What a Louisiana bill of sale is and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of a vehicle from one owner to another. In Louisiana, it serves as proof that you bought or sold a car, truck, or motorcycle, and it protects both the buyer and seller by creating a dated record of the transaction, the vehicle details, and the agreed price.
Louisiana law does not require a bill of sale to transfer vehicle ownership — the title document itself is what the state recognizes as proof of ownership. However, a bill of sale is practical protection. It shows when the sale occurred, who paid what, and that both parties agreed to the terms. If a dispute arises later about the condition of the vehicle, the sale price, or who owned it on a specific date, the bill of sale is your evidence.
Many lenders, insurance companies, and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will ask to see a bill of sale alongside the title when you register a vehicle or file a claim. Having one on hand saves time and prevents confusion.
Key Takeaways
- A Louisiana bill of sale documents the vehicle sale but is not required by state law — the title is what transfers ownership to the state.
- The bill of sale should include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale date, the purchase price, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- Louisiana has no official state form for a bill of sale, so you can use a template from the Office of Motor Vehicles website, a blank form from an office supply store, or write one yourself as long as it includes all required details.
- Both the buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records, and the buyer will need the bill of sale when registering the vehicle with the state.
- A bill of sale protects you if questions arise about the condition of the vehicle, the price paid, or the date of transfer.
What information must be included in a Louisiana bill of sale
The bill of sale should contain the vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on the title and on the dashboard of the vehicle. It should also list the year, make, model, and color of the vehicle so there is no confusion about which car is being sold.
Include the sale date, the purchase price, and the names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller. If the buyer is financing the vehicle through a lender, you may note that on the bill of sale, though it is not required. Some sellers also note the vehicle's mileage and condition (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty"), which can prevent disputes later.
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. If either party is a business or corporation rather than an individual, the person signing on behalf of that entity should print their name and title below their signature.
Where to find a Louisiana bill of sale form
Louisiana does not have an official state bill of sale form. The Office of Motor Vehicles does not publish a required template, which means you have flexibility in how you create one.
You can read a blank bill of sale template from the Office of Motor Vehicles website or from other state government resources. Many office supply stores and online legal document sites also offer Louisiana-specific templates. If you choose to write your own, make sure it includes all the information listed above — the VIN, vehicle details, sale date, price, buyer and seller names and addresses, and signatures from both parties.
Some people use a straightforward letter format, while others use a more formal template. Either approach is acceptable as long as the document is clear, signed by both parties, and dated.
How to complete and sign the bill of sale
Fill in all the blanks with accurate information. Take time to verify the VIN against the title and the vehicle itself — errors here can cause problems when the buyer registers the car. Write the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00") to prevent misunderstandings.
Both the buyer and seller should sign the document in front of each other if possible. Some people have the signatures notarized, which adds an extra layer of verification, though Louisiana law does not require it. If you choose notarization, any notary public in Louisiana can perform it for a small fee.
Make at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. The buyer will need their copy when they register the vehicle with the Office of Motor Vehicles or when they explore for insurance.
When the buyer needs to present the bill of sale to the state
The buyer must bring the bill of sale to the Office of Motor Vehicles when they register the vehicle in Louisiana. The office will use it alongside the title to confirm the transfer and issue a new registration. If the buyer is registering the vehicle within a few days of purchase, the bill of sale should be fresh and straightforward to locate.
If the buyer is registering the vehicle weeks or months after purchase, they should still have the bill of sale available. The state may ask for it to verify the sale date or to confirm that the buyer is the current owner.
Insurance companies may also request a copy of the bill of sale when you explore for a policy or file a claim. Keep your copy in a safe place — a file folder, a safe deposit box, or a digital scan stored securely online.
What happens if you sell a vehicle without a bill of sale
Selling a vehicle without a bill of sale is legal in Louisiana, but it creates risk for both parties. Without a written record, there is no proof of when the sale occurred, what price was agreed upon, or what condition the vehicle was in at the time of transfer. If the buyer later claims the car was misrepresented or if the seller claims they were not paid in full, there is no document to settle the dispute.
The buyer may also face delays or questions when registering the vehicle if the state cannot verify the sale. Some lenders and insurance companies will ask for a bill of sale before they will process a loan or issue a policy, so the buyer may end up needing one anyway.
Creating a bill of sale takes only a few minutes and costs nothing. It is worth doing even if the law does not require it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a notarized bill of sale?
No. Louisiana law does not require the bill of sale to be notarized. However, notarization adds verification that both parties signed the document and can be useful if a dispute arises later. A notary public can notarize the bill of sale for a small fee, usually between five and twenty dollars.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
You can, but a Louisiana-specific form is better. A bill of sale from another state may not include all the information Louisiana lenders or the Office of Motor Vehicles expect to see. Using a Louisiana template ensures you have the right format and all required details.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
If you are the buyer and the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. A bill of sale protects you both, and a seller who will not sign may be hiding something about the vehicle's history or condition. If you are the seller, signing the bill of sale is in your interest too — it proves you transferred the vehicle on a specific date and for a specific price.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in a vehicle at a dealership?
No. Dealerships handle the paperwork themselves and do not use a separate bill of sale. The dealership will manage the title transfer and provide you with documentation of the trade-in value. Keep any paperwork the dealership gives you for your records.
Can I sell a vehicle with a lien on the title?
You can, but the lender must release the lien before the buyer can register the vehicle. The bill of sale should note that the vehicle has a lien and that the seller will pay off the loan before transferring the title. Coordinate with your lender to may support the payoff happens before or at the time of sale.