5 th Edition. Louisiana CAR REGISTRATION. Easy Guide. Licensed by: Car-Registration.org

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1 5 th Edition Louisiana CAR REGISTRATION Easy Guide Licensed by:

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5 Vehicle Registration Getting a vehicle is always an exciting adventure. It doesn t matter if it is your first car or if you have already purchased many vehicles in the past, making the decision to obtain a car is a big step and it must be taken carefully to avoid any inconveniences. Whenever you purchase a car, whether it is new or used, it must be registered to be legally driven in your state of residence. Also, when you change your residential address to another state, you will have to follow the procedure to transfer your registration. The entire process looks very complicated, but it doesn t have to be. Our Easy Guide will provide you step-by-step information on how you can register your vehicle. Learn how you can also transfer your out-of-state registration and renew proper credentials at the appropriate time. Additionally, we will make sure you have all the necessary documents and forms on your person, so you do not experience any delay to your car registration process. Sit back and relax while we guide you towards getting your vehicle registration in no time. 5

6 Registration Insurance Requirements Before you start the whole registration process, you should know that every car in Louisiana is required to have liability insurance in order to be legally driven on any LA road or highway. This is vital since you must carry proof of it all the time and you may be requested to show it by a law enforcer or if you have a traffic accident, and you will definitely need it in order to register your car or renew your registration. Why do you need insurance? The OMV needs to ensure that you are protected in case you are part of an accident that may cause you injuries, damages or death. Tip Read this useful Consumer s Guide to Auto Insurance to learn everything about auto insurance in Louisiana. Louisiana requires all cars to be insured by a licensed insurance company and they must carry the liability coverage with 15/30/25 limits which are: $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 for bodily injury for more than one person in a single accident, and $25,000 for damage to other vehicle or property. Liability insurance pays for any injuries or property damages caused by you or others who are driving your car with your permission. If you are caught driving without proper liability insurance, you will be subject to fines and other penalties. 6

7 Registering Your Vehicle In Louisiana Congratulations! If you are reading this is because you are just about using that car for the first time and you are only one step closer to being able to freely drive it in any LA street. No matter if your car is new, used or if you are out of state or on active duty, here you will find all the information you need to register you vehicle. Simply gather some documents, stick to the following steps according to your specific situation and you will have your registration in no time! REGISTER A NEW VEHICLE When you buy a new car at a dealership, you will not have to worry about titling and registering since the dealership usually takes care of all the process; therefore, they will submit most of the required documentation and will take care of the fees and taxes. However, if you bought a new car from a private party or if the dealership did not process the registration and titling for you, you will have to register it yourself. Let s outline the process you will need to follow: Complete and sign the Vehicle Application. Collect the Manufacturer s statement of origin issued to the dealer and notarized. Gather the itemized invoice from the dealer. Collect proof of current insurance (if bought from private party). Include the completed odometer disclosure statement (only private party cars). Gather the Financing Statement or security agreement (if applicable). Include the notarized Bill of Sale or invoice showing the selling price (if required). Gather the fees. Once you have collected everything you may: Visit your closest OMV office and register your car in person (or) Mail the documents and fees to : Office of Motor Vehicles 7979 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA

8 Important dates or timeframes You have 40 days from the date of the purchase to register your recently acquired vehicle. REGISTER A USED VEHICLE If you bought your car from a private party or from an individual, you will have to register it by yourself. On the other hand, if you bought it from a dealer, they will handle this process. The process is very simple, you just have to: Complete and sign the Vehicle Application. Collect the Certificate of Title which must be completed and notarized. If there was a lien recorded, it must be released. Collect proof of current insurance (if bought from private party). Include the completed odometer disclosure statement (only for cars that are less 10 years old). Gather the Financing Statement or security agreement (if applicable). Include the notarized Bill of Sale if the title does not reflect the date of sale, selling price and the signatures. Gather the fees. Once you have collected everything you may: Visit your closest OMV office and register your car in person (or) Mail the documents and fees to : Office of Motor Vehicles 7979 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA Tip By reading chapter four of the Policies and Procedures you will learn more about the legal aspects and variety of fees related to vehicle registration. REGISTER AN OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE If you bought a new vehicle in a different state or a used vehicle that was previously registered in another state or country, you will need to register in person with the Louisiana OMV. Just follow the steps below. 8

9 Important dates or timeframes You must register the vehicle within 30 days of your move. Complete and sign the Vehicle Application. Collect the Certificate of Title which must be completed and notarized. If there was a lien recorded, it must be released. Include the notarized Bill of Sale if the title does not reflect the date of sale, selling price and the signatures. If the bill of sale and title are not notarized, you will need a notarized affidavit from the registered owner that certifies that they are not LA residents. Collect proof of current insurance (if bought from private party). Include the completed odometer disclosure statement (only for cars that are less 10 years old). Gather the Financing Statement or security agreement (if applicable). If the car is from another country, you will need a certified translation of the documents that are not in English. Gather the fees. Once you have collected everything you may: Visit your closest OMV office and register your car in person (or) Mail the documents and fees to : Tip Office of Motor Vehicles 7979 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA Read these articles if you wish to transfer your registration from another state to LA. REGISTRATION FOR MILITARY MEMBERS Registering a car in Louisiana will be a little different if you are a military member. The requirements will vary depending on if you are a Louisiana resident or not. Let s review them below. 9

10 Louisiana Military If you are a Louisiana resident and a military active member either in or out of state and you want to register a car for the first time, just follow the process described in the sections above for new, used or out-of-state vehicle. Non-Residents Military in Louisiana If you are an out-of-state military personnel stationed in Louisiana, you are not required to register your car in LA. You may drive with your out-of-state plates as long as you keep current and valid registration and insurance. Fees Since the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle s weight and model, we recommend you to verify them in the fee chart where you will find a complete list of fees. 10

11 Renewing Your Vehicle Registration Is it time to renew your vehicle registration? As it happens with many things in life, such as your driver license and even food products, your vehicle registration might be at risk of expiring which will mean that your vehicle will be deemed invalid to drive legally. Of course, this can be avoided by simply making sure you renew your vehicle s registration before the expiration date is due. Luckily, we have created a walkthrough for you to follow and have your registration renewed in no time. Just follow the below steps according to your preferred renewing method and the process will be a piece of cake. Important dates or timeframes Your Louisiana registration is renewed in a bi-yearly basis. A couple weeks before your registration expires, the OMV will mail you a renewal notice. This notice contains a description of the various fees included in your vehicle registration payment, your renew date, and your vehicle information. In case you don t receive the notice, contact the OMV. If you change your address, make sure you notify the OMV; otherwise, the notice will be sent to your old address. RENEWING ONLINE Thanks to technology and OMV, maintaining your important vehicle-related documents and procedures updated is simpler than ever before. Internet allows us to do everything without the need of leaving your house! You may renew online if your renewal notice contained an identification number needed for the renewal application. Renewing online is really easy if you just follow these steps: Visit the ExpressLane renewing portal. Enter your renewal ID number and vehicle year. Verify your address and the fee breakdown. You emissions check must be valid. Pay your renewal fee. Print your receipt. Your receipt will be the proof of your registration until you receive your new registration card and stickers. 11

12 Tip You will not be allowed to renew online if your plates are already expired or if you need additional documentation to renew. RENEWING BY MAIL In case you are out of state and you cannot renew online, or if you prefer not to renew online or in person, the OMV allows you to renew by mail. However, to renew using this method you must have received a renewal ID in your notice. Renewing by mail is really simple if you stick to the below process: Validate the information on your renewal notice. Attach a copy of your LA driver s license or ID. You must have a current a valid inspection sticker. Enclose a check or money order for the fees. Send the renewal notice, documents and fees to: Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA If you are using this method, do it at least 15 days before the expiration date to avoid a late renewal. RENEWING IN PERSON If you don t like any of the, there is always the option to renew in person. To do so, just follow these simple steps: Visit your closest OMV office. Present your renewal notice or your current LA registration card. Present your proof of insurance. Present your driver s license or your ID. You must have a current a valid inspection sticker. Pay the fees. Fees Since the registration fees will vary depending on your vehicle s weight and model, we recommend you to verify them in the fee chart where you will find a complete list of fees. You will also have a detailed summary on your renewal notice. 12

13 Replacing Your Vehicle Registration Something s happened to your registration card! What can you do now? No worries! You can always ask the OMV to give you a replacement as soon as possible. Remember that driving without your plates, registration sticker or card is a huge risk, for you may be pulled over and receive a traffic ticket. Also, take into account that if your registration card is damaged and cannot be read, you must also request a replacement. So, now you know that if your registration card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible, you will only have to request one and effortlessly replace it with a new duplicate license. Just stick to the process you will find below. Tip If you don t know what a proof of insurance is, read the insurance requirements for more detail. REPLACING REGISTRATION ONLINE Replacing a registration online is a really simple process if you follow these steps: Visit the ExpressLane renewing portal. Enter your renewal ID number and vehicle year. Verify your information and the fee breakdown. Pay your duplicate fee. Print your receipt. Tip You will need your license plate number, year of vehicle and expiration date of license plate and a valid Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express. REPLACING REGISTRATION BY MAIL In case you prefer to do it by mail, you only have to: Create a written request including: Your vehicle identification number (VIN) 13

14 Your license plate number Your car make and model Include your proof of insurance. Enclose a check or money order payable to the Department of Public Safety. Submit the request, proof of insurance and the fee to: Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA REPLACING REGISTRATION IN PERSON If you prefer to request your replacement in person, follow these steps: Visit an OMV office. Create a written request including: Your vehicle identification number (VIN) Your license plate number Your car make and model Present your proof of insurance. Present your driver s license. Pay the fees. Fees Duplicate registration $12 14

15 Updating Your Vehicle Registration Have you gone through big changes in your life that lead you to change your name or move neighborhoods? Either way, it is essential to keep this information updated in all your OMV documents, which include your registration card. In case you have never updated your registration card information and you are looking for guidance on how to do it, you have come to the right place. The only thing you will have to do is to inform the OMV of these changes and ask them to update your information. To better understand the process, you must follow the steps that best fit your situation below. Important dates or timeframes You must notify the OMV within 10 days of your name or address change CHANGING YOUR NAME Have you gone through a divorce, marriage or just changed your name for any other reason? If so, your name has officially changed and, as a result, you will be required to change it on all of your identification documents and cards, including your registration card. Changing the name on your registration card must be done at least one day after changing it at the Social Security Administration. Doing this is very simple; all you must do is following the steps below: Change your name with the SSA. Change your name on driver s license. Follow the instructions to replace your registration. CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS In the case that you may have recently moved to a new address, it is essential that you update the address on your registration card. All you must do is stick to the process and once you have completed every step properly, you registration card will be updated. Now, you may choose between changing your address by mail or in person. Let s review the processes below: In Person To be able to change your address in person just: Visit an OMV office. Present your current certificate of registration. 15

16 Present your proof of insurance. Pay the fee. By Mail If you are out of state or prefer changing your address by mail, follow the steps below: Create a written request for an address change. Attach copy of your current registration certificate. Include your proof of insurance. Enclose a check or money order payable to the Department of Public Safety. It must include your driver s license number, telephone number and street address. Submit the request, documents and the fee to: Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA Fees Duplicate registration $12 16

17 License Plates Once you register your car in Louisiana, there is a main requirement for you to prove that your registration is current and valid: displaying your license plates with their current stickers. License plates are as important as your driver s license since they identify your car from other cars. License plates and registration stickers are also issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) when you register your car for the first time or when you renew your registration. LA license plates are white with black letters and all passenger vehicles must carry one on the front and one on the back of the car. The plates identify what type of registration you have and in case something happens to you or your car, they work as a means of locating it or you through the OMV. Your license plates may be replaced in case something happens to them, you may also get special interest plates and in case you are leaving the state, you may also need to surrender them. REPLACING YOUR LICENSE PLATES In the event that something happens to your license plates, you may rest assured that the OMV will provide you with all the means to replace it as soon as possible and be back on the road. You may request a replacement in person. Just follow the below steps: Visit your closest OMV office. Complete section C of the vehicle application form (DPSMV 1799). Include a copy of your current registration certificate. If your plates were stolen, you must report it to the law enforcement and obtain a copy of the report. Pay the replacement fee. GETTING CUSTOM PLATES In Louisiana, you will find a wide variety of custom license plates that will adapt to everybody s needs. Personalized plates contain a combination of up to seven letters and numbers and are one of the many types of plates you may order at the OMV apart from the general plates. So far, Louisiana offers the below 10 types of special plates: Military Veteran Retired Veteran 17

18 Korean War Veteran Desert Storm Veteran Vietnam Veteran Universities/Colleges Organization/Service Special Interest Louisiana High Schools Sorority/Fraternity These above are special license plates which are designed to reflect your interests, preferences and organizations you belong to. If you are interested in one of them, click here to view them and learn how to obtain them. Use this site to calculate how much you would pay to convert your regular plate to a special one. However, if you are looking forward to customizing the characters on your plate, you want to order a personalized license plate. A personalized plate is one in which you are able to choose the numbers and letters on it. The message on your plate may have from two to seven characters. You may apply for the plates online and then mail your application to the address specified in the website. SURRENDERING LOUISIANA LICENSE PLATES In most of the scenarios, you will be required to surrender your plates to the OMV. When? Whenever, you move from Louisiana to another state or you don t plan to use the plates anymore. For instance, if you sell your car, the plates must stay with you and there you may choose between transferring them to a new vehicle or surrendering them. Surrendering your plates is really simple, you have two options: You may visit your closest OMV office and take: Your driver license A copy of your certificate of registration You license plates Or you may mail the license plates and a copy of the registrant certificate to: Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA

19 Fees Replacement plate $10 Handling fee $8 Personalized plate Handling fee (plate) $8 Administrative fee (plate) $3.50 $25 per year The special plates fees and replacement costs will vary depending on the type of plate you order. You may calculate the costs in the special plates site. 19

20 Vehicle Safety Tips The most important thing before you begin driving any vehicle is that both you and the vehicle are well prepared for any trip you make. This means checking and making any changes to your vehicle or your behavior to make sure that you are able to drive safely at all times. EMERGENCY KIT One of the essentials to safe driving is having a basic emergency kit available in your vehicle at all times. This kit should include basic items such as water, extra batteries, rope, First Aid kit, matches, a whistle, etc. During winter months it is also important to carry items such as blankets, non-perishable foods, extra gloves and socks, and a shovel. WINTER DRIVING One of the most dangerous times to drive is during the winter, especially if you live in an area that snows. Therefore, it is best to consider these tips to drive safely during the winter. Don t Rush! Roads are often covered in snow and ice after it snows, so instead of driving fast and risking an accident in your rush to get to your destination try leaving a few minutes earlier than usual. This will allow you to drive slower and help to avoid rushing other drivers by not tailgating them if they are going slower. Don t Panic If You Skid or Slip In the case that your vehicle does ski or slip while driving make sure you do not panic and slam down on your brakes. Instead all you need to do is apply slow and even pressure on your brakes until you stop. This will prevent you from spinning further out of control. Check Your Vehicle Before you even leave your house make sure your vehicle s controls, brakes, tank, tires, antifreeze, exhaust, etc. are all working properly. It is also important that you remove all ice and snow from your car before you begin driving; this prevents the snow from blocking your view while you drive. 20

21 DRINKING AND DRIVING Every year thousands are killed as a result of drinking and driving. This is something that is very easily prevented; it only requires that you plan ahead of time by taking these steps. Even before you begin drinking you should arrange for someone else to be the designated driver. In the case that they also become intoxicated, it is important that you arrange to take a taxi. Never allow someone drunk to drive, instead take away their keys and call for alternative transportation. If you see someone who you suspect is drunk, and they exhibit signs of intoxication while driving such as making wide turns, weaving, swerving, braking erratically, turning abruptly, etc. call 911 and contact authorities immediately. Also make sure to avoid them on the road to ensure your own safety. USING YOUR PHONE Driving while using your cellphone is one of the most dangerous things you can do because during those few seconds your attention is diverted to your phone, a major accident could occur. So, make sure you don t text, use of the Internet on your phone, or receive calls while you drive to prevent accidents as best as possible. THINGS TO AVOID Driving isn t always a relaxing experience. There are certain actions that can be both an annoyance and dangerous to you while on the road driving. These things are often avoidable if you make sure to take the necessary steps towards preventing them, as well as stopping them after you discover them to be occurring. Car Accidents The best way to avoid car accidents is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and will not cause you any problems. To do this you only need to regularly check that your brakes are functioning properly, your tires are inflated and not worn out, and that the steering and suspensions are checked by a mechanic and will not fail while you drive, especially at high speeds. Wasting Gas As the price of gas goes up you may begin to start looking for ways to save on those expensive trips to the pump. Well, saving on gas is something that is possible if you take a few steps towards ensuring that you waste less gas. 21

22 Some of the ways you can start saving gas are: not using air conditioning, not leaving your engine running, or speeding above 60 mph. These things are preventable and not necessary for you to drive, therefore you can quickly reduce the amount of gas you waste. Another way to save on gas is to make sure that your vehicle is functioning properly, you can do this by checking that your tires are properly inflated, your engine is well tuned, and check that your octane level is the correct amount to your vehicle s needs. Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving and drivers are both things that should be avoided to prevent any on-road aggression or accidents. Aggressive driving is categorized as exhibiting behaviors such as aggressive tailgating, verbal or physically harassing another driver, preventing another driver from merging or passing. However, if you are an aggressive driver, you are putting others at risk every time you do any of the above behaviors. If you encounter a frustrating situation on the road, instead of becoming aggressive, take a moment to breathe and relax before moving on. 22

23 OMV Hours and Locations There are several options available for you in case you need to visit or contact a driver license office. Find all the OMV offices here. You may choose to see the list of locations with the directions and office hours, or a list that also includes maps. In addition, you may browse the third party tester list, the holiday schedule, office closures and the phone book here. You may also find a list of Public Tag Agents here. Have you ever visited the OMV and realized that you forgot a document? Save the trip, time and money by using the online services. Some transactions such as renewing your registration and ordering a special plate can be processed online without the need of calling or visiting the OMV. Check them out here. If you need to contact the OMV for any other purposes, you can visit their main office or mail them. Find the addresses below: OMV Location Office of Motor Vehicles 7979 Independence Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA OMV Mailing Address Office of Motor Vehicles P.O. Box Baton Rouge, LA You may also contact them by calling to: Automated System Vehicle Registration Baton Rouge Area You can also submit your complaints, questions or concerns here. 23

24 DON T WASTE TIME AND MONEY DRIVING TO THE LICENSING OFFICE. 24

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