How to Perform a Title Transfer in Louisiana
A car title transfer in Louisiana is a required procedure that motorists need to perform when transferring the ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity. In other words, a process of title transfers for cars must be completed through the state Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) when selling, donating or trading a motor vehicle.
Overall, a set of title transfer requirements must be satisfied in order to be eligible for such a procedure. To learn more information about how to transfer a vehicle title from one owner to another in Louisiana, continue reading the following sections.
What is a car title transfer in Louisiana?
When researching how to fill out a transfer of title in Louisiana, motorists are encouraged to first learn what a certificate of title is and in which situations it is used. A vehicle title is a legal document issued by the LA OMV and used for establishing the ownership rights over a motor vehicle.
A car title transfer in Louisiana is a procedure that motorists need to perform in order to transfer the ownership rights over a motor vehicle in various situations, such as a sale, a donation or a trade process.
Vehicle owners who want to learn how to perform title transfers for cars in Louisiana are encouraged to first discover the reasons for a complete title transfer procedure prior to beginning such procedure through the state OMV.
Note: A motor vehicle title transfer in Louisiana is a procedure that both the seller and the purchaser of the motor vehicle must perform by providing the required documentation to the state OMV.
When is a vehicle title transfer required in Louisiana?
A Louisiana car title transfer is a procedure of transmitting ownership rights over a motor vehicle to another legal entity and it may be required in various situations. For instance, transferring a car title is a process that individuals need to perform when selling, donating or trading a motor vehicle.
However, a legal motor vehicle title transfer procedure will not be legally completed until the new owners complete a title application. Therefore, in order to perform a successful title transfer for cars in Louisiana, motorists need to prepare a list of documents and information, as well as try to satisfy a set of requirements necessary for completing the procedure.
Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Louisiana
A Louisiana vehicle title transfer procedure requires vehicle owners to prepare certain documents and information that may be a necessary part of the vehicle ownership transfer. When performing a car title transfer process, individuals who sell, donate or trade their motor vehicles may be required to prepare the following information:
- License plate number
- Car registration expiration date
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Drivers license number
- Buyer’s name and address
- Date of sale, donation or trade
- Vehicle’s selling price, if needed
In addition to the above-listed information about the auto title transfer procedure, motorists may need to provide other details or paperwork. A bill of sale can prove helpful in establishing ownership of a vehicle, for instance.
Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Louisiana
A Louisiana title transfer for cars is a procedure that individuals need to perform when selling, donating or trading a motor vehicle to another legal entity. A transfer of car title may be completed at a local LA OMV branch after motorists prepare the mandatory documentation and satisfy a set of predetermined requirements.
The car title transfer procedure may be also done by sending the required paperwork to the LA OMV. Moreover, motorists may be also able to perform a title transfer online through the Louisiana Notice of Vehicle Transfer service available at the LA OMV website. The electronic title transfers require applicants to provide certain information in the online system and complete a five-step process:
- Enter the required information.
- Verify the accuracy of the information.
- Enter the name and address of the buyer, donee or dealership.
- Enter the selling price.
- Click the submit button to complete the procedure.
To find out more information about the in-person or online title transfer in Louisiana, contact the LA OMV and inquire what each method may require you to do.
Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Louisiana
Getting a new car title in Louisiana is a different procedure than transferring an existing certificate of title. Therefore, vehicle owners are encouraged to discover more detailed information about the difference between these two procedures before filing a request.
For instance, motorists may order a new car title through the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) of the state’s Department of Public Safety (DPS). Moreover, in order to apply for a new car title, drivers need to be new LA residents who wish to title their out-of-state vehicles or current residents who have purchased a brand-new car.
In order to transfer a DMV new title in Louisiana, vehicle owners will have to hold the current vehicle title in their possession and transfer it to another person.
In most cases, the process of transferring a new title for a car from one legal entity to another is performed when a vehicle is sold. However, a title transfer may be also conducted in other situations, such as when a vehicle is received as a gift or donation, or as part of an inheritance.
Car Title Transfer Fees in Louisiana
The ultimate step of the Louisiana auto title transfer procedure is providing payment for the applicable fees and taxes. However, applicable car title transfer fees may vary based on the different types of sales tax required for selling a motor vehicle. In any case, the standard titling fee in LA is $68.50.
Sources
- Vehicle Traded Frequently Asked Questions from Louisiana.gov