Like most other motor vehicles, custom-built and antique vehicles must be properly registered and titled in the state of Louisiana. However, the process of registering an antique or custom-built vehicle is different from registering a regular vehicle. If you have brought an antique or custom-built vehicle into Louisiana for a first time registration, or if you have custom-assembled a vehicle in the State, you will be referred to an OMV near you.

[edit] WHAT ARE ANTIQUE AND CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLES?

• In Louisiana, an antique is defined as any vehicle at least twenty-five years old and has not been altered from its original design. A Street Rod is a vehicle manufactured before 1948 or reconstructed and modified with modern additions/modifications to resemble a vehicle manufactured prior to 1948.
• The State defines a custom-built vehicle as any motor vehicle that has been assembled or completely reconstructed using new or used parts or from kits. Custom vehicles are registered with the make as "custom-built." The model year will be the year in which the vehicle was built. A kit car is any vehicle assembled from a kit along with the chassis or power train of a pre-existing vehicle.

[edit] HOW TO REGISTER AN ANTIQUE OR CUSTOM BUILT VEHICLE

You will have to visit an OMV near you to register your antique or custom-built Vehicle. When registering a custom-built or antique vehicle, you will need to bring the following materials to the OMV:

1. A completed and notarized Vehicle Application, when obtaining a title for a new, custom-built vehicle.
2. The Certificate of Title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, for antique or custom vehicles that have already been titled.
3. Notarized Bills of Sale for all the parts that were used.
4. A completed and notarized affidavit to register as an antique vehicle.
5. Proof of insurance.
6. A physical inspection report by the Louisiana State Police Troop, along with a VIN assignment receipt for a custom-built vehicle.
7. Current odometer reading.

Note: You can also register your antique or custom-built vehicle by mail. You need to gather all the required paperwork mentioned above and along with the appropriate fees, copy of driver license mail it to:

Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886

Baton Rouge, LA 70896    

[edit] FEES

When registering an antique or custom-built vehicle, you will be required to pay the appropriate titling and registration fees. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles accepts cash, money orders, cashier checks or personal checks.

[edit] RENEWING A CUSTOM-BUILT OR ANTIQUE VEHICLE REGISTRATION

If registered as an antique, the registration for your antique vehicle is permanent and need not be renewed. Your custom-built vehicle's registration will clearly indicate when it will expire. The process for renewing the registration on a custom vehicle is the same as renewing the registration on a regular motor vehicle.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Auto Insurance is required for all custom vehicles operated in Louisiana.
• See also Title Transfers and Registering a Non-Custom Vehicle.