DollarBreak is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation. Disclosure.
The content is for informational purposes only. Conduct your own research and seek advice of a licensed financial advisor. Terms.
How to Sell a Car in Louisiana?
There are three main ways to sell your car in Louisiana:
Jump to: Sell Car Privately
Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership
TurnaroudEffort NeededBest ForPrivately7-14 daysMostUsed carsCar Buying Website24-72 hoursFill online formJunk and old carsDealership7-10 daysVisit officeMostly new cars
Sell Car Privately in Louisiana
Selling your car privately in Louisiana can be a tedious process if you don’t know the right procedures or steps to follow. Below are steps you can follow to sell your car fast for the best price.
Requirements to Sell Your Car in Louisiana
Louisiana certificate of title
Vehicle Identification Number
Driver license number
Your signature
Buyers signature, name, and address
Step 1: Get Pre-Sale Inspection
Even though pre-sale inspection is not required in Louisiana, it is advisable to have the vehicle checked before advancing with the sale. Inspections are important because it clears doubts on the buyers’ part.
Since most buyers pay a qualified or licensed auto mechanic to help with the inspection, you need to agree with the buyer when and where the inspection will be held. Additionally, you can also consider doing test drives since it assures the buyer that the vehicle is in good condition.
Step 2: Car Cleaning
To clean your vehicle, follow the following procedure
Remove trash and your personal belongings from the vehicle and back seat pockets.
Thoroughly wash and vacuum clean your car seat and door mats to remove dust and debris.
Fix any damages; if there are mechanical or electrical damages on the car, fix it before the car is sold. You can also do general car maintenance like changing car oil, tires, or adjusting brake pads.
Step 3: List Your Car for Sale on Marketplaces and Private Car Selling Websites
Listing your car ensures you reach a wider audience and get numerous bids from potential buyers. To attract more binders for your car, list on different platforms. Some platforms you use to advertise your car include; Facebook marketplace, CarFax, Gumtree, and others. You can also list your car for sale on Louisiana private car selling websites like;
To make your listing stand out on various advertising platforms, you need to;
Add clear photos to your advert or listing
Include if the car has scratches or stains
Give detailed descriptions of your car
Include information such as car model, current condition, and make.
Step 4: Document of Sale
While you don’t need a Bill of Sale to sell your car in Louisiana, having it is important since it acts as proof of sale and gives both parties legal authority of the sale. In Louisiana, Bill of Sale includes information such as
Purchase price
VIN
Buyers’ and seller’s signature
Odometer reading
Buyer name and address
Sellars name and address
Date of sale
Car make, model, and current condition of the vehicle.
Step 5: Organizing Vehicle Documents
Before advancing with the sale of the vehicle, you should organize all maintenance records, owner’s manual, and other related vehicle documentation and paperwork in one place. Remember, more comprehensive and detailed records show potential buyers that you have done your best to keep the vehicle in good condition.
You can also download vehicle history reports from platforms such as;
Certificate of Title
Louisiana certificate title is an important document when selling your vehicle. For example, if there is a lien on the title, the lender must show their interest before the vehicle is sold. This is achieved when the seller pays off for the car or if the lienholder indicates in writing to allow lien release.
Sellers who are not in a position to pay off the car can apply for a lien release statement to the vehicle holder using Vehicle Application Form DPSMV 1799. The filled document must be submitted to the OMV office with a $68.50 fee and an additional $8 process fee.
Some parishes like West Baton Rouge and Ascension hold vehicle emission test and safety inspections every two years.
Step 6: Complete Notice of Transfer
Before selling your vehicle, you must complete the form DPSMV 1699 (Notice of Transfer) form and submit it to the OMV office. The document contains information such as
Information and details of the vehicle
VIN
Year, make, and model of the vehicle
Sellers name and address
Sale price
Drivers license
Date of sale
Signature of the buyer and seller
After filling out the form, you can send it to the address on the form or submit it online to notice of vehicle transfer. Besides, you might also be asked to fill form DPSMV 1606 (Odometer disclosure form).
Promptly reply to calls and emails from potential buyers.
Step 7: Transferring the Title
If you have lost your title or it’s stolen or damaged, you can complete DPSMV 1799 to get a replacement or duplicate of your vehicle title. You will be charged $68.50 and an $8 handling fee while applying your duplicate title affidavit.
You and the buyer need to fill the information on the back of the title accurately. The sections to be filled include
Legal names of both the buyer and the seller
Address and signature of the buyer and seller
Date of sale
Odometer reading
Purchase price
Accurately filling the information will make it easy for the buyer to complete the transfer process or acquire a new plate license.
Step 8: Signing the Title
According to Louisiana OMV, title signing must be done in the presence of a notary. You can check the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website to find a notary who can help you with the title signing process.
Step 9: Remove Your Vehicle Number Plates
Before handing over your vehicle to the new owner, you must remove your vehicle license number. Failure to remove the plate might lead to you;
Being responsible for violations or crimes committed by the buyer
Incurring additional charges like parking fees.
Step 10: Cancel Your License and Subscriptions
After completing the sale process, you need to cancel your insurance to stop paying insurance for a car you don’t own. Examples of subscriptions you must cancel include
Telematics
Satellite radio
Internet subscription
Sell Car to Car Buying Website
Selling your car through a car buying website is simple and fast. Most sellers opt for this method because you can get the best bids for your vehicle and compare before deciding to sell. Car buying sites like Peddle, CarBrain and Wheelzy assist you in handling paperwork, title transfers, and filling out necessary documents when purchasing your vehicle.
In addition, companies will provide you with an instant quote and pick up within 48 hours after accepting the offer. Once you receive the quote, you have up to 7 days to accept or decline the quote. If you accept the offer, company representatives will contact you and schedule a pick-up date for your sold vehicle.
Services are completely free. It offers free valuation, pick-up, and same-day payment option.
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Louisiana
The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Louisiana
MakeYearOffer ValueJeep (Liberty)2006$725Suzuki (SX4)2008$560Saturn (Ion)2006$330
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Louisiana?
Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:
MakeMileageYearOffer ValueBMW (525)150,0002004$600Toyota (Camry new generation)N/A2007$800Audi (A4 Sedan)150,0002010$1425
CarBrain
CarBrain Summary
Get an online offer within 2 minutesGet cash for your car in under 48 hoursCarBrain buys cars in over 7 conditionsUp to 7 days to accept CarBrain’s offer
Sell Car to Dealership
Many car sellers prefer car dealerships because it offers them fairly competitive prices when selling their car. Additionally, most sellers also prefer dealers because they guide you on the best ways to price your vehicle to avoid overcharging or undercharging.
Before buying your car, most dealerships will inspect your car and then provide you with a quote depending on your vehicle’s current condition, make, model and mileage. You should note that prices quoted by different dealers might differ from the original car’s retail value.
If you accept the quote offered by Louisiana, the dealer expects you to drop the car and collect your payment.
Best dealerships in Louisiana
Sell Car in Louisiana FAQ
How long does it take to transfer vehicle title to the new owner after the sale is completed in Louisiana?
Vehicle title transfers in Louisiana are processed within 20 days from the time the application is made.
How can I verify that the car dealer I work with is legit and reliable?
Visit Louisiana MVD website and click “search for the license” to verify your dealer’s license.
Does Louisiana charge vehicle usage tax?
You will be charged between 4% to 9.5% usage tax of the vehicle’s retail value.
How much will I be charged when transferring vehicle titles in Louisiana?
You will be charged $68.5 when charging the ownership of your car.
What is the procedure for replacing my lost or damaged vehicle title?
If you have lost your vehicle title, you can fill out form DPSMV 1799 on Louisiana OMV website to get a duplicate or replacement of your vehicle title.