What a Louisiana bill of sale is 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 it to you. In Louisiana, it is not legally required to transfer ownership — the title document itself does that — but a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by creating a paper trail of who owned the car on what date, for how much money, and in what condition.

Without a bill of sale, either party can later claim the sale never happened, that the price was different, or that the car had problems the other person knew about. If the car is involved in an accident or crime after you sell it, a bill of sale proves you are no longer responsible. If you buy a car and the seller later claims you still owe money or that the sale was invalid, the bill of sale is your proof that the transaction was complete.

Louisiana does not have a state-mandated form for a bill of sale, which means you can write one yourself or use a template. What matters is that it contains the essential information and is signed by both parties.

Key Takeaways

  • A bill of sale is not required by Louisiana law but protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale date, price, vehicle details, and condition.
  • Louisiana has no official state form, so you can use a template or write one yourself as long as it includes the vehicle identification number, odometer reading, sale price, and signatures of both parties.
  • The bill of sale should be signed and dated by both the seller and buyer, and each party should keep a copy for their records.
  • A bill of sale is separate from the title transfer and does not replace the need to register the vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

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 car. 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 odometer reading at the time of sale — this is important because it documents the mileage and can help prevent odometer fraud.

Write down the sale price in both numbers and words (for example, "$5,000" and "Five Thousand Dollars"). Include the date of the sale and the names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer. If the car is being sold as-is, with known problems, or with a warranty, state that clearly. For example: "Sold as-is, no warranty" or "Seller warrants that the transmission was recently rebuilt."

Both the seller and the buyer must sign and date the bill of sale. Some people have it notarized, which adds a layer of official verification, though Louisiana does not require this. If you choose to have it notarized, you will need to visit a notary public with a valid ID.

How to write a bill of sale yourself or find a template

If you write a bill of sale from scratch, use clear language and organize the information in a way that is straightforward to read. Start with a heading like "Bill of Sale" at the top. Then list the seller's name and address, the buyer's name and address, and the date. Follow with the vehicle details: VIN, year, make, model, color, and odometer reading. State the sale price and the condition of the vehicle.

Many free templates are available online through legal document websites, the Louisiana Secretary of State website, or automotive organizations. These templates follow the same basic structure and can be filled in by hand or typed. Using a template saves time and ensures you do not forget important details.

Once you have completed the bill of sale, print it out and have both parties sign it in front of each other if possible. Each person should keep a signed copy. If the buyer is financing the car through a bank or credit union, ask whether the lender has a preferred bill of sale form or requires any additional language.

The difference between a bill of sale and a title transfer

A bill of sale documents the sale itself — who sold the car, who bought it, when, and for how much. The title is the legal document that proves ownership. In Louisiana, the title is issued by the Office of Motor Vehicles and lists the owner's name.

When you sell a car in Louisiana, you must sign the back of the title to transfer ownership to the buyer. The buyer then takes the signed title to the Office of Motor Vehicles to register the car in their name. The bill of sale is a separate document that supports this process but does not replace it. You can have a bill of sale without transferring the title, but the buyer will not be the legal owner until the title is transferred and registered.

What happens after both parties sign the bill of sale

Once the bill of sale is signed, keep your copy in a safe place. If you are the seller, this document proves that you no longer own the car and are not responsible for anything that happens to it after the sale date. If you are the buyer, it proves that you purchased the car on that date and for that price.

The buyer must then take the signed title and the bill of sale to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to complete the registration. The buyer will need to provide proof of insurance, pay the registration fee, and may need to pass an inspection depending on the vehicle's age and condition. The Office of Motor Vehicles will issue a new title in the buyer's name.

If the car is financed, the lender's name will appear on the title as a lienholder. The buyer cannot register the car without the lender's consent, and the lender will hold the title until the loan is paid off.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the sale price blank or write it in a way that is unclear — this is one of the most common sources of dispute. Write out the price in both numbers and words, and specify whether the price includes taxes, fees, or trade-in value. If the buyer is trading in another vehicle as part of the deal, describe that vehicle and its value on the bill of sale.

Do not forget to include the odometer reading. This protects both parties and is required by federal law to be documented at the time of sale. If the odometer is broken or reads more than 99,999 miles, note that on the bill of sale.

Do not sign the bill of sale unless both parties are present and agree to all the terms. If you sign it and then the other party changes the price or vehicle details, the document becomes invalid or disputed. Make sure all corrections are initialed by both parties.

When you might need a notarized bill of sale

Louisiana does not require a notarized bill of sale for a private car sale. However, some situations make notarization useful. If the buyer is financing the car through a bank or credit union, the lender may request a notarized bill of sale as part of the loan paperwork. If there is a large amount of money involved or if either party is concerned about the document being challenged later, notarization adds official verification.

To have a bill of sale notarized, both the seller and buyer must visit a notary public together with valid identification. The notary will verify that both parties signed the document willingly and in front of them. The notary will then sign and stamp the bill of sale. This process usually costs between $5 and $15 per signature, depending on the notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell a car in Louisiana without a bill of sale?

Yes, a bill of sale is not legally required in Louisiana. However, it is strongly recommended because it creates a written record of the sale and protects both parties. Without one, either party can later dispute whether the sale happened, what the price was, or what condition the car was in.

What if I lost the signed bill of sale after the sale?

If you are the seller, contact the buyer and ask for a copy. If you are the buyer and lost your copy, contact the seller. If neither party has a copy, you can create a new one and have both parties sign it again, though this is less ideal than the original. For the Office of Motor Vehicles registration, the buyer will need the original signed title, not the bill of sale.

Do I need a bill of sale if I am buying a car from a dealer?

No. Dealers issue their own sales contracts and paperwork that serve the same purpose as a bill of sale. The dealer will handle the title transfer and registration on your behalf. You do not need a separate bill of sale.

Can I write a bill of sale on any piece of paper?

Yes. Louisiana does not require a specific form or format. You can write it by hand on plain paper or type it. What matters is that it includes the essential information — VIN, vehicle details, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties — and that both parties have a signed copy.

What if the buyer does not register the car in their name after I sell it?

This is a problem for the buyer, not the seller, as long as you have a signed bill of sale. The bill of sale proves that you transferred ownership on a specific date. If the car is involved in an accident or crime after that date, you can show the bill of sale to prove you are no longer the owner. However, you should also contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to report that you sold the vehicle, so your name is removed from the registration.