How much does it cost to transfer a vehicle title in Louisiana?

The base state fee to transfer a vehicle title in Louisiana is $68.50, plus an $8.00 OMV handling fee. Most buyers will also owe sales/use tax (4.45% state rate plus parish and, where applicable, municipal rates), registration/plate fees, and a $10.00 lien recordation fee if the vehicle is financed. In practice, expect at least $76.50 in state title-related fees before taxes and registration; your total out‑the‑door cost will depend largely on the vehicle price and your local tax rate.

What you’ll pay: the core state fees

Louisiana’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) sets standard charges that apply to nearly all title transfers. These are the fixed costs you can count on before taxes, registration, or any third‑party services are added.

• Certificate of title fee: $68.50
• OMV handling fee: $8.00 (applies to most in‑office transactions)
• Mortgage/lien recordation (if applicable): $10.00
• Duplicate title (if needed): $68.50
• Title correction (if needed): $68.50

These fees are statewide and current as of 2025. Your final bill will increase if taxes, registration, or optional services apply.

Taxes and registration you’re likely to see

Beyond the base title charges, most transfers include taxes and registration/plate costs. These vary by your location, vehicle, and circumstances, and they typically make up the largest part of the total.

• Sales/use tax: 4.45% state rate, plus parish and, if applicable, municipal rates collected on the vehicle’s taxable price. The combined rate depends on where you live/domicile the vehicle.
• Registration/plate fees: Amounts vary by vehicle type, value/weight, and plate type. The OMV will calculate these at the time of titling/registration.
• Public Tag Agent (PTA) or convenience fees: If you use a licensed third‑party tag agent for faster service, expect an additional service charge set by the agent.
• Payment processing fees: Card payments can include a small processing surcharge.

Because local tax rates and registration formulas vary, the OMV or a licensed tag agent will calculate your exact totals when you submit your paperwork.

Typical scenarios and rough totals

The following examples illustrate how the main fees and taxes can stack up. These are not quotes; they show how to estimate your costs based on a purchase price and a sample local tax rate.

1. Private-party purchase, no lien, $12,000 vehicle, combined local tax at 9.45%:
   Title + handling: $68.50 + $8.00 = $76.50
   Sales/use tax: $12,000 × 9.45% = $1,134.00
   Subtotal before registration/plates: $1,210.50
2. Private-party purchase with lien, $20,000 vehicle, combined local tax at 9.00%:
   Title + handling + lien: $68.50 + $8.00 + $10.00 = $86.50
   Sales/use tax: $20,000 × 9.00% = $1,800.00
   Subtotal before registration/plates: $1,886.50
3. Gift/donation to an immediate family member (where tax-exempt), no lien:
   Title + handling: $76.50
   Sales/use tax: $0.00 (if a qualifying donation; documentation required)
   Subtotal before registration/plates: $76.50

Your actual totals will differ based on your local tax rate, whether you transfer existing plates or need new ones, and any third‑party or payment processing fees.

What to bring to keep your costs (and time) down

Arriving prepared helps you avoid repeat trips and extra charges. OMV offices and Public Tag Agents will generally require the following.

• Properly assigned Louisiana title (or out‑of‑state title) with buyer and seller signatures notarized, or a notarized act of sale
• Odometer disclosure (required for vehicles under 20 model years old)
• Proof of insurance meeting Louisiana minimums
• Valid photo ID for all parties
• Financing documents if there’s a lien (to record the mortgage/lien)
• Proof of address for the registrant
• Payment method accepted by the office you visit

Having complete, notarized documents and proof of insurance will speed up the process and reduce the risk of extra fees for corrections or return visits.

Where and how to complete the transfer

Louisiana offers multiple ways to process a title transfer; your choice can affect speed and fees.

• OMV field office: Standard state fees; expect variable wait times depending on location.
• Public Tag Agent (PTA): Often faster and open longer hours; charges an additional convenience/service fee.
• By mail (limited cases): Some transactions can be mailed, but processing takes longer and you must ensure notarization and completeness.

If speed is important, a PTA can be worth the extra fee. If minimizing cost is the priority, an OMV office is typically the lowest-fee option.

Important notes and timing

Louisiana requires the title assignment (or act of sale) to be notarized. Taxes are generally due at the time of titling/registration, and delays can lead to penalties or interest. If you’re transferring a vehicle as a bona fide donation to an immediate family member, you may qualify for a sales/use tax exemption, but you must provide required documentation to the OMV.

Bottom line

Plan for a minimum of $76.50 in Louisiana state title-related fees ($68.50 title + $8 handling), plus $10 if a lien is recorded, and then add your local sales/use tax and registration/plate fees. Because taxes are based on the vehicle price and your domicile’s rates, they typically make up the largest part of the total.

Summary

Transferring a title in Louisiana costs $68.50 for the title plus an $8 OMV handling fee, with an additional $10 if a lien must be recorded. Most buyers will also pay sales/use tax at 4.45% state plus parish/municipal rates and registration/plate charges. Expect at least $76.50 in state fees before taxes and registration, and use your local combined tax rate and vehicle price to estimate the full amount. Notarized documents and proof of insurance are required, and you can process the transfer at an OMV office or a Public Tag Agent (for an added convenience fee).

How much does it cost to transfer a vehicle title in Louisiana?

Transferring a car title in Louisiana generally costs the base fee of $68.50 for the title fee, plus an $8 handling fee, for a total of $76.50 at a Louisiana Department of Public Safety (OMV) Office or authorized location. Be aware that additional fees may apply, including parish-imposed surcharges, credit card processing fees, and costs associated with the vehicle’s value, which can increase the total cost. 
Breakdown of Costs 

• Title Fee: $68.50
• Handling Fee: $8.00
• Potential Additional Fees:
  • Parish-Imposed Surcharges: Some parishes may add their own surcharges to the transfer fee.
  • Credit Card Fees: If you are paying with a credit card, you may incur additional processing fees.

Where to Find More Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, you should visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety Services official website or Louisiana OMV directly, as fees can change.

Do both parties have to be present to transfer a title in Louisiana?

No, not necessarily for the title to be validly signed over, but both parties generally need to be present for the notarization to be completed in Louisiana, or a notarized power of attorney must be provided if one party is absent. However, the seller does not need to physically go to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV); they only need to sign the title over to the buyer, and the buyer will handle the final title application at the OMV. 
When Both Parties Are Present

• The seller signs the title over to the buyer, and then the seller’s signature is notarized. 
• The buyer then takes the notarized title to the OMV to apply for a new title in their name. 

When One Party is Absent

• For the Seller: If the seller cannot be present, they must provide a notarized power of attorney to someone who can sign on their behalf. 
• For the Buyer: The buyer will handle the final application at the OMV, so their physical presence is only required there. 

Key Steps and Considerations

1. Seller Signs the Title: The seller completes their portion of the Certificate of Title, assigning the vehicle to the buyer. 
2. Notarization: The seller’s signature must be notarized. This is when both parties are generally expected to be present, or a power of attorney is required. 
3. Buyer’s Role: The buyer takes the notarized title, a valid ID, and proof of insurance to the OMV to complete the transfer process. 
4. The Notary’s Role: In some cases, a witness to the signing may be present to validate the transaction when the seller is absent. 
5. Other Documents: Depending on the situation, additional documents like a bill of sale or the Affidavit of Gift (Form MV-13ST) may be required. 

How much is it to transfer a title over to someone else?

A title transfer is a step-by-step legal process that moves a car’s ownership from one person to another. To do this, you’ll need to fill out some paperwork, pay a small fee and, depending on where you live, visit a notary. The title transfer cost usually ranges from $15 to $45.

What is needed to transfer a car title in Louisiana?

To transfer a vehicle title in Louisiana, you’ll need the current Louisiana Certificate of Title, signed by the seller in front of a notary public, a bill of sale that is also notarized, proof of Louisiana liability insurance, the buyer’s driver’s license or ID, and the applicable fees. The transfer must be completed at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location, where you’ll also need to submit an application form and potentially provide proof of an odometer disclosure. 
Required Documents:

• Certificate of Title: Opens in new tabThe existing Louisiana title, signed by the seller and notarized, with the buyer listed. 
• Notarized Bill of Sale: Opens in new tabA bill of sale, which includes the selling price (if applicable), must be signed by both the buyer and seller in front of a notary. 
• Proof of Louisiana Liability Insurance: Opens in new tabYou’ll need to provide evidence of your current Louisiana liability insurance coverage. 
• Odometer Disclosure: Opens in new tabA completed odometer disclosure must be provided for most vehicles at the time of the title transfer. 
• Application for a Louisiana Title and/or Registration (Form R-1719): Opens in new tabThis form is required for all title transactions and should be completed before your visit to the OMV. 

Steps to Complete the Transfer:

1. Gather Documents: Collect the original title, a notarized bill of sale, and proof of insurance. 
2. Get the Title Notarized: Both the buyer and seller must sign the title in front of a notary public. You’ll also need a notarized bill of sale. 
3. Obtain an Odometer Disclosure: The seller must complete the federal odometer disclosure statement and provide it to the buyer. 
4. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required application for a Louisiana title and/or registration. 
5. Visit an OMV Office: Take all your completed documents to a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). 
6. Pay Fees and Taxes: Be prepared to pay the necessary title fee, handling fee, and any other applicable taxes or fees. 

Important Notes:

• A notary is required to witness the signing of the title. 
• A vehicle must have a title before it can be registered in the new owner’s name. 
• If the previous owner had a lien on the vehicle, you’ll need proof of a satisfied lien.