What a Louisiana bill of sale does and when you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else. In Louisiana, it transfers ownership from the seller to the buyer and protects both parties by documenting the sale price, the vehicle details, and the date of the transaction. The state does not require a bill of sale to register a vehicle, but it is the document that proves you had the right to sell it in the first place.
You need a bill of sale whenever you sell a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle to another person. If you are buying a used vehicle from a private seller, you should ask for one before you hand over money. If you are selling, creating one protects you by showing that you transferred ownership on a specific date — after that date, the buyer is responsible for the vehicle, not you.
Louisiana does not have a single state-mandated bill of sale form. You can write one yourself, use a template from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, or purchase one from an office supply store. The key is that it contains the required information and is signed by both the buyer and seller.
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.
- The seller should keep a copy to prove they no longer own the vehicle after the sale date.
- The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, along with the title.
- You can write a bill of sale yourself, use a free template, or buy a pre-printed form — Louisiana does not mandate a specific format.
- A notarized bill of sale is not required by Louisiana law but can add legal weight if a dispute arises later.
What information must be on a Louisiana bill of sale
The bill of sale must clearly identify the vehicle and the people involved in the sale. Include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the year, make, model, and color. Write the odometer reading on the date of sale. Include the sale price in dollars — do not leave this blank, even if the sale is between family members or if you are donating the vehicle.
Both the buyer and the seller must sign and print their names. Include the date the sale took place. Add the seller's address and the buyer's address. If either party is a business rather than an individual, use the business name and the address where the business is located.
You may also include the vehicle's condition (for example, "as-is" or "with warranty"), any known defects, and whether the seller is transferring the title at the time of sale or later. These details are not required but can prevent misunderstandings.
How to write a Louisiana bill of sale yourself
Start with a heading that says "Bill of Sale" or "Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale." Below that, write the date the sale occurred. Then create sections for seller information, buyer information, and vehicle information.
Under "Seller Information," write the seller's full name, address, and phone number. Under "Buyer Information," write the buyer's full name, address, and phone number. Under "Vehicle Information," write the VIN, year, make, model, color, and odometer reading.
Add a line that states the sale price: "The seller agrees to sell this vehicle to the buyer for $[amount]." Then add a statement that the seller warrants they own the vehicle free and clear, or note any liens or loans against it. At the bottom, leave space for both parties to sign and print their names, with a line for the date.
Keep the language straightforward and straightforward. You do not need legal language or complex terms. A one-page document is typical and sufficient.
Where to find Louisiana bill of sale templates and forms
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles does not publish an official bill of sale form on its website, but you can find templates through other sources. The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a free bill of sale template that works in Louisiana. Several online legal document sites provide free templates you can read and print.
Office supply stores such as Staples and Office Depot sell pre-printed bill of sale pads that are already formatted and legal in Louisiana. These typically cost between $5 and $10 and require you only to fill in the blanks.
If you want a notarized bill of sale, you can take your completed form to a notary public at a bank, credit union, or notary service. Notarization is optional in Louisiana but adds a layer of verification if questions arise later about who owned the vehicle on a given date.
What happens after both parties sign the bill of sale
The buyer should keep the original bill of sale and bring it to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles when registering the vehicle. The buyer will also need the vehicle title signed over by the seller. Together, these documents prove the buyer's right to register the vehicle in their name.
The seller should keep a copy of the signed bill of sale for their records. This copy protects the seller by showing that they transferred ownership on a specific date. If the vehicle is later involved in an accident, crime, or unpaid parking tickets, the seller can show the bill of sale to prove they no longer owned it.
If the seller is financing the vehicle through a loan, the lender may hold the title until the loan is paid off. In that case, the bill of sale still documents the sale, but the title transfer will happen only after the loan is satisfied. The buyer and seller should discuss this before signing.
Handling a bill of sale when there is a lien on the vehicle
A lien is a claim against the vehicle held by a lender or creditor — usually a bank or credit union that financed the purchase. If the seller still owes money on the vehicle, the title will show the lender's name. The bill of sale should note that the vehicle is being sold subject to this lien.
The buyer should understand that they are responsible for the loan once they take ownership. The seller and buyer may agree that the seller will pay off the loan before transferring the title, or that the buyer will assume the loan. This agreement should be written into the bill of sale or in a separate document both parties sign.
If the seller does not pay off the lien and the buyer later tries to register the vehicle, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles will not issue a title in the buyer's name until the lien is satisfied. This is why the buyer should verify the lien status before handing over money.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale
Do not leave the sale price blank or write "as agreed" instead of a dollar amount. Louisiana law and the Office of Motor Vehicles expect a specific price. If the vehicle is a gift, write the sale price as $0 or "gift" — do not leave it blank.
Do not forget to include the VIN. The VIN is the most important piece of information because it uniquely identifies the vehicle. Without it, the bill of sale cannot be matched to the correct vehicle during registration.
Do not sign the bill of sale unless both the buyer and seller are present and agree to all the terms. If one party signs without the other present, it may not hold up if there is a dispute. Both parties should receive a copy.
Do not assume the bill of sale transfers the title. The bill of sale documents the sale, but the title must be signed over separately by the seller. The buyer will submit both documents to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to complete the registration and title transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a notarized bill of sale?
No. Louisiana does not require the bill of sale to be notarized. However, having it notarized adds a layer of legal verification and can be helpful if a dispute arises about when the sale occurred or who owned the vehicle on a given date. A notary public can witness the signatures for a small fee.
What if I lost the bill of sale after I sold the vehicle?
If you are the seller and no longer have a copy, you can ask the buyer for one. If the buyer refuses or cannot provide it, you may be able to reconstruct the sale details and have a new bill of sale signed by both parties. Keep the new document in case questions arise later about the original sale date.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state in Louisiana?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information — VIN, sale price, date, and signatures of both parties. Louisiana does not reject out-of-state bills of sale. However, when you register the vehicle in Louisiana, you will also need the title signed over to you by the seller.
Do I need a bill of sale if I am trading in my vehicle at a dealership?
No. When you trade in a vehicle at a dealership, the dealership handles the paperwork and title transfer. You will sign documents at the dealership, but you do not need a separate bill of sale. The dealership's paperwork serves that purpose.
What if the seller will not sign the bill of sale?
Do not hand over money until the bill of sale is signed by both parties. If the seller refuses to sign, it is a red flag that they may not own the vehicle or may be hiding something. Walk away from the sale. A legitimate seller will sign a bill of sale without hesitation.