As a business and legal template writer with over 12 years of experience drafting documents for clients across the United States, I’ve created thousands of bills of sale tailored to state-specific requirements. One of the most frequent requests I receive from Louisiana residents is a reliable, legally compliant Louisiana bill of sale for movable property—especially for vehicles, trailers, boats, and other personal property. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you everything you need: a free downloadable Louisiana bill of sale template in PDF and Word, step-by-step instructions, and the exact legal requirements under Louisiana law so you can complete the sale with confidence.
In Louisiana civil law (unlike common-law states), property is divided into “immovables” (real estate) and “movables” (personal property). A bill of sale of a movable in Louisiana is a written document that transfers ownership of personal property from a seller to a buyer. The most common uses are:
While Louisiana does not require a bill of sale to be notarized for most private-party sales, having a properly completed and signed document protects both parties and is often required by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) when registering or titling a vehicle.
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This free bill of sale Louisiana template works for vehicles, trailers, boats, and general movable property and includes odometer disclosure, “as-is” clause, and space for notarization (optional but recommended).
Louisiana law and the OMV require proof of ownership transfer in several situations:
| Transaction Type | Bill of Sale Required? | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Private-party vehicle sale (car, truck, motorcycle) | Strongly recommended; required by most OMV offices for title transfer | Odometer disclosure (under 10 years old), Act of Donation or Sale signed by seller |
| Trailer over 500 lbs unladen weight | Required for registration | Serial number (VIN), weight certificate if homemade |
| Boat or outboard motor | Required by Louisiana DWF | Notarized bill of sale preferred |
| Gift of vehicle (no money exchanged) | Required – use “Act of Donation of a Movable” wording | Notarized + $0 consideration |
Source: Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles – expresslane.org and Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries.
To be enforceable under Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2439, 2623, and 3492–3499, your Louisiana vehicle bill of sale must include:
Trailers over 500 lbs must be titled and registered. Include the trailer VIN, empty weight, and length. Homemade trailers require a weight certificate from a public scale.
If you are giving a vehicle to a family member, use $0 consideration and title the document “Act of Donation of a Movable.” It must be notarized and accompanied by Form R-1331 (Gift Tax Return) if the value exceeds the annual exclusion.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries prefers notarized bills of sale and requires hull identification number (HIN) and motor serial number.
Does a Louisiana bill of sale need to be notarized?
No state law requires notarization for most private sales, but many OMV locations and all Act of Donation forms require it.
Can I use a generic bill of sale template for Louisiana?
Only if it contains the required Louisiana and federal elements listed above. My template is specifically drafted for Louisiana compliance.
Is a handwritten bill of sale legal in Louisiana?
Yes, as long as it contains all required information and signatures.
Do I need a bill of sale if the title is signed over?
Yes—most OMV offices now require a separate bill of sale or Act of Sale/Donation in addition to the signed title.
Having helped hundreds of Louisiana clients avoid costly OMV rejections, I can tell you that using a complete, state-specific Louisiana bill of sale form saves time, money, and headaches. Download the free template above, fill it out completely, and keep copies for both parties.
Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Laws change, and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or CPA for your specific transaction.
Need a customized version or have questions? Feel free to comment below—I respond to every reader.
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