Car Registration

Most of the time you can take care of your vehicle's title and registration processes at the dealership from which you bought the vehicle. However, you may choose to title and register your vehicle yourself.

Note that all registration procedures require valid proof of insurance on your motor vehicle.

The applications you'll find in this section can be viewed using the free Adobe Reader.

New Vehicles

The first step to registering your new vehicle is to download and complete the Vehicle Application.

Include the following documents with your application:

• Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MOS) signed to you before a notary public

• Itemized invoice given to you by the dealer

• Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement

• If applicable, the security agreement or financing statement

Used Vehicles

The first step to registering your new vehicle is to download and complete the Vehicle Application.

Include the following documents your application:

• Current, completed, and notarized Certificate of Title.

• Notarized Bill of Sale or invoice with the seller's and buyer's signatures and selling price.

• Completed Odometer Disclosure Statement if the vehicle is less than 10 years old; otherwise, a separate statement will suffice.

• Proof of liability insurance if the vehicle was purchased outright from an individual; if purchased from a dealer to make payments, proof of full coverage insurance.

Note that all former liens must be released. Use the Lien Termination form available online.

Fees

All fees and payment forms for registering new vehicles are also applicable to registering used vehicles.

In addition to the application and required documents, you must submit the appropriate fees. Payment options include money order, cashier's check, personal check with your driver's license number, or cash if applying in person.

• $18.50 title fee

• $8 handling fee, which varies by location

• $15 fee to record liens using UCC-1 financing statements; $10 for all others

• License fee based on the type, weight, and vehicle selling price

• Sales and usage tax based on the selling price and location and domicile code

You can submit everything to your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location or mail it to:

• Office of Motor Vehicles

• P.O. Box 64886

• Baton Rouge, LA 70896

New residents should refer to our New to Louisiana section for titling and registration information.

Registration Renewal

You can renew your registration online, over the telephone using interactive voice response (IVR), by mail, or at your OMV location. Online and telephone renewals are by invitation only.

As a courtesy, the OMV mails registration renewal applications 60 days before the registration is due to expire. However, it's your responsibility to know when your registration expires.

OMV and Mail Renewals

If you choose to renew in person or by mail, simply submit the renewal application, along with the fees, to your OMV location or mail it all to:

• Office of Motor Vehicles

• Vehicle Renewal Mail-In Unit

• P.O. Box 64886

• Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Online and IVR Renewals

If you've received an invitation to renew online or by IVR, your specific instructions will be included on the invitation.

Thanks to the OMV ExpressLane, Louisiana residents can renew their vehicle registrations online any day of the week at any time, except between 11:30 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. daily and between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

In order to renew online, you must first receive a renewal invitation. If you don't receive an invitation, the OMV most likely needs more documentation, or your license plate has already expired.

The renewal invitation will include your specific renewal fee, as well as state charges for online transactions.

Before you begin the process to renew your registration online, make sure you have your renewal invitation, a valid credit card or debit card backed by a credit card, and a printer to print your receipt. You'll also need Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher or Netscape 4.73 or higher.

Once you're ready, simply visit the Louisiana Vehicle Registration Renewal Web page.

You'll need to submit vehicle information, review the breakdown of fees, confirm your address or change it if you need to, and agree to the payment.

Fees

Renewal fees for private passenger automobiles, vans, and sport utility vehicles are $20 for two years if the vehicle's value is $10,000 or less; the same applies to private trucks weighing no more than 6,000 pounds.

If your vehicle's value is more than $10,000, add an additional $1 for every $1,000 that the vehicle is over.

Be sure to check out our Registration FAQs section for more registration and titling information.

Nonoperational Vehicles

If your vehicle is nonoperable and you expect it to remain in that condition for a long period of time, you may stop your registration by visiting an OMV office and turning in your plates.

If you wish to retain the plates, simply complete a statement of non-use transaction online, or fill out the form at an OMV office.

You'll need to cancel your vehicle's liability insurance, too, and complete the form (or surrender the plates) no later than 10 days after you stop the insurance. Failing to do so means you'll have to pay any fees that may be due.

Should you decide to reinstate the registration, you'll need to provide proof of current insurance. The OMV explains the reinstatement process in detail.

Temporary Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Louisiana and have a valid driver's license from another country, you may drive within the state for up to 90 days. You'll also need to have an International Driver Permit, issued by your home country. The permit basically translates your foreign-issued license to make it understandable to U.S. officials.

Be sure to have both documents with you when driving.