What is a Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale?

A Louisiana trailer bill of sale represents a correspondence between two (2) entities. Both parties discuss the terms of the deal, such as the trailer’s value and overall condition. They also talk about how the buyer plans to compensate the seller and the preferred payment method. The buyer can barter with the seller to lower the price, although it happens seldomly. Once signed, the document holds legal power, meaning that both parties should make sure they agree to the information therein before entering their names.

How to Register a Trailer (5 Steps)

Residents have forty (40) days after acquiring a trailer to register and title it. Individuals moving to the state have thirty (30) days to switch over their trailer’s information. Documentation occurs with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

Step 1 – Qualifiers + Exemptions

Most Louisiana trailers require registration and titling. This provision includes:

• Light trailers (less than five hundred (500) pounds);
• Standard trailers (contains two (2) or more weight carrying axles and are pulled by a motor vehicle);
• Boat trailers; and
• Farm trailers.

Tow dollies and farming business trailers less than twelve thousand (12,000) pounds do not need registration or owe tax payments.

Step 2 – Inspection

Per RS 32:1311, trailers need an inspection unless they have one axle and two wheels or carry boats. Trailers requiring assessment must have an approved station assess them for safety concerns, such as braking systems, mechanisms, and equipment. The examination must occur every other year (RS 32:1304).

Step 3 – Title

The titling process must happen before an individual can register their trailer in Louisiana. To obtain a title, owners must mail, or hand-deliver, the requested information to an OMV office. They must provide a completed application (Form DPSMV 1799), lienholder paperwork (if applicable), photo identification (ID), and payment.

An owner of a new trailer must present the manufacturer’s statement of origin (MSO) and dealership invoice. If they wish to transfer the title of a previously owned trailer, they must provide the prior registration and title (signed by the seller and notarized). A signed, notarized bill of sale can replace a title that does not include the selling price or signatures.

Step 4 – Registration

Like the titling process, owners of trailers must provide the previous title and registration if someone else owned it before them. If they purchased it new, they must provide additional documentation from the dealer and manufacturer (i.e., the MSO and dealership invoice).

Individuals can purchase a plate lasting for one (1) or four (4) years. The state also offers a lifetime (permanent) trailer plate. Sellers can transfer the one (1) or four (4) year plates to a buyer but cannot reassign a permanent license plate.

Step 5 – Renew

Depending on the type of registration selected, residents must renew every one (1) or four (4) years. If they choose a permanent registration, they do not need to reapply.

Renewals must occur before the expiration date and can happen online, through the mail, or in person. Individuals can find more information on the notice provided by the state.