How do I register a vehicle purchased out-of-state?

  • A Vehicle Application form (DPSMV1799) must be completed and signed by the applicant.
  • The current certificate of title must be submitted with the assignment completed and notarized, if applicable.
  • If a lien was recorded, it must be properly released.
  • Vehicles less than ten years old must have the federal odometer disclosure completed on the title, otherwise, a separate odometer statement must be submitted.
  • The notarized bill of sale or invoice with the full description of the vehicle must be submitted if the title assignment does not reflect the date of sale, selling price, and buyer/seller signatures.
  • Original or a copy of the financing statement or security agreement must be included if a lien is to be recorded.
  • All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of the vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state, another state, or by the United States military.
  • Proof of liability insurance coverage is required, unless the vehicle was purchased from a dealer.

The following additional documents will be required, along with the above, when the vehicle was purchased from an individual out of state.

  • If neither the bill of sale nor the assignment of title is notarized out of state, a notarized affidavit is required from the out of state registered owner attesting to the fact that they are not a resident of Louisiana, or a copy of the seller’s out-of-state driver’s license (front and back) must be submitted.
  • If the documentation submitted was notarized in Louisiana, and no residency documents are included in the file, it can then be assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title has become a resident of Louisiana and must pay use tax. A “double transfer” will then be processed with tax collected on both transactions.

Comments are closed.


  • Louisiana Driver Reinstatement Status

    If you've been notified of a "flag" on your driver's license for lapsed insurance or other reasons, you may need to have your license reinstated by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. You can check your driver's license status at the Louisiana Express Lane website.