Selling a car in Louisiana is less about complexity and more about timing and documentation. Many sellers assume that once the keys are handed over, the transaction is finished—but Louisiana still expects the seller to complete specific steps to officially disconnect from the vehicle. When those steps are skipped or delayed, sellers can remain tied to toll charges, tickets, or ownership records longer than expected.
This guide explains how to sell a car in Louisiana so the transfer is recognized properly and your responsibility ends when it should.
What Louisiana Requires Before You Sell
Louisiana requires a valid certificate of title for most vehicle sales. Before selling, confirm the following:
- Your name matches the title exactly
- Any lien listed on the title has been fully paid and released
- All owners listed on the title are available to sign
- The VIN on the vehicle matches the title
Louisiana does not require notarization of vehicle titles, which makes signing easier than in some nearby states.
Title and Paperwork Rules in Louisiana
Title Signing
When selling a vehicle in Louisiana:
- The seller signs the title exactly as printed
- All owners listed must sign unless the title clearly states “OR”
- No notarization is required
- Errors, cross-outs, or incomplete fields can delay registration
Title mistakes are one of the most common reasons buyers are unable to complete registration on time.
Odometer Disclosure
Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles that are not mileage-exempt due to age. Mileage must be entered accurately at the time of sale. Incorrect entries can create registration delays or legal problems later.
Bill of Sale
A bill of sale is recommended in Louisiana. While the title transfers ownership, a bill of sale helps document:
- Sale date
- Purchase price
- Buyer and seller information
This document can be helpful if questions arise after the sale.
Inspections and Emissions in Louisiana
Louisiana does not require emissions testing for vehicle sales. There is also no statewide safety inspection requirement specifically tied to selling a vehicle.
However, buyers may still be required to complete inspections during registration depending on location, so vehicle condition can affect buyer interest and pricing.
License Plates, Registration, and Seller Responsibility
Louisiana handles license plates differently than many states.
- License plates generally stay with the vehicle, not the seller
- Buyers continue using the existing plate until registration
- Sellers should still protect themselves by documenting the sale properly
Notice of Transfer
Louisiana sellers should submit a Notice of Transfer promptly after the sale. This step:
- Updates state records
- Reduces post-sale liability
- Helps prevent tolls or tickets from coming back to the seller
Failing to complete this step is a common source of post-sale problems.
Taxes and Fees
- Buyers are responsible for registration fees and applicable taxes
- Sellers are not responsible for buyer taxes after the sale
- Recording the correct sale date protects the seller
Keep copies of all paperwork for your records.
Special Situations Louisiana Sellers Should Understand
- Selling with a lien: Vehicles with active liens cannot be legally sold unless the lien is paid off and released before ownership transfers.
- Two names on the title: If two owners are listed, both must sign unless the title clearly states “OR.”
- Lost title: Replacing a lost title before selling avoids delays and buyer hesitation.
- Non-running vehicles: Louisiana allows the sale of non-running vehicles, but buyers may adjust offers based on repair or inspection needs.
Getting Paid Safely
Private vehicle sales in Louisiana still carry payment risks. Fake cashier’s checks, delayed payments, and buyer pickup schemes are common. Never release the vehicle or title until payment is verified and fully cleared.
Many sellers decide that reliability matters more than managing multiple private buyers.
When You Want to Avoid the After-Sale Headaches
In Louisiana, sellers who skip notification steps or assume the buyer will handle everything often discover problems weeks later. Managing paperwork accuracy, buyer coordination, and payment security can quickly outweigh the benefits of a private sale.
CarBuyerUSA works with vehicle owners across Louisiana and nationwide, purchasing vehicles in many different conditions. We help guide sellers through the process, reduce paperwork confusion, and arrange pickup so the sale closes cleanly without lingering follow-up. If you want to sell your car in Louisiana with fewer loose ends, CarBuyerUSA.com offers a smoother way to finish the job.
