Louisiana
Applying for Car Registration in Louisiana
To apply for a Louisiana vehicle registration after getting a new or used car, truck, minivan or SUV, you must visit your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person. You may also submit your application materials by mail.
The specific documents you must submit during your office visit will vary depending on whether you purchased your vehicle from a private seller or from a licensed Louisiana dealership. If you wish to register a new vehicle from a dealer, for instance, you must submit a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin as proof of ownership. To obtain DMV registration credentials for a used automobile, you must submit a reassigned certificate of title.
To learn more about DMV car registration and how to apply for new credentials after acquiring a motor vehicle, review the information below.
Getting Vehicle Registration Records in Louisiana
To obtain new car registration credentials for your motor vehicle, you must provide the Louisiana OMV with several important documents as proof of your eligibility to register the automobile. These documents include:
- A reassigned certificate of title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.
- An official OMV Vehicle Application form.
- Proof of photo identification.
- Proof of valid car insurance.
In some cases, you may need to submit a bill of sale, security agreement and/or odometer disclosure statement as well.
Note: Find information about the types of documents you need in this guide.
As part of the LA auto registration process, you must also pay any applicable taxes and fees. Typically, these vehicle registration fees will vary depending on the automobile’s selling price, weight and type. Additionally, the amount of sales use tax you must pay will vary depending on your county. Keep in mind that these one-time taxes and fees are different from your yearly car registration renewal fees.
Depending on whether you choose to register your newly acquired vehicle in person or by mail, you may pay these fees by credit card, electronic check, personal check or money order. If obtaining new registration materials by mail, you must pay by check, money order or electronic funds transfer.
How can I apply for Louisiana car registration near me?
To obtain LA OMV registration credentials for your newly purchased vehicle, you may choose to submit your application in person or by mail. Learn more about these application methods in the sections below.
In Person
If you choose to pay car registration taxes and fees in person rather than by mail, you must visit a local OMV office. During your office visit, you must present a photo ID, a completed registration application and proof of vehicle ownership.
By Mail
To register your newly acquired car, truck, SUV or minivan by mail, you must forward your application paperwork to the OMV Headquarters in Baton Rouge. If you have any questions about the registration process, you may contact the OMV before mailing in your application materials.
Review our free registration guide for important links and instructions about applying for a car registration in Louisiana.