How to Transfer a Car Title in Louisiana

Do you live in Louisiana and wish to give your vehicle as a gift to a family member? Or maybe you want to transfer your car title to a buyer? If any of these describes you, it’s very important to learn the procedure for transferring a vehicle title. Check out our guide and learn all you need to know about transferring a car title in Louisiana.

Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV)

The OMV is the state’s sole authority for managing automobile registration and titling. With offices all over Louisiana, this body provides various services, including automobile title transfers and many other services and processes relating to vehicle registration. These offices provide primary services for carrying out such operations.

Filling Up the Form as Directed

When completing the transfer of title application, read the guidelines on the form to ensure that nothing is omitted.

Necessary Papers

The next step is to collect the several trial documents needed in the course of the title transfer process.

• Vehicle’s Current Registration Certificate: Make sure you have a current registration certificate for the car.
• Notarized Bill of Sale: Bill of sale for legal proceedings for the sale.
• Certificate of Title: A signed sworn certificate of title and a certificate assigned to show the acquisition.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement: Cars that are less than ten years old and rated not more than 16,000 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) must include an odometer disclosure.
• Financing Agreement (if applicable): If you own a vehicle under leasing or loan, you provide a UCC 1 financing statement or resources division agreement.

Title Transfer Fees

When it comes to changing a car’s title in Louisiana, the process involves a fee. As soon as car registrations expire, the OMV will charge about $68.50 as their title fee and $8 handling fees. Where a title has been lost, misplaced, or damaged, the cost to replace it is also $68.50.

Additional Charges

Apart from the regular fees pertaining to the title transfer process, there are other expenses, such as credit card transaction fees, as well as the local government surcharge that raises the cost a bit. It would be good to contact the OMV office for more information on specific and approximate pricing and other related fees.

How to Transfer Car Title to a Family Member in Louisiana

When learning how to transfer a car title to a family member in Louisiana, it’s important to understand the factors so that there’s no confusion in the later stages.

You will be required to fill out a Vehicle Application form in order to begin the title transfer process. Moreover, it’s also necessary to prepare, notarize, and file an Act of Donation of a Movable document with the necessary authorities.

Steps to Transfer a Car Title From a Deceased Owner

The car title transfer from the name of a deceased owner can be challenging; however, there are some steps to follow to ease the transition. Below are detailed instructions on how to proceed with the transfer:

Gather Required Documents

Before starting the process, it’s important to prepare the following necessary documents for the transfer of ownership of the car:

• Vehicle Application Form: This application acts as a trigger for the beginning of the transfer process.
• Certificate of Title: A complete original copy of the title document of the vehicle should be enclosed.
• Current Certificate of Registration: Evidence of registration of the car is important.
• Notarized Bill of Sale or Act of Donation of a Movable: Written proof of transfer of the title is also needed.
• Proof of Fulfilled Lien: Documentation of fulfillment of a lien that has been placed on the vehicle.
• Owner’s Valid Photo ID: Identification of the deceased owner is necessary for verification purposes.

Estate Handling

Now, let’s check the procedure for transferring the car title when the estate of the deceased owner is being administered.

Succession Through the Department of Revenue

If the inheritance is being processed through the “small succession filing” with the Department of Revenue, then more documents will be needed.

• Affidavit of Small Succession
• Descriptive List of Property

Succession Through the Courts

Alternatively, if the deceased person’s estate is being probated in the court, the relevant document will be a certified Final Judgment of Possession.

What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Car Title

Losing your car title can be a frustrating feeling. When the title has been misplaced, understanding how to move forward without a title is necessary. In the event of a lost title situation, the first step that the owner can take is to apply for a duplicate title. Usually, it involves the following steps:

• Fill Out the Vehicle Application Form: You need to complete the necessary application form, DPSMV 1799. This section must be “notarized” or signed in the presence of OMV / Public Tag Agency-employed personnel.
• Provide Vehicle Registration Certificate: You will also be required to present the vehicle’s registration certificate when submitting the legal change request. This document is further proof of ownership.
• Payment of Fees: Fees will be payable when applying for a duplicate title. To progress, pay all the necessary costs indicated in the outline.

How to Handle Car Title Loss?

Losing your car title can complicate matters, including cases where the new purchaser does not transfer the title as necessary. However, there are certain steps to complete to solve this problem.

Timeline

When the title transfer of the new owner has not yet gone through, the timelines should be considered. It’s common to find that for about 40 days after the purchase has been made, the final transfer can be done without cost.

What Happens If Every Step Is Not Enforced Within the 40-Day Limit?

If more than 40 days from the sale or transfer of your vehicle have passed, corrective action shall be taken so that all laws are correctly followed. In such a case, seek assistance from the OMV.

Filing of Notice of Transfer of Vehicle

When the new vehicle owner has been delaying the title transfer, protection against the imposition of unwanted penalties or fines is best achieved through effective filing and submission of notice to the OMV. The OMV requires this notice and allows them to notify you when the title of your vehicle is transferred.

Transferring a Title With a Lien

When one obtains financing or a lease for a vehicle, the lender usually places a claim on the vehicle’s title to prevent the vehicle from changing possession without their approval. However, in cases where one has already made payments on the vehicle and wishes to transfer the title to somebody else, it’s important first to tackle the issue of lien removal.

How to Remove a Lien for Title Transfer

If you’re looking to transfer a title with a lien, the following steps should be followed in order to fast-track the process:

• Submission of Required Documents: First of all, you will need to fill out a Vehicle Application form. In addition to this, your current vehicle registration will also be backed up when filing the Vehicle Application form. You must submit a title with a release of lien or use a letter from your lender stating that the lien has been paid off.
• Payment of Fees: In the process of removing the lien from the property, there’s a $76.50 fee for removing the lien. When you forward your documents for processing, ensure this amount and other tariffs and surcharges for additional services are factored in.

With the above steps in place, a lien against the title will be released, and the change in the title will not be a hurdle afterward.

Gathering Louisiana DMV Information

If you have more questions regarding the transfer of automobile title in Louisiana, consult the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) during working hours. You can also visit the official website of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and Public Safety Services.

The Bottom Line

Transferring a car title to a family member in Louisiana or transferring it to a new buyer demands careful attention to detail and strict adherence to the state’s guidelines. By thoroughly following the outlined steps and tips, you can facilitate a smooth and legally compliant transfer of ownership. This ensures that your family can enjoy their vehicle with confidence and peace of mind. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out to our team at Titlelo. We’re here to help make the process as seamless as possible.