Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car...Read more
Are you planning to give someone a car in Louisiana? Congratulations! But before you hand over the keys, you need to register the car properly. Registering a car gift in Louisiana is a simple process, but it requires some paperwork and a few steps to ensure that everything is legal and in order. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to register a car gift in Louisiana and make sure your gift is ready to hit the road. So, let’s get started!
- Obtain the car’s title signed by the previous owner.
- Complete the Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
- Provide a copy of the gift affidavit or bill of sale from the donor.
- Bring the above documents to the Office of Motor Vehicles along with payment for taxes and fees.
- Receive your new registration and license plate.
Note: If the car was gifted to you by a family member, you may be exempt from paying taxes on the vehicle. However, if the car was gifted to you by a non-family member, you will need to pay taxes on the fair market value of the vehicle.

Contents
- How to Register a Car Gift in Louisiana
- Step 1: Sign Over the Title
- Step 2: Obtain a Vehicle Safety Inspection
- Step 3: Obtain Insurance
- Step 4: Complete the Application for Registration
- Step 5: Pay the Registration Fees
- Step 6: Obtain the License Plate and Registration Sticker
- Benefits of Registering a Car Gift in Louisiana
- Registering a Car Gift in Louisiana vs. Other States
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is considered a car gift in Louisiana?
- Q: What documents do I need to register a car gift in Louisiana?
- Q: Do I need to pay any fees to register a car gift in Louisiana?
- Q: How long does it take to register a car gift in Louisiana?
- Q: Can I register a car gift online in Louisiana?
- How To Gift A Vehicle To Someone Without Paying Taxes
How to Register a Car Gift in Louisiana
If you’re looking to gift a car to someone in Louisiana, it’s important to understand the process of registering the vehicle. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to register a car gift in Louisiana.
Step 1: Sign Over the Title
The first step in registering a car gift in Louisiana is to sign over the title to the recipient. The title should be signed and dated by the seller, and the recipient should sign and date the title as well. It’s important to make sure that all information on the title is accurate and up-to-date.
Once the title has been signed over, the recipient can take the title to the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to register the vehicle.
Step 2: Obtain a Vehicle Safety Inspection
Before registering the vehicle, the recipient must obtain a vehicle safety inspection. This inspection ensures that the vehicle meets Louisiana’s safety standards. The inspection can be performed at any licensed inspection station in Louisiana.
Once the vehicle has passed the inspection, the recipient will receive a certificate of inspection, which must be presented to the OMV when registering the vehicle.
Step 3: Obtain Insurance
Before registering the vehicle, the recipient must obtain auto insurance that meets Louisiana’s minimum requirements. The insurance policy must be in the name of the recipient and must be valid for the vehicle being registered.
The recipient must provide proof of insurance to the OMV when registering the vehicle.
Step 4: Complete the Application for Registration
The recipient must complete the Application for Registration and present it to the OMV. The application requires information about the vehicle, the recipient, and the seller.
The recipient must also provide proof of identity and residency, such as a Louisiana driver’s license or a state-issued identification card.
Step 5: Pay the Registration Fees
The recipient must pay the registration fees to the OMV. The fees vary depending on the type of vehicle and the length of the registration period.
The recipient can pay the fees by cash, check, or credit card.
Step 6: Obtain the License Plate and Registration Sticker
Once the registration fees have been paid, the recipient will be issued a license plate and registration sticker. The license plate must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle, and the registration sticker must be affixed to the windshield.
Benefits of Registering a Car Gift in Louisiana
Registering a car gift in Louisiana ensures that the recipient can legally operate the vehicle on Louisiana roads. It also provides the recipient with proof of ownership, which may be required in certain situations.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily register a car gift in Louisiana and ensure that the recipient can enjoy their new vehicle without any legal issues.
Registering a Car Gift in Louisiana vs. Other States
The process for registering a car gift varies from state to state. In some states, the recipient may be required to pay a sales tax on the value of the vehicle, while in Louisiana, there is no sales tax on vehicle gifts.
Additionally, some states may require the recipient to obtain a smog check or emissions inspection before registering the vehicle.
Overall, Louisiana’s process for registering a car gift is straightforward and relatively simple compared to other states. As long as you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that the recipient of your car gift can legally operate the vehicle without any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions related to registering a car gift in Louisiana. Please read through the following questions and answers to get a better understanding of the registration process.
Q: What is considered a car gift in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, a car gift is considered a vehicle that is given to another person without any exchange of money or other forms of payment. This can include a gift from a family member, a friend, or even a donation. To register a car gift, the recipient must provide proof of ownership and complete the necessary paperwork.
Once the paperwork is completed, the recipient must take the necessary steps to transfer the title and registration of the vehicle into their name. This typically involves submitting the necessary forms and paying any applicable fees.
Q: What documents do I need to register a car gift in Louisiana?
To register a car gift in Louisiana, you will need to provide the following documents:
- The vehicle’s title, signed over to you as the new owner
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title and Registration of a Vehicle
- A completed Vehicle Application Affidavit (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance
- A valid Louisiana driver’s license or state ID
Once you have gathered all of these documents, you can submit them to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to complete the registration process.
Q: Do I need to pay any fees to register a car gift in Louisiana?
Yes, there are fees associated with registering a car gift in Louisiana. The exact amount you will need to pay will depend on a variety of factors, including the age and value of the vehicle, as well as any applicable taxes or other fees. It is best to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly to find out the exact amount you will need to pay.
In general, you can expect to pay fees for the title transfer, registration, and any applicable taxes. Once you have paid these fees, you will receive your new registration and license plates, allowing you to legally drive your new vehicle on Louisiana roads.
Q: How long does it take to register a car gift in Louisiana?
The amount of time it takes to register a car gift in Louisiana can vary depending on a variety of factors. In general, you should expect the process to take several weeks, as there are a number of forms and documents that need to be processed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
To speed up the process, it is important to make sure that you have all of the necessary documents and paperwork completed and ready to submit. You can also check the status of your registration online through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website.
Q: Can I register a car gift online in Louisiana?
Yes, you can register a car gift online in Louisiana through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website. To do so, you will need to create an account and provide the necessary information and documentation, including the vehicle’s title, proof of insurance, and your Louisiana driver’s license or state ID.
Once your registration has been processed, you will receive your new license plates and registration in the mail. It is important to note that there may be additional fees associated with registering a car gift online, so be sure to check the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles website for more information.
How To Gift A Vehicle To Someone Without Paying Taxes
In conclusion, registering a car gift in Louisiana is a straightforward process that requires a few essential steps. Firstly, ensure that you have all the necessary documents, including the car title, bill of sale, and insurance papers. Secondly, visit the nearest Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) and submit the required documents while paying the appropriate fees. Finally, wait for your new car registration to be processed and delivered to you.
It is important to note that you should always follow the Louisiana state laws when registering your car gift. Failure to do so may result in penalties or fines. Therefore, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a professional to ensure that you comply with all the legal requirements.
In summary, registering a car gift in Louisiana can be a hassle-free experience if you have all the necessary documents and follow the proper procedures. So, take the necessary steps, and you’ll soon be cruising down the roads of Louisiana with your newly acquired car.
Rakibul Hasan, the CEO and founder of Autosdonation, is an automotive specialist with over a decade of industry experience. With a distinct mastery in car donations, sponsorships, and gifting, Rakibul combines his passion for automobiles and generosity to revolutionize the car donation landscape. He established Autosdonation to facilitate the car donation and gifting process, making it more accessible and enjoyable for all involved.
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