driver's license number or company EIN, the buyer's name and address, the sale date and the price. Your OMV record is flagged right away, but legal ownership does not change until the buyer applies for title.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Louisiana?

The plate does not go to the buyer with the car. After filing the Notice of Vehicle Transfer, OMV says the seller should destroy regular automobile plates, or turn them in at an OMV office or mail them to OMV, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Truck and trailer plates may stay with the vehicle and transfer to the new owner. Special prestige plates may be kept by the seller. To cancel a plate, turn it in at any OMV office, mail it, or cancel it online. A plate canceled online must be removed from the vehicle and destroyed. Cancel the plate before you cancel liability insurance. Dealers must remove and destroy plates on vehicles they take in for resale (R.S. 47:505(B), Policy 94.00).

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Louisiana?

When an auto hulk is to be scrapped, the licensed crusher or dismantler must enter it in OMV's Salvage Yard Auto Hulk Database before dismantling, crushing or destroying it (R.S. 32:718). It must then keep the vehicle until OMV confirms the entry. If the check shows the vehicle as stolen, it must not be destroyed and local police must be told where it is. Once the entry succeeds, the VIN is permanently invalid and can never be titled or registered again. The database entry replaces a Permit to Dismantle. Parts buyers get a receipt stating the vehicle was reported under R.S. 32:718. After an insurance total-loss settlement, the insurer, its agent or the owner must apply for a salvage title within 30 days.

Official sources

1. Louisiana OMV - Used Title & Registration
2. Louisiana OMV - Vehicle Registration, Title & Plate Fees
3. Louisiana OMV - Notice of Vehicle Transfer
4. Louisiana OMV - Notice of Vehicle Transfer online service
5. Louisiana OMV - Notice of Vehicle Transfer FAQ (plates)
6. Notice of Transfer of Vehicle form DPSMV1697
7. Louisiana OMV - Cancel Plate
8. OMV Policy 15.00 Duplicate Titles
9. OMV Policy 120.00 Auto Hulk
10. Auto Hulk Affidavit DPSMV1801
11. Louisiana OMV - Salvage Yard Auto Hulk
12. OMV Policy 94.00 License Plates Removed by Dealers
13. La. R.S. 32:718 Sale of auto hulk as scrap
14. Louisiana OMV - Vehicles (salvage title FAQ)

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) before you sell.