Louisiana trailer — quick answer
In Louisiana, a trailer bill of sale is required and notarization of the title transfer is required. Titling and registration are handled by the Louisiana OMV.
Is a trailer 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 trailer 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 trailer bill of sale
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- Year, make, and trailer type
- VIN or serial number
- Length, number of axles, and empty weight
- Price, date, and signatures
How to transfer a trailer in Louisiana
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Record the buyer, seller, price, 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 trailer. Confirm current fees on the official page.
Official sources
Requirements change and can vary by county. Confirm with the Louisiana OMV before you sign. Not legal advice.
Louisiana Trailer Bill of Sale — FAQ
Is a trailer 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 trailer 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.
Do I need to title a trailer?
It depends on the trailer’s weight and your state. Heavier trailers usually require a title and registration; many small utility trailers only need registration. Check your state page.
What if my trailer has no VIN?
Homemade or older trailers may need a state inspection to be assigned a VIN before they can be titled. The bill of sale still documents the sale in the meantime.
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.