What a Louisiana bill of sale does and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else, or that someone sold a car to you. In Louisiana, it serves as proof of the transaction and protects both the buyer and the seller by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and the date the ownership changed hands.
Louisiana law does not require a bill of sale to transfer a car title — the title itself is the legal document that proves ownership. However, a bill of sale is practical protection. If a dispute arises later about whether the sale happened, what was promised, or who owned the car on a specific date, the bill of sale is your evidence. It also creates a clear record for the buyer's insurance company and for the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles when they register the vehicle.
You can create a bill of sale yourself using a template, or you can purchase a pre-printed form from an office supply store or online. Louisiana does not have a state-mandated form, so any written document that includes the required information will hold up if a question arises later.
Key Takeaways
- A bill of sale documents the sale price, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date ownership transferred, and protects both buyer and seller even though Louisiana does not legally require one.
- You must include the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, the vehicle's VIN and year, the sale price, and the date signed by both parties.
- Both the buyer and seller should sign and date the bill of sale, and each should keep a copy for their records.
- The buyer will need the bill of sale when registering the vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and the seller may need it to prove they no longer own the car if it is later involved in an accident or citation.
What information must go on the bill of sale
Louisiana does not specify an exact format, but the bill of sale must include enough detail that anyone reading it could identify the car and understand the terms of the sale. At minimum, include the seller's full name and mailing address, the buyer's full name and mailing address, the vehicle's year, make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the sale price in dollars, and the date the sale occurred.
You should also note the condition of the car — whether it is sold "as-is" with no warranty, or whether the seller is making any promises about its mechanical condition. If the buyer is assuming an existing loan on the vehicle, that should be stated. If the sale includes any items beyond the car itself (such as a spare set of tires or floor mats), list them so there is no confusion later.
The bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Louisiana, though having it notarized adds a layer of formality that can be useful if the document is ever challenged. A notary public can witness both signatures for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.
How to fill out and sign the bill of sale
Write or type the bill of sale clearly so that all the information is legible. Fill in the seller's and buyer's names exactly as they appear on their driver's licenses or identification. Use the VIN from the vehicle's title or from the dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), not from the license plate.
Enter the sale price as a specific dollar amount. If the buyer is paying in cash, write "cash." If the buyer is financing part of the purchase or trading in another vehicle, describe the payment method — for example, "buyer assumes existing loan of $8,000 and pays $3,000 cash" or "buyer trades 2015 Honda Civic valued at $6,000 and pays $2,000 cash."
Both the seller and the buyer must sign and date the bill of sale. Each party should keep a copy. If either party does not have a copy at the time of signing, make photocopies or take clear photos with a phone before anyone leaves. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle in their name.
When the buyer registers the vehicle with Louisiana
The buyer will bring the bill of sale to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles along with the signed title, proof of insurance, and a completed process for registration. The bill of sale serves as supporting documentation that shows the purchase price and confirms the buyer's ownership claim.
If the sale price on the bill of sale is unusually low compared to the vehicle's market value, the Office of Motor Vehicles may ask questions or request additional documentation. This is routine and is not a sign of wrongdoing — the office straightforward wants to confirm that the transaction is legitimate and not an attempt to undervalue the vehicle for tax purposes.
The buyer should bring the bill of sale even if the seller is present at the registration office. Having the document on file protects the buyer if any dispute arises about the sale later.
Protecting yourself as a seller
As a seller, keep your copy of the signed bill of sale for at least three to five years. If the car is later involved in an accident, a traffic citation, or a crime, and the police or a court tries to hold you responsible, the bill of sale proves you no longer owned the vehicle on the date in question.
Before you hand over the keys, make sure the buyer has signed the bill of sale. Do not rely on a verbal agreement or a promise to sign later. If the buyer refuses to sign, do not release the car — this is a sign that something is wrong with the transaction.
You should also notify your insurance company that you have sold the vehicle, so they remove it from your policy. Some sellers make the mistake of assuming the insurance automatically drops when the title transfers — it does not. You remain liable for the vehicle until your insurer officially cancels coverage.
What to do if you lose the bill of sale
If you are the buyer and you have lost your copy of the bill of sale, you can contact the seller and ask for another copy. If the seller is unavailable or unwilling to provide one, you can still register the vehicle — the bill of sale is supporting documentation, not a requirement for registration. Bring the signed title and proof of insurance to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and they will process the registration.
If you are the seller and you have lost your copy, ask the buyer for a copy. If the buyer no longer has one either, you can recreate the document based on your records — write down the date of sale, the buyer's name, the vehicle details, and the price, and have the buyer sign it again if possible. This recreated bill of sale is weaker evidence than the original, but it is better than having nothing if a question arises later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a notary on a bill of sale?
No, Louisiana does not require notarization. A bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller is legally valid without a notary. However, having a notary witness the signatures adds formality and can be useful if the document is ever disputed.
What if the buyer and seller disagree on the sale price later?
The bill of sale is the written record of what both parties agreed to at the time of sale. If a dispute arises, the bill of sale is the evidence. This is why it is critical that both parties sign it before the buyer takes possession of the car.
Can I use a bill of sale if the seller still owes money on the car?
Yes. If the seller has an outstanding loan, the bill of sale should state that the buyer is assuming the loan or that the seller will pay it off before transferring the title. The buyer should verify with the lender that the loan will be satisfied before taking ownership, because the lender's lien on the title must be cleared before the buyer can register the vehicle.
Do I need the bill of sale to transfer the title in Louisiana?
No. The title itself is the legal document that transfers ownership. The bill of sale is a supporting record that documents the transaction. However, having both documents protects both parties and is standard practice.
What if I bought the car years ago and never got a bill of sale?
You can still register and own the vehicle using the title alone. If you ever need to prove you purchased the car, you can create a bill of sale now based on your records and have the original seller sign it if they are available. If the seller is not available, your registration documents and insurance records may serve as proof of ownership instead.