What a Louisiana vehicle bill of sale is and when you need one
A Louisiana vehicle bill of sale is a written record that documents the transfer of ownership from one person to another. It serves as proof that a vehicle has changed hands and protects both the buyer and seller by creating a paper trail of the transaction. You need one whenever you buy or sell a vehicle in Louisiana, whether it's a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle.
The bill of sale is separate from the title document itself. The title is the official ownership certificate issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The bill of sale is the receipt and agreement that shows what was sold, for how much, and on what date. When you sell a vehicle, you'll give the buyer the bill of sale along with the title so they can register it in their name.
Louisiana does not have a single state-mandated bill of sale form, which means you can use a template from the OMV website, create your own document, or use one provided by a dealer or private party. The key is that it contains the required information and is signed by both parties.
Key Takeaways
- A Louisiana bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.
- You can read a bill of sale template from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website or write one yourself as long as it contains all required details.
- The seller keeps one copy, the buyer keeps one copy, and a third copy should go with the title when the buyer registers the vehicle.
- A bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the condition of the vehicle, the price paid, and proof that ownership has transferred.
Required information on a Louisiana bill of sale
Your bill of sale must include specific details about the vehicle and the transaction. At minimum, include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, and model of the vehicle, the odometer reading at the time of sale, and the sale price. Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names on the document.
Include the full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller. Add the date the sale took place. If the vehicle has a lien on it (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), note that on the bill of sale. You should also describe the condition of the vehicle — whether it's being sold as-is, with a warranty, or with any known defects disclosed.
Some sellers and buyers also include payment method (cash, check, financing) and whether any trade-in was involved. While not legally required, these details can prevent disputes later. If the vehicle is being sold without a title present (which can happen in private sales), note that as well.
How to get or create a bill of sale form
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles provides a bill of sale template on its website that you can read and print. Search for "Louisiana bill of sale" on the OMV website or visit your local OMV office to pick up a printed copy. The template includes all the fields you need and is recognized by the state.
If you prefer not to use the official template, you can write your own bill of sale on plain paper. It does not need to be fancy or use legal language — a straightforward document with all the required information, signed and dated by both parties, is legally valid in Louisiana. Some people use templates from online legal document sites, which is also acceptable as long as the document contains Louisiana-specific information.
If you're buying or selling through a dealership, the dealer will usually provide the bill of sale as part of the paperwork. Private sellers and buyers should obtain or create one before the sale is finalized.
Steps to complete the bill of sale
Step 1: Gather the vehicle information. Before you sit down to fill out the form, have the vehicle's VIN ready. You'll find it on the dashboard on the driver's side, on the title document, or on the vehicle registration card. Write down the year, make, model, and current odometer reading.
Step 2: Write in the seller's information. The person selling the vehicle fills in their full legal name, address, and phone number. This should match the name on the current title.
Step 3: Write in the buyer's information. The person buying the vehicle fills in their full legal name, address, and phone number.
Step 4: Enter the sale details. Write the sale price, the date of the sale, and the payment method. Describe the condition of the vehicle and note any defects or issues the buyer should know about.
Step 5: Both parties sign and date. The seller and buyer must both sign the bill of sale in front of each other. Some people have it notarized, though Louisiana does not require notarization for a bill of sale to be valid. Notarization adds an extra layer of protection and is recommended if there's any concern about the legitimacy of the transaction.
Step 6: Make copies. Create at least three copies — one for the seller, one for the buyer, and one to submit with the title when the buyer registers the vehicle with the OMV.
What happens after you sign the bill of sale
Once both parties have signed, the bill of sale becomes the legal record of the sale. The buyer should keep their copy in a safe place. The seller should also keep their copy as proof that they no longer own the vehicle and are not responsible for it if it's involved in an accident or traffic violation after the sale date.
The buyer will need to take the bill of sale, along with the title and proof of insurance, to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle in their name. The OMV will process the title transfer and issue a new registration card. This step is important because it officially updates the state's records to show who owns the vehicle.
If the seller is financing the vehicle (acting as the lender), the bill of sale should note that and include the terms of the loan. If there is an existing lien from a bank or credit union, the seller must pay off that lien before transferring the title, or the buyer must agree to take over the loan.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not leave any required fields blank. An incomplete bill of sale can cause delays when the buyer tries to register the vehicle. Make sure the VIN is correct — a single wrong digit can create serious problems with the title transfer.
Do not sign the bill of sale unless you are certain about the sale price and terms. Once signed, it is a binding document. If you're the seller, do not hand over the keys or the title until the buyer has signed the bill of sale and you have received payment in full.
Do not assume the bill of sale alone transfers ownership. The title document must also be signed over to the buyer. The bill of sale is the receipt; the title is the proof of ownership. Both are necessary for a complete transfer.
If you're buying a used vehicle, do not skip the bill of sale step even if the seller seems trustworthy. It protects you by documenting the condition of the vehicle at the time of purchase and proving you paid for it. If the vehicle later has mechanical problems or is involved in a legal issue, the bill of sale shows when and to whom it was sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a notarized bill of sale?
No, Louisiana does not require notarization for a bill of sale to be legally valid. However, having it notarized adds extra protection and can prevent disputes later. A notary public will verify the identities of both parties and witness their signatures. You can find notaries at banks, credit unions, and some UPS stores.
What if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after the sale?
If you're the seller, contact the buyer and ask for a copy. If you're the buyer, check your records or contact the seller. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles does not keep copies of bills of sale, but your registration paperwork will show the sale date and the buyer's or seller's name. If you need proof of the transaction, your title transfer documents at the OMV can serve as backup.
Can I sell a vehicle without a bill of sale?
Technically, you can transfer a title without a bill of sale, but it is not recommended. The bill of sale protects both parties by documenting the price, condition, and date of the sale. Without it, there is no written record of the transaction, which can lead to disputes or legal problems later. Always use one.
What if the buyer does not register the vehicle right away?
The buyer has a certain amount of time to register the vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles after purchase. If they do not register it within that timeframe, they may face penalties or fines. As the seller, your responsibility ends once you sign over the title and provide the bill of sale. Keep your copy as proof that you transferred ownership on a specific date.
Do I need a bill of sale if I'm trading in my vehicle at a dealership?
No, the dealership will handle the paperwork and provide their own bill of sale or trade-in agreement. The dealership's paperwork serves the same purpose as a private bill of sale. Make sure you understand what you're signing and keep a copy of all documents the dealership gives you.