Do You Need Louisiana Car Registration for Car Insurance?

In general, you should register and insure your car in the state where you live. If you’re buying a car in Louisiana or moving there, you’ll need to buy a Louisiana auto insurance policy or transfer your existing policy.

Yes — in order to get vehicle registration in Louisiana, you need to show proof of insurance. We’ll go over the other documents you need.

Do you need Louisiana car registration for car insurance?

What You Need to Register a Vehicle in Louisiana

To register your vehicle in Louisiana, you’ll need several documents:

1. Proof of Louisiana car insurance, which your insurance agent can provide. If you can’t find insurance you can afford, check out our list of the best cheapest car insurance in Louisiana.
2. A completed vehicle application form (Form DPSMV 1799).
3. Your driver’s license. If you haven’t had a chance to get a Louisiana driver’s license yet, your out-of-state license should suffice.
4. If you’re registering a vehicle you purchased new, you’ll need the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), which you can get from the dealership where you bought the car. If you got the car in a state that requires notarization, you’ll need to notarize the MSO.¹
5. An invoice or bill of sale that includes a description of the vehicle. For vehicles purchased new, you’ll need the original itemized invoice from the dealer. If you bought a used vehicle, you’ll need the original notarized bill of sale or invoice.
6. Odometer disclosure statement. If you have a used vehicle, you only need this document if the back of the title doesn’t already contain an odometer disclosure statement.
7. If you’re recording a lien, you’ll need a UCC-1 form (financing statement) or another security agreement. You can get this from your dealer or wherever you financed your vehicle.
8. Payment for fees. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) accepts debit or credit cards, money orders, and cash. Expect to pay these fees:
   • $68.50 title fee
   • $8 handling fee
   • $6 local fee (depending on your parish)
   • $10 to $15 lien recording fee (if applicable)
   • $20 to $82 license plate fee (.1 percent of your vehicle’s value per year, with a minimum of $10,000, sold in two-year increments)
   • Sales use tax (based on your vehicle’s domicile, its sales price minus any rebate or qualifying trade-in vehicles)

Can You Insure Your Car Without Registering It?

You can insure your vehicle in Louisiana before you register it. But eventually, you will need to register your vehicle in Louisiana. If you’re a new resident, the state requires you to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.

Each state has its own minimum insurance requirements. Laws concerning minimum auto insurance coverage in Louisiana say you must carry liability insurance coverage for any vehicle you own.

Louisiana has what’s known as 15/30/25 liability limits. This means the policy from your insurance company must include a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury protection to one person, $30,000 of protection per accident for more than one person, and $25,000 in property damage protection.² Take note that liability coverage does not include protection for you, your passengers, or your own vehicle. The more coverages you add, the more your car insurance will cost in Louisiana.

In Louisiana, you’ll need an in-state auto insurance policy before you can register your car there. Discover the best car insurance in Louisiana for your needs.