Louisiana motorcycle — quick answer
In Louisiana, a motorcycle bill of sale is required and notarization of the title transfer is required. Titling and registration are handled by the Louisiana OMV.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Louisiana?
Required. Louisiana requires an original notarized bill of sale (unless the sale price is on the title assignment). It is the strongest notary state.
Seller assigns the title before a notary; the buyer titles and registers at the OMV.
Does a Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Required. The title must be assigned before a notary and an original notarized bill of sale is required. Under civil law, signing before two witnesses with acknowledgment is the alternative.
Because Louisiana requires notarization for the title transfer, do not sign the title until you are in front of a notary.
What to include on a Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, model, and engine size (cc)
- 17-character VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price and date
- Both signatures
How to transfer a motorcycle in Louisiana
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Sign the title before a notary, as Louisiana requires.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Seller assigns the title before a notary; the buyer titles and registers at the OMV.
- 3Register with the Louisiana OMV.
The buyer titles and registers the motorcycle. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Louisiana OMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Louisiana Motorcycle Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a motorcycle bill of sale required in Louisiana?
A bill of sale is required in Louisiana. Louisiana requires an original notarized bill of sale (unless the sale price is on the title assignment). It is the strongest notary state.
Does a Louisiana motorcycle bill of sale need to be notarized?
Yes. The title must be assigned before a notary and an original notarized bill of sale is required. Under civil law, signing before two witnesses with acknowledgment is the alternative.
Does a motorcycle bill of sale need a VIN?
Yes. The 17-character VIN uniquely identifies the motorcycle and is required to register it. Our tool checks that the VIN is the correct length.
Is a motorcycle bill of sale the same as a title?
No. The title proves and transfers ownership; the bill of sale documents the sale and price. You typically need both to register the motorcycle.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.