Louisiana Side by Side Bill of Sale

Use this Louisiana side by side bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In Louisiana, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private side by side transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

Louisiana fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Louisiana, vehicle sales are subject to 4.45% state sales tax plus parish taxes (total can exceed 10%). The title transfer fee is $68.5. Louisiana requires notarization of the bill of sale or title for private-party vehicle transfers.

• 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

Does Louisiana require a bill of sale?

Louisiana sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Louisiana transactions often require additional notary handling depending on the transfer context.

Official DMV guidance: Louisiana DMV title transfer information

State requirements for Louisiana

In Louisiana, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 4.45% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 40 days at your local DMV. Notarization is required for this document.

Additional Louisiana requirements:

• 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

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party side by side sales in Louisiana go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason Louisiana DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in Louisiana.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Louisiana, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the side by side, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Louisiana DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the side by side after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Louisiana as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Louisiana DMV of the transfer to release liability for the side by side. The buyer must register the side by side and transfer the title within the deadline set by Louisiana — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold side by side, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the side by side.