How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Louisiana
Louisiana has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Louisiana-Specific Note
Louisiana-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Louisiana Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Louisiana, the title transfer fee is $68.5 and registration costs $20 - $82 depending on vehicle value. Vehicle sales are subject to 4.45% state sales tax plus parish taxes (total can exceed 10%). Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Louisiana. Louisiana does not require emission testing for private-party vehicle sales.
- Notarized act of sale required for vehicle transfers
- Buyer must obtain title within 40 days
- Parish taxes vary significantly and apply on top of state tax
Louisiana sales tax on vehicle purchases
Louisiana has a 4.45% state sales tax rate. 4.45% state plus parish taxes (total can exceed 10%). Private-party vehicle sales in Louisiana are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly. The title transfer fee is $69.
Louisiana bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,138 bill of sale documents for Louisiana transactions, with 31 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Louisiana Vehicle Guides
- Vehicle Impound Recovery in Louisiana
- Service Contract vs Warranty in Louisiana
- Vehicle Shipping Tax in Louisiana
- Window Sticker (Monroney) in Louisiana
- Auto Auction Buyer Guide in Louisiana
- Buy Here Pay Here in Louisiana
Each guide is written specifically for Louisiana laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Louisiana?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Louisiana?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Louisiana?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Louisiana require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Louisiana bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.