As a business and legal template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting documents for clients across the United States, I’ve created and customized hundreds of bills of sale for Louisiana residents and businesses. Today, I’m giving you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Louisiana general bill of sale Word document that is 100% compliant with current Louisiana law in 2025. This customizable template works for vehicles, boats, firearms, equipment, furniture, or any personal property transfer.
Download the free Louisiana General Bill of Sale Word template here:
DOWNLOAD LOUISIANA BILL OF SALE .DOCX (Free)
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or notary for your specific transaction.
A Louisiana general bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. Unlike state-specific vehicle or boat forms issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, a general bill of sale is used when no official state form exists — such as for furniture, electronics, livestock, trailers under 500 lbs, ATVs, firearms, or business equipment.
In my experience, most private-party sales in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Lafayette rely on a simple general bill of sale to protect both parties and buyer. Louisiana law does not always require a notarized bill of sale for general personal property (La. Civil Code Art. 2456), but having a written, signed document is the single best way to avoid future disputes.
According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and general contract law, a legally enforceable bill of sale should contain:
| Required Element | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller | Establishes parties to the contract |
| Detailed description of the item (make, model, year, color, serial/VIN, etc.) | Prevents “wrong item” disputes |
| Sale price and payment method | Critical for sales tax calculation (see below) |
| Date of sale and date of delivery occurs | Starts warranty periods and tax obligations |
| Signatures of all parties (notarization recommended) | Makes document self-proving in court |
Louisiana imposes state sales tax of 4.45% plus local parish/city taxes that can push the total rate over 11% in some areas (e.g., Orleans Parish). The bill of sale is the primary document the Louisiana Department of Revenue uses to verify the sale price when the buyer later pays use tax or registers a vehicle.
Pro tip from my practice: Always state the true sale price. Underreporting to save a few hundred dollars in tax can lead to felony tax evasion charges if audited (La. R.S. 47:1641).
Source: Louisiana Department of Revenue – revenue.louisiana.gov
LOUISIANA GENERAL BILL OF SALE
Date: November 19, 2025
Seller: John Michael Doe, 123 Cajun Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Buyer: Jane Marie Smith, 456 Bayou Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70501
For the sum of Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00), paid by certified check, Seller hereby sells to Buyer the following described property:
2018 Ford F-150 XLT, VIN: 1FTEW1EP8JFB12345, Odometer: 68,421 miles
The vehicle is sold AS-IS without any warranties...
Does a Louisiana bill of sale have to be notarized?
No for general personal property. It is required for vehicle title transfers and strongly recommended for items over $5,000.
Can I write a bill of sale on notebook paper?
Yes, but using a professional template protects you far better in court.
Is a bill of sale required to register a vehicle in Louisiana?
Yes — either the official OMV form or a notarized general bill of sale plus the title.
Do I need a bill of sale for a gifted item?
Highly recommended. Use an “$0” or “gift” and consider an Act of Donation for large gifts to avoid gift tax issues (IRS Form 709).
In my 12+ years drafting documents for Louisiana clients, I’ve seen countless disputes that could have been avoided with a simple, clear bill of sale. Download my free Louisiana general bill of sale Word document today, customize it in minutes, and gain peace of mind for your next private sale.
DOWNLOAD FREE LOUISIANA BILL OF SALE TEMPLATE (.DOCX)
Remember: This template is free for personal and commercial use. If you need a vehicle-specific, boat-specific, or firearm-specific version, let me know in the comments — I’m happy to create those too.
This article and template were last updated November 2025. Always verify current law with a Louisiana attorney or the relevant state agency.