VEHICLE TITLE & REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
NEW CARS / TRUCKS
When
you purchase a new vehicle from a Louisiana dealer, the dealer will
provide an assigned certificate of origin, odometer statement, notarized
invoice and line instrument, when applicable. In most cases, the
dealer will collect the applicable sales tax and all title and license
fees. The dealer will submit these moneys along with the proper
supporting documents at the Office of Motor Vehicles for the issuance
of your license and title. The dealer will issue a temporary 90-day
cardboard plate which must be clearly visible from the rear of the
vehicle. Sales tax must be remitted to the Office of Motor Vehicles
by the 20th of the month following the month in which the vehicle
is purchase. If all fees area not remitted timely, penalty and interest
will be charged.
USED
CARS / TRUCKS
If
you purchase a used vehicle, the certificate of title must be properly
executed by the owner and/ or dealer before a notary. The seller
is required by law to deliver a properly assigned certificate of
title to the buyer at the time of sale or delivery of the vehicle.
If a lien is noted on the face of the certificate of title, it must
be property released by an authorized agent of the lienholder. In
some cases you may also need a separated notarized bill of sale.
The new owner must apply for title n his name upon purchase of vehicle.
You
will need to present the following documents:
- Previous
owner's title, properly assigned and notarized
- Notarized
bill of sale, when applicable
- Line
instrument
- Previous
owner's registration certificate
- A
signed declaration of liability insurance
- Sales
tax, license and title transfer fees
- Completed
odometer disclosure statement unless the title has a conforming
odometer disclosure statement on reverse side. Federal law requires
that an odometer disclosure statement be executed containing the
seller's and buyer's printed names as well as their signatures,
addresses and a complete description of the vehicle.
- Completed
form DPSMV 1799 (Vehicle Application). This application must show
all pertinent information regarding the vehicle, the applicant
and lienholder, if applicable. It must also indicate whether the
vehicle is domiciled inside or outside the city limits.
SEE
SALES/USE TAX SECTION FOR MORE INFORMATION
Your
license plate expires on the last day of the month in the month/year
indicated on your license plate sticker. You may renew your license
in person or by mail anytime during the month of expiration. BETTER
YET - MAIL IT!!! Make your check or money order payable to the Department
of Public Safety for the amount shown and mail it with your application
form before the 5th of the month in which your registration expires.
Any renewals received after expiration will be assessed a late fee.
MILITARY
Any
member, spouse or dependent of a member of the Armed Forces on active
duty within Louisiana may operate their vehicle without securing
a Louisiana registration if the following requirements are satisfied:
- A
valid license plate
- Liability
insurance as required by law
This
applies to all vehicles owned by the active duty member or his/her
spouse with the exception of any commercial vehicles used in any
business manner wherein the active duty member or spouse receives
compensation.
Full
time, active duty military personnel entering the State of Louisiana
may title and register their vehicle without the payment of any
(state or local) use tax provided they furnish proof of payment
of sales tax to one of the other 49 states and proof of active military
affiliation.
FULL-TIME
STUDENTS (NON-RESIDENT)
Fill-time,
non-resident college or university students need not apply for registration
or title in Louisiana as long as current registration from their
home state is maintained.
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