Motorcycle Registration in Louisiana

Before you can ride a motorcycle in Louisiana, you'll need to register it with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Below are the steps required to register out-of-state motorcycles AND new bikes bought in LA.

If you need to renew your motorcycle registration, check out our Louisiana registration renewals guide!

New to Louisiana

After establishing Louisiana residency, you have 30 days to register your motorcycle.

BEFORE applying for registration, you'll need to:

  • Get a motorcycle safety inspection at an OMV-approved vehicle inspection station.
    • Emissions inspections may also be required in some parishes. See our LA car inspections guide for details.
  • Purchase Louisiana motorcycle insurance.

You can then complete the registration process by submitting the following at your local Louisiana OMV:

  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
  • The motorcycle's current out-of-state title.
    • If your title has a lien, provide a copy of the title OR the motorcycle's registration, complete with the lienholder's information.
  • Proof of Louisiana motorcycle insurance.
  • Applicable safety/emissions inspection certificates.
  • Proof of sales tax paid on the bike in your previous state of residence.
    • If you didn't pay sales tax where you moved from, you will be required to do so in Louisiana.
  • Pay the $12 registration fee PLUS any other applicable fees or taxes.

If you would rather mail in your application along with each of the required documents, you can send them to the OMV headquarters at:

Louisiana Department of Safety and Corrections
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Your motorcycle registration is valid for 4 years, after which you'll need to renew.

Still settling in after your move? Head over to our Louisiana moving guide for additional info.

Registering Your LA Motorcycle

Following the purchase of a motorcycle in Louisiana, you will have 40 days to register it with the LA Office of Motor Vehicles. If you bought your bike from a dealership, the dealer may complete the registration process for you. If not, follow the steps below.

PRIOR to submitting a registration application, make sure your motorcycle:

When you've ensured the above requirements are met, complete the registration process by providing the following items at your local LA OMV:

  • Your Louisiana motorcycle license.
  • A completed Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
  • A proof of ownership document:
    • Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (new motorcycles).
    • Title signed by the buyer AND seller (used motorcycles).
  • A proof of purchase document:
    • Original itemized invoice (new bikes).
    • Notarized bill of sale (used bikes).
  • An odometer disclosure statement.
    • Usually written on the title, but if there's no space, you must complete an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form DSPMV 1606).
    • Used bikes more than 10 years old are exempt from the odometer disclosure requirement.
  • An original copy of the financing statement if the motorcycle is on a lien.
  • The $12 base motorcycle registration fee AND any applicable fees or taxes.

Can't make it to the OMV? Register your recently-purchased bike by mailing each of the above documents to the LA Office of Motor Vehicles headquarters at:

Louisiana Department of Safety and Corrections
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896

Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

The registration fees due will vary depending on which Louisiana parish you reside in. The basic fees required to register your motorcycle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles are as follows:

  • Motorcycle registration: $12.
    • Due every 4 years.
  • License plates: Varies depending on the selling price of the bike.
  • License plate transfer: $3.
  • Handling fee: $8.
  • Recording fee for liens:
    • Mortgage with UCC: $15.
    • Mortgage other than UCC: $10.
  • Sales and usage tax: 4 to 9.5% of your motorcycle's value.
    • Exact sales tax is based upon your parish or city of residence.
    • You may be exempt from this tax if:
      • You are a military member.
      • Have an eligible tax credit from another state.
  • Local taxes: Varies depending on your county or parish of residence.
  • Public license tag agents fee: $18 (max fee title not obtained through OMV).

Call your local OMV office for specifics on what you'll owe based on your county or parish of residence.

Forms

DSPMV 1606
Odometer Disclosure Statement
Use this OMV form to disclose the number of miles on a vehicle you're transferring ownership of.
DPSMV 1799
Vehicle Application
Office of Motor Vehicles application for a Louisiana vehicle title and registration.
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