What a Louisiana bill of sale is and why you need one
A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a vehicle to someone else or bought one from them. In Louisiana, it is not required by law to transfer a car title, but it is the document that proves the sale happened — who owned it, who owns it now, how much was paid, and when. Without one, you have no proof of the transaction if a dispute arises later.
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles does not issue or require a bill of sale as part of the title transfer process. Instead, you create one yourself or use a template. The bill of sale becomes your record of the sale and protects both the buyer and seller. If you sell a car without one, you remain the registered owner in the state's system until the new owner registers it in their name — which means you could be held liable for accidents, unpaid parking tickets, or other issues involving that vehicle.
Louisiana law does not specify an exact form or format for a bill of sale. You can write one by hand, type it yourself, or use a template. What matters is that it contains the essential information and is signed by both parties.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana does not legally require a bill of sale, but creating one protects you by documenting the sale date, price, and vehicle details.
- A bill of sale must include the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date of sale, and signatures from both the seller and buyer.
- You can write a bill of sale by hand or use a template; Louisiana has no mandatory form.
- The seller should keep a copy and give the original to the buyer, who will need it when registering the vehicle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
- Without a bill of sale, the seller remains the registered owner until the buyer completes the title transfer, leaving the seller liable for the vehicle's use.
What information must go in a Louisiana bill of sale
A bill of sale should include the vehicle's full identification number (VIN), make, model, year, and color. This prevents confusion if either party has multiple vehicles or if there is a dispute about which car was sold. The VIN is the most important detail because it uniquely identifies the vehicle in Louisiana's registration system.
Include the sale price — the actual amount paid, not a different figure. If the vehicle was traded in as part of the deal, note that. Also record the date of sale, the seller's full name and address, and the buyer's full name and address. Both parties must sign and date the document. Some people add the odometer reading at the time of sale, which can be useful if questions arise later about the vehicle's condition or mileage.
You do not need to notarize a bill of sale in Louisiana, though some people choose to do so for extra protection. A notarized bill of sale carries more weight if a dispute ends up in court, but it is not required by the state.
How to create and sign a bill of sale
Start with a blank document — paper or digital. At the top, write "Bill of Sale" or "Vehicle Bill of Sale." Then add the seller's information, the buyer's information, and the vehicle details in a clear format. You can list the information in paragraphs or as a straightforward list. The format does not matter as long as all required details are present and legible.
Both the seller and buyer must sign the document in front of each other or have their signatures witnessed. A signature proves that each party agreed to the terms. Write the date next to each signature. If the buyer is a business or organization rather than an individual, the person signing on behalf of that entity should print their name and title below their signature.
Make at least two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer. The buyer will need their copy when they go to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle and transfer the title into their name. The seller should keep their copy as proof that they no longer own the vehicle.
When the buyer needs the bill of sale
The buyer must bring the bill of sale to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles when they register the vehicle and explore for a title in their name. The office will use it as proof of ownership transfer. Without it, the buyer may face delays or be asked to provide other proof of purchase, such as a receipt or bank statement showing the payment.
The buyer should bring the bill of sale along with the current title (if the seller has it), proof of insurance, and a completed title process form. The exact documents required can vary depending on whether the vehicle is new, used, or from out of state. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website lists the full requirements, or you can call your local office to confirm what the buyer needs to bring.
What happens if you sell without a bill of sale
If you sell a vehicle without a bill of sale, you remain the registered owner in Louisiana's system until the buyer completes the title transfer. This creates risk for you. If the buyer gets into an accident, you could be named in the lawsuit. If they rack up unpaid parking tickets or toll violations, those notices may come to you. If they do not register the vehicle and it is involved in a crime, you could be questioned by police.
The buyer also faces risk. Without a bill of sale, they have no written proof they own the vehicle if someone else claims ownership or if the seller later disputes the sale. This is why both parties benefit from creating one, even though Louisiana does not require it.
If you have already sold a vehicle without a bill of sale and the buyer has not yet registered it, you can still create one retroactively. Both parties sign it, and the buyer takes it to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Backdating it to the actual sale date is acceptable and common.
Using a template or writing your own
You can find bill of sale templates online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website, legal document sites, or by searching "Louisiana vehicle bill of sale template." These templates include all the standard fields and language. You can print one, fill in the blanks by hand, and have both parties sign it.
If you prefer to write your own, keep the language straightforward and straightforward. Avoid legal jargon unless you are comfortable with it. The document does not need to be fancy or formal — it just needs to be clear and complete. A handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a printed one in Louisiana.
Some sellers and buyers use a bill of sale from a different state's template. This is generally acceptable in Louisiana as long as it contains all the required information and is signed by both parties. However, using a Louisiana-specific template ensures you are not missing anything the state's Office of Motor Vehicles might expect.
Protecting yourself as a seller
Beyond the bill of sale, take steps to document the sale. Take photos of the vehicle's condition before the buyer takes it. Keep any text messages, emails, or notes about the sale. If you accept a check or electronic payment, that creates a record of the transaction. If the sale is cash, ask the buyer to sign a receipt acknowledging they received the vehicle and you received payment.
After the buyer leaves with the vehicle, follow up within a few weeks to confirm they have registered it. You can ask them for a copy of the new registration or title. This protects you because once the title is in their name, you are no longer liable for the vehicle. If weeks pass and the buyer has not registered it, contact them and remind them to do so. If they refuse or disappear, you may need to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to report the vehicle as sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Louisiana require a notary to sign a bill of sale?
No, Louisiana does not require a notary. A bill of sale is valid when signed by both the seller and buyer. However, having a notary witness the signatures adds an extra layer of proof if a dispute arises later. Some people choose to notarize for peace of mind, but it is not mandatory.
Can I use a bill of sale from another state?
Yes, as long as it contains all the required information — VIN, sale price, date, seller and buyer names and addresses, and signatures from both parties. Louisiana does not have a specific form requirement. However, using a Louisiana template ensures you are not missing anything the state's Office of Motor Vehicles might expect.
What if the buyer never registers the vehicle?
You remain the registered owner until the buyer completes the title transfer. If this happens, contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and explain that you sold the vehicle. They may be able to help you remove your liability. Keep your copy of the bill of sale as proof of the sale. You can also send the buyer a certified letter reminding them to register it within a certain timeframe.
Is a bill of sale the same as a title?
No. A bill of sale is a record of the sale transaction. A title is the official state document that shows who owns the vehicle. The buyer uses the bill of sale to transfer the title into their name at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Can I sell a vehicle without the title if I have a bill of sale?
No. The buyer will need the current title to register the vehicle in their name. If you have lost the title, you must get a replacement from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before you can sell the vehicle. A bill of sale alone does not transfer ownership in the state's system.