Completing an out of state car title transfer in Louisiana is a mandatory step that must be completed when a nonresident vehicle is brought into the state. Auto owners can transfer an out of state car title in person through a local motor vehicle site or by mailing the necessary items to the headquarters of the state Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

In addition, when completing the out of state title transfer process, applicants will also be required to obtain a new car registration. To learn when and how to perform an out of state car title transfer in Louisiana, read the following sections.

What is a cross-state car title transfer in Louisiana?

If you are wondering what a cross state car title transfer is, note that it is a unique titling procedure that must be completed on each occasion a car owner attempts to title and register an out-of-state vehicle. The cross state car title transfer process leads to the replacement of an out of state title with one issued by the Louisiana state OMV.

Until motorists re-title a car in another state DMV’s database, they will be unable to register their vehicles and operate them within their new state.

When is an out-of-state car title transfer necessary in Louisiana?

Vehicle owners who would like to know when an out of state car title transfer is necessary in Louisiana must note that they are required to perform a title transfer if and when they bring a nonresident vehicle to the state. It is also important to know that you will be required to convert an existing out-of-state title regardless of whether you are a new state resident or an existing resident who has purchased an out-of-state vehicle.

Furthermore, keep in mind that car owners will also need to transfer the car title of a nonresident vehicle in situations where the vehicle was gifted to them or they inherited it.

Information and Documents Needed for an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Louisiana

Submitting the mandatory out of state title transfer paperwork in Louisiana is an important step in the process of titling and registering a nonresident vehicle. Note that the list of documents needed for an out of state title transfer is similar to the one that applies when completing the standard title transfer transaction.

However, vehicle owners completing the process of transferring an out of state car title in LA may be required to submit additional documentation depending on their specific situation. The following list outlines the main documents needed to obtain a new title and car registration after moving to Louisiana:

  • A completed Louisiana vehicle application form.
  • The current title certificate containing the vehicle odometer disclosure statement.
  • A separate odometer disclosure document, if the title does not provide the odometer reading.
  • A lien release form or a financing statement, if applicable.
  • A valid photo ID, such as a driving license or a state ID card.
  • Proof of a valid car insurance coverage.

When transferring an out of state car title under different circumstances, vehicle owners may be required to submit additional information and documents. For example, if you are completing a cross state vehicle title transfer after purchasing a nonresident vehicle, you will be required to submit a title certificate that has been properly signed-over and notarized and a bill of sale containing details about the transaction.

If your assigned title or bill of sale have not been notarized, you will need an additional notarized affidavit from the original vehicle owner attesting to the fact that he or she is not a Louisiana resident.

Steps for Completing an Out-of-State Title Transfer in Louisiana as a New Resident

While completing the out of state title transfer in person is the standard application method, vehicle owners can also utilize the option of mailing the necessary items to the main OMV office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The steps to complete an out of state title transfer as a new resident include submitting the necessary documents, paying the applicable fees and presenting an official photo ID.

Depending on whether you decide to complete the new state resident car title transfer process in person or by mail, you may be limited to only using certain types of payment methods. For instance, if you are mailing your application, you will be required to submit your fee payment in the form of a check or an electronic funds transfer.

Note: The option to complete an out of state title transfer online is currently unavailable, leaving only in-person and mail-in options available.

Out-of-State Title Transfers in Louisiana After Buying or Selling a Vehicle

To complete an out of state title transfer after buying a car, vehicle owners will be required to follow the same steps as those that apply for the process of titling a vehicle as a new state resident, outlined above. Therefore, to finalize the process of transferring an out of state title after getting a new car from an out-of-state seller, you will be required to collect the above paperwork and information and submit them in person or by mail to your local OMV.

As soon as you finalize the mail-in or the in-person out of state title transfer after buying a vehicle, the state OMV will process your request and issue your vehicle documents as soon as they are produced.

If you are completing your title transfer under unique circumstances, such as after receiving the vehicle as a gift or by means of inheritance, you will be required to complete additional steps. For example, if you have inherited the vehicle, you will need to submit additional paperwork proving you are the rightful owner, such as a will or final testament.

Cross-State Car Title Transfer Fees in Louisiana

Since the cross state car title transfer must be completed simultaneously with the registration procedure, you will be required to pay several types of fees. Therefore, in addition to the cost of transferring an out of state car title, you will also be required to pay the applicable license plate fees, which vary based on the vehicle type, weight and selling price. In any case, the standard titling fee in Louisiana is $68.50.

Additional fees may also be charged for car inspections or for financing release forms. For instance, vehicle owners recording a lien on their title will have to pay an additional lien filing fee.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.