Louisiana Side by Side Bill of Sale — Free Template
A Louisiana side by side bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private seller and buyer, establishing the agreed sale price, vehicle identity (VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading), and the date of transfer. In Louisiana, the document must be notarized to be valid for title transfer at the DMV. As of 2026, Louisiana does not prescribe a single official form; any complete, signed bill of sale is accepted for DMV title transfer.
Yes, you can sell your side by side in Louisiana with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. Louisiana does not publish a single official form number — any complete, signed bill of sale is DMV-accepted. Click below to fill out and download.
What the free Louisiana Side by Side bill of sale template includes
- Buyer and seller full legal names, addresses, and contact info
- VIN, make, model, year, mileage, and color
- Sale price, payment method, and as-is disclosure
- Notarization block (required in Louisiana)
- Printable PDF — ready in under 60 seconds
Is a bill of sale required for a side by side sale in Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana requires a bill of sale for private-party side by side transfers. Both buyer and seller must sign the document before the title can be transferred at the DMV. Keep a copy for at least five years.
Does Louisiana require a notarized bill of sale for a side by side?
Yes. Louisiana requires the bill of sale or title to be notarized for private-party side by side transfers. Both buyer and seller must sign in front of a licensed notary public. Our template includes the required notarization block.
How to sell a side by side privately in Louisiana
Total time: 30–60 minutes
You will need:
- Signed vehicle title
- Government-issued photo ID (both parties)
- Completed bill of sale
- Notary public
Agree on sale price and payment method
Negotiate a fair price and confirm payment — cash, cashier's check, or digital transfer. Avoid personal checks for private side by side sales in Louisiana to prevent fraud.
~5–15 minutes
Complete the bill of sale
Fill out all required fields: buyer and seller full legal names, addresses, VIN, make, model, year, mileage, sale price, and sale date. Both parties sign the document.
~5 minutes
Sign and transfer the title
The seller signs the back of the title and records the sale price and odometer reading where required. Hand the signed title to the buyer. Do not leave any fields blank.
~5 minutes
File a release of liability
Notify the Louisiana DMV that you have sold the side by side. This releases you from liability for tickets, accidents, or crimes committed after the sale.
~5–10 minutes
Keep copies of all documents
Both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy of the bill of sale and the title transfer receipt. Store them for at least five years in case of disputes.
~2 minutes
Louisiana Side by Side Quick Facts
| Form Number | No single official form — any complete signed BOS accepted |
|---|---|
| Notary Required | Yes |
| Sales Tax | 4.45% |
| Title Transfer Fee | $68.5 |
Why BillOfSaleNow
- 100% free — no paid template subscription required
- Mobile-first design — works on any phone or tablet
- DMV-accepted form number compatibility for Louisiana
- Instant PDF download — no email gate, no account needed
Quick answers for Louisiana side by side sellers
Is a bill of sale required for a side by side sale in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires a bill of sale for private-party side by side transfers. Keep a signed copy for your DMV title records.
Does Louisiana require notarization for a side by side bill of sale?
Yes. Louisiana requires notarization of the bill of sale or title for private-party side by side transfers.
What is the sales tax on a private side by side sale in Louisiana?
Louisiana charges 4.45% sales tax on private side by side sales. The title transfer fee is $68.5. Always verify current rates with your local DMV.
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.
Notarization required in Louisiana
Louisiana requires notarization for side by side bill of sale transfers. Get it done online in 15 minutes — no travel required.
Powered by Proof • RON licensed in Louisiana • Appears in-person equivalent legally
How to complete a side by side bill of sale in Louisiana
⏱ Total time: 3–5 minutes
- 1
Confirm the title is clean
Before anything else, verify the side by side title is free of liens. Run a VIN history report (NMVTIS, CARFAX) to confirm there are no outstanding loans, theft flags, or salvage brands on the side by side.
~5 minutes
- 2
Agree on the price and terms
Negotiate the sale price, decide whether the sale is as-is or with conditions, and confirm payment method. Get verbal agreement before completing paperwork.
~10 minutes
- 3
Enter side by side and party details
Input both parties' full legal names and addresses, the VIN, year, make, model, color, odometer reading (if applicable), and the agreed sale price.
~2 minutes
- 4
Sign the bill of sale — both parties
Both buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale. Louisiana may require notarization — confirm your state's rules before signing. Make two copies: one for each party.
~1 minute
- 5
Complete the title transfer
The seller signs the title over to the buyer on the back. The buyer takes the signed title, bill of sale, and any other required documents to the Louisiana DMV to complete registration in their name.
~30 minutes at DMV
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
Side by Side transfer and title notes
Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership.
Odometer disclosure
Side-by-side UTVs are off-road vehicles and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Document the hour-meter reading on the bill of sale instead — engine hours are the industry-standard wear indicator for SxS units.
Title and registration
States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.
Special disclosures for side by side sales
- OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
- Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
- Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.
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.
Buyer and seller responsibilities
Buyer responsibilities
- Verify the VIN on the side by side matches the title and bill of sale before paying.
- Pay any applicable Louisiana sales tax at the time of title transfer.
- Register the side by side and transfer the title at your local Louisiana DMV within the required deadline.
- Obtain auto insurance before operating the side by side.
- Keep a signed copy of the bill of sale for your records.
- Complete an emissions or safety inspection if Louisiana requires one for newly transferred vehicles.
Seller responsibilities
- Sign the title over to the buyer and provide an odometer disclosure.
- Fill out and sign the bill of sale with accurate sale price, date, and VIN.
- Provide a lien release if the side by side had an outstanding loan.
- Notify the Louisiana DMV of the sale to release liability.
- Remove license plates from the side by side if Louisiana requires it.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance policy on the sold side by side.
Generate your Louisiana side by side bill of sale in 3 minutes
No templates, no manual editing. Enter your details once and download a printable PDF.
Create Louisiana Side by Side Bill of SaleDownload blank formVehicle Sales Tax Calculator
Estimate taxes and fees for your vehicle purchase.
Estimated Sales Tax
$356.00
4.45% state rate
Sales tax applies; parish taxes vary significantly
4.45% state plus parish taxes (total can exceed 10%)
Estimate only. Rates vary by county and municipality. Some states tax based on book value rather than purchase price. Verify with your state DMV before completing your transaction.
Get notified when Louisiana updates its vehicle transfer laws
We'll only email you about law changes. Unsubscribe anytime.
State resources
Official references
Next steps
Other vehicle types in Louisiana
- Louisiana Car bill of sale
- Louisiana Truck bill of sale
- Louisiana Motorcycle bill of sale
- Louisiana Boat bill of sale
- Louisiana RV bill of sale
- Louisiana Trailer bill of sale
- Louisiana ATV bill of sale
- Louisiana UTV bill of sale
- Louisiana Snowmobile bill of sale
- Louisiana Jet Ski bill of sale
- Louisiana SUV bill of sale
- Louisiana Van bill of sale
- Louisiana Bus bill of sale
- Louisiana Semi Truck bill of sale
- Louisiana Moped bill of sale
- Louisiana Scooter bill of sale
- Louisiana Dirt Bike bill of sale
- Louisiana Golf Cart bill of sale
- Louisiana Tractor bill of sale
- Louisiana Farm Equipment bill of sale
- Louisiana Heavy Equipment bill of sale
- Louisiana Utility Trailer bill of sale
- Louisiana Travel Trailer bill of sale
- Louisiana Camper bill of sale
- Louisiana Yacht bill of sale
- Louisiana Electric Vehicle bill of sale
- Louisiana Pickup Truck bill of sale
- Louisiana Personal Watercraft bill of sale
- Louisiana Horse Trailer bill of sale
Top cities in Louisiana
- New Orleans side by side bill of sale
- Shreveport side by side bill of sale
- Lake Charles side by side bill of sale
- Kenner side by side bill of sale
- Bossier City side by side bill of sale
- Monroe side by side bill of sale
- Alexandria side by side bill of sale
- Central side by side bill of sale
- Slidell side by side bill of sale
- New Iberia side by side bill of sale
Why Documentation Helps Protect Asking Price
45% faster sale
Vehicles whose listings include a history report spend ~45% less time on site before selling, and report-viewers are 5x more likely to become a lead.
Source: Experian / AutoCheck
$4,000 avg loss
NHTSA estimates 450,000+ vehicles per year are sold with rolled-back odometers — the average victim loses about $4,000 in downstream repair costs.
Source: NHTSA
17.5M private sales/yr
About 17.5 million private-party vehicle transactions happen in the U.S. each year — roughly 47% of the used market.
Source: Cox Automotive 2024
1 in 3 buyers
Roughly 1 in 3 used-car buyers say they suspect private sellers are hiding mechanical problems — documentation closes that trust gap.
Source: JW Surety Bonds (n=3,000)
🔍 Buying a side by side? Run a VIN check first.
A VIN history report reveals accident records, odometer rollback, salvage title, and open recalls — included in the Premium plan ($19 one-time).
See what's included in Premium ($19) →Frequently Asked Questions
About side by side bills of sale in Louisiana
Do I need a bill of sale for a side by side in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires a signed bill of sale for private-party side by side transfers. It is needed to complete title transfer at the DMV and to release the seller from future liability. Experts recommend keeping a copy for at least five years after the sale. Louisiana transactions often require additional notary handling depending on the transfer context.
Does Louisiana require notarization on a side by side bill of sale?
Yes. As of 2026, Louisiana requires notarization of the bill of sale or title assignment for private-party side by side transfers. Both parties must sign in front of a commissioned notary public. Notary services are available at banks, UPS stores, and most DMV offices for $5–$15.
What information is required on a Louisiana side by side bill of sale?
A valid Louisiana side by side bill of sale must include: full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller; the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, color, and odometer reading; the agreed sale price (or a statement of gift); the date of sale; and signatures from both parties. Under federal odometer disclosure law (49 CFR Part 580, as of 2026), an odometer statement is required for vehicles under 10 years old — omitting it can void the transaction and expose the seller to federal liability.
What is the sales tax on a side by side sale in Louisiana?
As of 2026, Louisiana charges 4.45% sales tax on private vehicle sales, calculated on the purchase price and collected at title transfer. The title transfer fee is $68.5. The buyer typically pays sales or use tax at the DMV when registering the side by side in their name. Private-party sales between immediate family members may qualify for a gift exemption — confirm eligibility with the Louisiana DMV before the transaction.
How long do I have to transfer the side by side title in Louisiana?
As of 2026, Louisiana requires title transfer within 40 days of the sale date. Failing to transfer the title on time can result in late fees and may leave the seller liable for tickets or incidents involving the side by side. The seller should also notify the Louisiana DMV of the sale to release liability.
Can a handwritten side by side bill of sale be used in Louisiana?
Yes. A handwritten bill of sale is generally valid in Louisiana as long as it includes all required information — both parties' full legal names and addresses, VIN, sale price, date of sale, and signatures. However, a typed or generated document reduces the risk of errors, omissions, and disputes, and is easier to present at the DMV. Most DMV rejections of private-party bills of sale stem from missing fields — particularly the odometer reading or a missing seller address.
Who pays sales tax when selling a side by side privately in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the buyer pays sales or use tax on the side by side purchase price at the time of registration and title transfer — not the seller. The bill of sale establishes the taxable purchase price. If the side by side is gifted, a $0 sale price or gift affidavit may be used, but the buyer should verify the Louisiana DMV's exemption requirements before the transaction.
What should I do if the side by side still has a lien in Louisiana?
If the side by side has an outstanding lien, the lienholder must release the lien before or at the time of sale. The seller should obtain a lien release letter from the lender and include it with the title. The bill of sale should note the payoff amount and the lien release. Never complete a private sale without confirming the title is clear of all liens — buying a side by side with an undisclosed lien can result in repossession.
Is a side by side bill of sale legally binding in Louisiana?
A properly signed Louisiana side by side bill of sale is a legally binding contract of sale under UCC Article 2 and Louisiana motor vehicle transfer law. As of 2026, it must document the agreed purchase price, the full legal names and addresses of both parties, the vehicle identifier (VIN), the sale date, and both signatures. Both buyer and seller should retain a signed original for at least five years.
Do I need a bill of sale to register a side by side I bought privately in Louisiana?
As of 2026, Louisiana DMV requires proof of ownership to register a side by side. For a private purchase, this typically means a signed title transfer plus a bill of sale showing the purchase price (for sales tax calculation). Even if the Louisiana DMV does not explicitly require a bill of sale, presenting one speeds up the process and avoids disputes about the sale price or transfer date. The bill of sale is also the primary document used to calculate use tax owed at registration. Louisiana DMV registration requirements →
How do I verify a side by side's history before buying?
Run a VIN history report before completing the sale. A VIN report reveals accident records, odometer rollback, salvage title history, and open recalls — so you can negotiate from an informed position or walk away from a bad deal. BillOfSaleNow's Premium plan ($19) includes a full VIN history report in addition to the bill of sale.
How long is a side by side bill of sale valid in Louisiana?
A Louisiana side by side bill of sale does not expire once signed — it serves as a permanent record of the private sale transaction. Both buyer and seller should keep a signed copy for their records indefinitely. The document is commonly used to resolve disputes about the sale date, price, or liability years after the transaction.
Who keeps the original bill of sale in Louisiana?
Both parties should retain a signed copy. The buyer typically submits a copy to the Louisiana DMV when transferring title. The seller keeps their copy as proof the side by side was sold and liability transferred. Best practice is to make at least two originals — one for each party — rather than photocopying a single original.
Can I write my own side by side bill of sale in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana does not require a specific government-issued form for private side by side sales — a written document signed by both parties is legally valid. Using a standardized template reduces the risk of missing required fields that can cause DMV rejection.
Does Louisiana require a bill of sale to transfer a side by side title?
While Louisiana does not always mandate a bill of sale as a separate document for title transfer, the DMV strongly recommends one as proof of the transaction date, sale price, and odometer reading. The bill of sale establishes the taxable purchase price used to calculate sales or use tax at registration.
How much does it cost to transfer a side by side title in Louisiana?
The Louisiana title transfer fee is $68.5. Additional fees may apply for sales tax, registration, and lien filing. Confirm current fees at the Louisiana DMV before the sale — fee schedules are updated periodically.
Do you pay sales tax on a private-party side by side sale in Louisiana?
Private vehicle sales in Louisiana are subject to 4.45% sales or use tax (4.45% state sales tax plus parish taxes (total can exceed 10%)), collected when the buyer registers the side by side at the DMV. The bill of sale purchase price is the taxable amount. Gift transfers between immediate family members may qualify for a tax exemption — confirm eligibility with your local DMV.
Does a side by side bill of sale protect the seller in Louisiana?
Yes. A signed bill of sale in Louisiana documents the exact date ownership transferred, protecting the seller from liability for accidents, parking tickets, toll violations, or emissions violations that occur after the sale. Sellers should also notify the Louisiana DMV of the sale to file a release of liability — the bill of sale is evidence of the transfer date if any post-sale incidents are disputed.
Can a side by side bill of sale be handwritten in Louisiana?
Yes — a handwritten bill of sale is legally valid in Louisiana as long as it includes the required information: full legal names and addresses of both buyer and seller, the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, color, and odometer reading, sale price, odometer reading, notary acknowledgment, and signatures from both parties. Typed or digitally generated documents are preferred because they are easier to read and less likely to be rejected by the DMV for illegibility or missing fields.
Sold a motorcycle in Louisiana — worked fine, covered all the basics for a private sale.
Mark H.
Louisiana
2025-09-14
Sold my truck in Texas last month — used this to generate the bill of sale in 5 minutes. Saved me a trip to the DMV.
Mike T.
Texas
2025-11-14
Easy to use, got my California motorcycle bill of sale without any confusion about notary requirements.
Sarah L.
California
2025-10-22
Related bill of sale forms
Side by Side Bill of Sale by County in Louisiana
Download a Side by Side Bill of Sale for Louisiana
Original research: 2026 BillOfSaleNow State Survey — private vehicle sale tax, title, and notarization rules across all 50 states.
More Louisiana Vehicle Guides
- Vehicle Deposit Refund in Louisiana
- Sell Car With Suspended License in Louisiana
- EV Tax Credit in Louisiana
- Emissions Inspection in Louisiana
- Extended Warranty Cancellation in Louisiana
- Fleet Vehicle Sale in Louisiana
- GAP Insurance Claim in Louisiana
- Government Surplus Vehicle in Louisiana
- Hit-and-Run Vehicle Claim in Louisiana
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Louisiana
Each guide is written specifically for Louisiana laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Louisiana Side by Side bill of sale by city
From $9 • 3 min • Instant PDF