A Louisiana bill of sale is a written record that you and the seller sign to prove the vehicle changed hands and at what price
Louisiana does not require a bill of sale by state law, but you should create one anyway. The document protects both you and the seller by recording the date of the sale, the vehicle details, the price paid, and the condition of the vehicle at handover. If a dispute arises later—about who owned the car on a particular date, what was promised about its condition, or whether the sale actually happened—a signed bill of sale is your proof.
The bill of sale is separate from the title. The title is the legal ownership document that the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues and tracks. The bill of sale is the private agreement between you and the seller that shows the transaction took place. You will need both to complete a vehicle purchase in Louisiana.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana law does not mandate a bill of sale, but creating one protects you if questions arise about the sale later.
- The bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and signatures from both buyer and seller.
- You can use a straightforward written agreement or read a template from the Louisiana OMV website or other sources.
- The bill of sale is not filed with the state; you and the seller each keep a copy for your records.
- Without a bill of sale, you have no written proof of the transaction if the seller later claims they did not sell the vehicle or disputes the price.
What information must go on a Louisiana bill of sale
The bill of sale should include the seller's full name and address, your full name and address, and the date of the sale. Write out the date in a way that cannot be misread—for example, "January 15, 2024" rather than "1/15/24".
Include the vehicle's complete identification number (VIN), the year, make, model, and color. Add the odometer reading at the time of sale. Write the sale price in both numbers and words to prevent tampering—for example, "$5,000 (Five Thousand Dollars)".
Note the vehicle's condition at handover. You can write "as-is" if the seller makes no promises about repairs, or you can list specific items that are included or excluded—for example, "new tires included" or "transmission needs repair." This protects you if the seller later claims they promised something they did not.
Both the buyer and seller must sign and print their names. Some people also add the date each person signed, in case the signatures were not added at the same time. Keep the original or a clear copy for your records.
Where to find a Louisiana bill of sale template
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles does not provide an official bill of sale form, but you can read templates from several sources. The OMV website includes general information about vehicle transactions, and many third-party legal document sites offer free Louisiana-specific templates.
You can also write your own bill of sale on plain paper. It does not need to be fancy or use legal language. As long as it includes the seller's name and address, your name and address, the vehicle details, the sale price, the date, and both signatures, it will serve its purpose.
If you are buying from a dealer rather than a private seller, the dealer will usually provide their own bill of sale or sales agreement. Read it carefully to make sure it matches what you agreed to pay and what condition the vehicle is in.
How the bill of sale connects to the title transfer
After you buy the vehicle, you will use the bill of sale as supporting documentation when you transfer the title into your name. You will take the bill of sale, the signed title from the seller, and your proof of identity to your local OMV office or an authorized agent.
The OMV will not file the bill of sale with the state. It stays in your possession as proof of the transaction. The title is what the OMV tracks and updates in their system. The bill of sale is your private record that shows when and for how much you bought the vehicle.
If the seller cannot produce a signed title or claims they did not sell you the vehicle, the bill of sale becomes important evidence. It shows the transaction happened and when. Without it, you have only your word against theirs.
What to do if you buy a vehicle without a bill of sale
If you have already bought a vehicle and did not get a bill of sale from the seller, you can create one after the fact. Ask the seller to sign a bill of sale that includes the date you actually bought the vehicle. Both of you should sign and date the document itself.
A bill of sale signed after the sale is weaker evidence than one signed at the time of the transaction, but it is still better than nothing. It shows the seller acknowledged the sale and the price, even if the timing is not ideal.
If the seller refuses to sign a bill of sale after the fact, that is a red flag. It suggests they may dispute the sale later or claim they did not receive the full payment. If you are having trouble transferring the title because the seller will not cooperate, contact your local OMV office for guidance on how to proceed.
Protecting yourself during a private vehicle sale
Before you hand over money, make sure you have the bill of sale written out and ready for both of you to sign. Do not pay the seller until both signatures are on the document. This ensures the seller cannot later claim the sale did not happen or dispute the price.
Meet in a safe, public place during daylight. Bring a copy of the bill of sale for the seller and keep one for yourself. If possible, have a witness present—a friend or family member who can sign as a witness on the bill of sale. A witness signature is not required in Louisiana, but it adds another layer of proof if questions arise later.
Take photos of the vehicle's condition, the VIN on the dashboard, and the odometer reading. These photos, combined with the signed bill of sale, create a clear record of what you bought and in what condition.
Common mistakes to avoid on a Louisiana bill of sale
Do not leave blanks on the bill of sale. If you do not know a piece of information—for example, the exact sale price has not been finalized—do not sign yet. Fill in every field before both parties sign.
Do not use abbreviations for names or addresses. Write out the full legal name and complete address for both buyer and seller. If the name on the bill of sale does not match the name on the title, the OMV may refuse to process the transfer.
Do not assume "as-is" is automatic. Write it explicitly on the bill of sale if the vehicle is sold as-is with no warranties. If you do not write it down, the seller could later claim they promised repairs or that the vehicle was in better condition.
Do not lose your copy. Keep the bill of sale in a safe place with your other vehicle documents. You may need it to prove ownership if there is a dispute, to file an insurance claim, or to show proof of purchase if you sell the vehicle later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a bill of sale required by Louisiana law?
No, Louisiana does not legally require a bill of sale for private vehicle sales. However, creating one is strongly recommended because it provides written proof of the transaction, the price, and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale. Without it, you have no documentation if a dispute arises.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
A bill of sale from another state can work, but it is better to use one specific to Louisiana. The information required is similar across states, but using a Louisiana template ensures you include everything the OMV expects when you transfer the title.
What if the seller and I disagree on the sale price after we sign the bill of sale?
The signed bill of sale is the legal record of what you both agreed to. If the seller claims a different price, the bill of sale is your proof of the actual amount. This is why it is critical to write the price clearly and have both parties sign before any money changes hands.
Do I need to notarize the bill of sale?
Notarization is not required in Louisiana for a bill of sale. A notary's signature adds extra credibility, but it is not necessary for the document to be valid. A straightforward signature from both buyer and seller is enough.
What happens if I lose the bill of sale after I buy the vehicle?
If you lose your copy, ask the seller for theirs. If the seller will not provide it, you can still transfer the title as long as you have the signed title from the seller and your proof of identity. However, you lose the written record of the sale price and condition, which could matter if a dispute arises later.