Louisiana Vehicle Registration

Louisiana titles and registers vehicles through the OMV and through licensed Public Tag Agents (PTAs). New owners have 40 days from the date of purchase or the date of moving into Louisiana to title and register their vehicle, longer than most states give. Miss the deadline and a $15 late penalty plus interest is added to the bill.

Where to register

Two options exist for most registration transactions in Louisiana:

• Louisiana OMV office — handles all registration types, plus first-time licenses, REAL ID, and out-of-state transfers. About 80 locations statewide. Use this route if your transaction also involves a license issue or a complicated title.
• Public Tag Agent (PTA) — a licensed private contractor that can title, register, and renew vehicles. Often shorter waits, longer hours, and weekend availability. PTAs charge a small convenience fee on top of state fees but cannot handle license transactions.

Documents required

For a vehicle bought from a Louisiana dealer, the dealer typically files the registration paperwork as part of the sale. For private-party purchases or out-of-state vehicles, bring:

• The properly assigned title from the seller, with the odometer disclosure completed and signed.
• A notarized DPSMV1697 Bill of Sale — Louisiana requires a notary stamp on most private-party sales.
• A completed DPSMV1799-A Application for Vehicle Title.
• A completed DPSMV1606 Vehicle Registration Application.
• Proof of Louisiana liability insurance meeting the 15/30/25 minimum.
• Your Louisiana driver's license or ID.
• For out-of-state vehicles, a VIN inspection completed at any Louisiana state trooper post or sheriff's office (free of charge).
• For vehicles registered in one of the five emissions parishes, a current passing emissions certificate.
• A current brake tag inspection certificate, issued by a state-licensed inspection station.

Sales tax and title fees

Louisiana collects state sales tax of 4.45% on the purchase price, plus parish and municipal sales taxes. The combined rate averages around 9.55% statewide as of 2025 — among the highest in the country. The OMV calculates tax on the higher of the actual sales price or the state's vehicle valuation guide; if the bill of sale is well below market value without explanation, the agent will use the guide value and tax that.

Beyond sales tax, expect:

• $68.50 title fee.
• $8 handling fee.
• $20-$82 license plate fee, depending on vehicle class and weight.
• $3 lien notation fee if the vehicle is financed.
• $10 brake tag inspection (more in emissions parishes).

Brake tag (annual safety inspection)

Louisiana is one of a handful of states that still requires an annual safety inspection for passenger vehicles. The "brake tag" is a windshield decal showing the inspection month and year. Stations check brakes, lights, turn signals, horn, windshield wipers, tires, steering, and seatbelts. Most inspections take 15-20 minutes. Driving without a current brake tag is a citable offense and one of the most common reasons Louisiana drivers get pulled over.

Emissions inspection (5 parishes)

Vehicles registered in East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and Ascension parishes also require a passing emissions inspection at registration and renewal. The five-parish program covers the Baton Rouge metro area; New Orleans and the rest of the state are exempt. Diesel vehicles, vehicles less than two model years old, and vehicles older than 25 model years are exempt from emissions even within the five parishes.

New residents

If you're moving to Louisiana from another state, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and exchange your out-of-state license. Bring the out-of-state title, current registration, proof of Louisiana insurance, your new Louisiana lease or utility bill, and the VIN inspection certificate. Louisiana credits sales tax already paid to another state up to its own rate, so most newcomers don't pay tax twice on the same vehicle. See also Louisiana title transfer and license exchange.