How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Louisiana (2026)
| Titling agency | Louisiana DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 40 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 4.45% (Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly) |
| Bill of sale notary | Required |
| Emissions / inspection | Standard — DOT sticker on frame is sufficient |
| Lien release form | DPSMV 1863 |
How to Sell a Motorcycle Privately in Louisiana — 8 Steps
- 1Locate the VIN — on motorcycles the 17-character VIN is stamped on the steering neck (headstock) and on the frame near the engine. Louisiana requires this on every bill of sale and the title.
- 2Note the engine displacement — engines under 50cc are classified as mopeds/scooters in many states and may have different titling rules with Louisiana DMV; bikes 250cc+ register as motorcycles in every state.
- 3Clear any liens — if the motorcycle was financed, request a payoff quote and lien release letter. Louisiana uses DPSMV 1863.
- 4Gather documentation — clean Louisiana title (no liens), current registration card, maintenance records, original owner's manual if available, and DOT compliance certificate (sticker on the frame) for any mods.
- 5Price the motorcycle — check Kelley Blue Book Motorcycles, NADA Guides (motorcycles), and recent Louisiana Cycle Trader / Craigslist comps. Mileage, condition, and aftermarket parts all affect value.
- 6Complete the bill of sale — VIN, year/make/model, engine displacement, odometer in miles, sale price, sale date, and both parties' full legal names and addresses. Sign in front of a notary.
- 7Sign the title — endorse the back of the Louisiana title with buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Louisiana requires odometer disclosure for motorcycles under 15 years old.
- 8Notify Louisiana DMV — buyer must title and register within 40 days of the sale. Seller files release of liability with Louisiana DMV to remove future ticket/toll liability.
Louisiana lien release procedure
- Obtain Form DPSMV 1863 from the Louisiana OMV or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs DPSMV 1863 releasing the lien.
- Submit DPSMV 1863 with the existing title and title application at a Louisiana OMV office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Louisiana title.
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Start My Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Louisiana
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a motorcycle in Louisiana?▾
Yes. Louisiana requires a written bill of sale for private motorcycle transfers to document the VIN, year/make/model, odometer reading, sale price, and both parties' signatures. The buyer needs the bill of sale to register the motorcycle with Louisiana DMV.
What is the Louisiana motorcycle title transfer deadline?▾
Louisiana requires the buyer to transfer the title within 40 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees and back-dated registration penalties. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833.
Is sales tax owed on a private motorcycle sale in Louisiana?▾
Louisiana charges 4.45% sales/use tax on private motorcycle sales. Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly The buyer typically pays the tax at Louisiana DMV when titling the motorcycle.
Do I need a notary for a Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale?▾
Yes — Louisiana requires notarization of the motorcycle bill of sale. Louisiana is unique: a bill of sale for a motor vehicle must be signed before a notary public and two witnesses to be legally valid. This is required under Louisiana Civil Code art. 1833. Sign both copies (buyer + seller) in front of a notary public.
How does a buyer register a motorcycle purchased privately in Louisiana?▾
The buyer takes the signed bill of sale and endorsed title to Louisiana DMV and pays the title fee plus 4.45% sales/use tax. Transfer must be completed within 40 days of the sale date.
Source: Louisiana DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07