Free Louisiana Bill of Sale Forms

A Louisiana Bill of Sale is a legal document used to record the transfer of ownership of personal property, such as vehicles, boats, or firearms. It includes details about the buyer, seller, and item sold. It serves as proof of the transaction and protects both parties.

update icon

Last Update February 4th, 2026

Fill forms in a few steps

Fill forms in a few steps

Save, print & download

Save, print & download

Done in 5 minutes

Done in 5 minutes

Louisiana Bill of Sale

A Louisiana Bill of Sale is a legal document used to record the transaction and transfer of ownership of personal property from one party to another.

Bills of Sale are important for both parties, as they outline the terms of the sale and protect against future disputes regarding ownership or the condition of the item sold.

It’s important for registering certain types of personal property with the state, such as vehicles and boats.

Types of Louisiana Bills of Sale

Several types of Bills of Sale are used in Louisiana, each tailored to different kinds of transactions. Each type must include different information, depending on the item being sold.

The most common forms include:

Sample Louisiana Bill of Sale

Before drafting your document, take a moment to review our sample Bill of Sale template below. This will give you a clear understanding of the typical structure and the key elements to include.

view preview icon
Louisiana Car Bill of Sale Sample

Louisiana General Bill of Sale

A Louisiana General Bill of Sale is a versatile document used for the sale of various types of personal property. Generally, these items do not need to be registered with the state.

This could include items like electronics, furniture, or jewelry. The document should detail the terms of the transaction, protecting both the buyer and the seller by documenting the sale’s essential elements.

To create a valid Louisiana General Bill of Sale, the following information should be included:

  • Identities of the parties involved: Legal names and the contact information of both the buyer and the seller.
  • Description of the item sold: Any identifying features or serial numbers, if applicable.
  • Transaction details: The date of sale, the agreed-upon purchase price, and any terms of payment, such as cash, check, or payment plan.
  • Signatures: Both parties must sign the document to make it legally binding. Although notarization is not required for general sales, it’s recommended for added legal protection.

Using a General Bill of Sale can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a clear record of the sale.

Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale

A Louisiana Vehicle Bill of Sale is a specialized document that records the sale of a motor vehicle between a buyer and a seller.

This form is a critical piece of documentation required by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) when registering a vehicle under a new owner’s name.

A detailed description of the vehicle should be included on the Bill of Sale, with the make, model, year, VIN, and mileage.

You must include the full names, addresses, and contact information of both the buyer and seller.

Finally, the price, date, and any conditions of sale (like "as-is" or with a warranty); and signatures from both parties need to be included.

Notarization might also be required, depending on the parish.

How to Register a Vehicle in Louisiana

To register a vehicle in Louisiana, you must follow these steps:

  1. Secure the vehicle title: The seller must provide the vehicle’s title, signed over to the buyer. If the vehicle is less than 10 years old, an Odometer Disclosure Statement is also required.
  2. Visit the OMV: The buyer must visit a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) location with the Bill of Sale, signed title, proof of insurance, and a valid driver’s license.
  3. Pay applicable fees: Registration fees, title transfer fees, and taxes must be paid at the time of registration.
  4. Complete registration: Once all documents are submitted and fees paid, the OMV will issue a new title and registration for the vehicle.

Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale

A Louisiana Firearm Bill of Sale documents the sale of a firearm in the state.

This form helps ensure compliance with state and federal laws by clearly outlining the details of the transaction and the identities of both parties involved.

To create a valid Firearm Bill of Sale in Louisiana, include the following:

  • Buyer and seller information: Names, addresses, and contact details.
  • Firearm details: Description of the firearm, including make, model, caliber, and serial number.
  • Transaction information: Date of sale and sale price.
  • Signatures: Both parties must sign to validate the sale. Notarization is optional but recommended.

This document is essential for protecting both the buyer and seller in the event of future inquiries or legal issues.

How to Register a Firearm in Louisiana

Louisiana does not require the registration of most firearms at the state level.

However, you’re required to register the following types of guns:

  • Short-barreled shotguns and rifles
  • Firearms that have been modified to have an overall length of less than 26 inches
  • Concealable firearms with obliterated serial numbers
  • Machine guns

You have to make a written application to the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to register these types of weapons. (Public Health and Safety §40:1781)

Louisiana Boat Bill of Sale

A Louisiana Boat Bill of Sale is necessary for the sale and transfer of watercraft, such as boats, jet skis, or other types of vessels.

This document is essential for registering the boat with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Key information required for a Boat Bill of Sale includes:

  • Details of the parties: Full names and addresses of both the buyer and the seller.
  • Description of the vessel: Information such as the make, model, year, hull identification number (HIN), and registration number.
  • Sale details: Date of sale, purchase price, and any terms or conditions of the sale.
  • Signatures: Signatures of both the buyer and the seller are mandatory. Notarization can provide extra legal assurance.

The Boat Bill of Sale acts as a receipt and legal record, which is necessary for registration and titling under the new owner’s name.

How to Register a Boat in Louisiana

To register a boat in Louisiana, you’ll need to submit several documents to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. These documents include:

  • Boat Bill of Sale
  • Signed title (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment of sales tax.

When registering a boat in Louisiana, you must also title it if it meets any of the following conditions:

  • Currently titled in another state
  • Homemade
  • Has an incorrect hull identification number

Once you’ve paid the registration fees, you’ll receive a registration certificate and, if applicable, a title for the watercraft.

Louisiana Bill of Sale FAQs

If you still have doubts about drafting your Bill of Sale, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Is a Bill of Sale Required in Louisiana for All Transactions?

A Bill of Sale is not required for every transaction in Louisiana. However, it’s highly recommended for significant purchases, like vehicles, boats, and firearms.

It provides a clear record of the sale, detailing the terms and protecting both parties in case of future disputes about ownership or the condition of the item.

Does a Bill of Sale Need To Be Notarized in Louisiana?

Notarization is not always required for a Bill of Sale in Louisiana, but it’s advisable for major transactions. It’s also necessary if you need the Bill of Sale to register the item with the state, including vehicles and boats.

Notarizing the document also adds an extra layer of legal protection and credibility, helping to validate the agreement.

Can I Use a Handwritten Bill of Sale in Louisiana?

Yes, a handwritten Bill of Sale is valid in Louisiana, provided it includes all necessary details like the parties' names, a description of the item, the sale price, and signatures.

As long as it meets these requirements, a handwritten document can serve as a legal record of the transaction.

Who Should Keep the Bill of Sale?

Typically, the buyer should keep the original Bill of Sale as proof of ownership and for registration purposes. However, it is also important for the seller to retain a copy for their records.

Keeping a copy helps the seller document the transaction and protect themselves in case any future legal issues arise regarding the sale.

view preview icon
Louisiana Car Bill of Sale Sample

You are only a few steps away from your own Louisiana Bill of Sale!


Download our professional examples
Try Lawdistrict Now

Instant and complete access to our entire library of legal forms

Edit, download and print in PDF from any device

Save time and money on legal document creation