How to register a car in Louisiana
Moving to a new area is a bit stressful due to all the things you have to deal with when you move in. If you are new to the state of Louisiana, you will need to register your vehicle. For first-timers in the state, you will have 30 days to register your vehicle before you are charged an overdue fee. If you are a resident and have purchased a new vehicle, you will have 40 days to do so before being charged a late payment fee. Each of the vehicles that drive on the roads of Louisiana must be registered with the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles. You can register your vehicle in person or by mail.
When you're ready to pick up the vehicle you've registered, you'll need to find the nearest Louisiana Motor Vehicle Authority. Here is what you will need to bring with you when you try to register your vehicle:
- Completed vehicle application
- Your valid driver's license
- Current registration and ownership of the vehicle if entering from out of state.
- Proof of automobile insurance with bodily injury coverage of at least $15.000.
- Preparation of inspection documents
- Proof of sales tax if you are from out of state
- Your payment for all fees
If you are a Louisiana resident and purchased a vehicle, you will need to bring the following additional items with you when attempting to register your vehicle:
- Purchase for a car
- Property Documents
- Vehicle odometer reading
- Loan document, if applicable
When registering a car in Louisiana, you can expect the following fees:
- Title fee of $68.50.
- Processing fee, which will be a maximum of $8
- The lien fee if you are registering a newly purchased vehicle is between $10 and $15.
- License plate fee, which depends on the value of your vehicle
- Sales tax, which is four percent of the appraised value of your car.
Before registering a vehicle, you need to pass an inspection. Some counties in Louisiana will require you to pass an emissions test before a vehicle can be registered. For more information, visit the Louisiana OMV website.
