Louisiana allows vehicle owners to transfer an existing license plate to another vehicle they own after selling, trading, or replacing a vehicle. Unlike some states where license plates remain with the vehicle, Louisiana license plates stay with the registered owner. Most transfers can be completed through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), online through ExpressLane, or at an authorized Public Tag Agent.
Louisiana is a rear-license-plate-only state, so only one license plate is transferred to your replacement vehicle. This guide explains how plate transfers work, the documents you’ll need, transfer fees, registration deadlines, and what happens when you sell your vehicle.
Louisiana License Plate Transfer Rules
Louisiana permits eligible vehicle owners to transfer an existing license plate to another vehicle registered in the same owner’s name. Transferring your current plate can simplify the registration process and eliminate the need for a new standard plate in many situations.
Can you transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Louisiana allows license plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same individual or business.
When you sell or trade your current vehicle, you should remove the rear license plate before the buyer takes possession. After purchasing another vehicle, you may transfer that plate by completing the registration process through the Louisiana OMV or an authorized Public Tag Agent.
Because Louisiana license plates belong to the registered owner rather than the vehicle, the buyer must obtain their own registration and license plate.
How to Transfer a License Plate in Louisiana
Louisiana offers several convenient methods for completing a plate transfer. Eligible vehicle owners can complete many transactions online through ExpressLane, visit an OMV field office, or use an authorized Public Tag Agent.
What are the steps to transfer a Louisiana license plate?
Once you’ve purchased your replacement vehicle, the transfer process generally includes the following steps:
- Remove the rear license plate from the vehicle you sold or traded.
- Complete the title transfer for the sold vehicle and provide the properly assigned title to the buyer.
- Obtain the signed title for your replacement vehicle.
- Complete your registration through ExpressLane, an OMV office, or an authorized Public Tag Agent.
- Submit proof of insurance and any required ownership documents.
- Pay the applicable transfer fee, vehicle sales tax, title fees, and registration fees.
- Install your transferred license plate on the replacement vehicle after the registration has been approved.
Many routine transactions can be completed online, although certain title transfers or specialty registrations may require an in-person visit.
Documents Required for a Plate Transfer
Preparing your paperwork before beginning the transaction can help reduce delays and prevent additional trips to the OMV or tag agency.
What documents do you need?
Most Louisiana plate transfers require:
- Valid Louisiana driver’s license or state identification card
- Properly assigned vehicle title
- Bill of sale showing the purchase price and odometer disclosure, when applicable
- Current registration certificate for the plate being transferred
- Physical Louisiana license plate
- Proof of Louisiana liability insurance
- Payment for applicable taxes, title fees, registration fees, and transfer charges
Additional documentation may be required for leased vehicles, inherited vehicles, business-owned vehicles, or transactions involving liens.
Louisiana Plate Transfer Fees
The plate transfer fee itself is relatively small. For most buyers, the largest cost associated with registering a replacement vehicle is Louisiana’s vehicle sales tax, along with standard title and registration fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate?
Louisiana generally charges an approximately $6 plate transfer fee, although the exact amount should be confirmed with the OMV or ExpressLane before completing your transaction.
| Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| License plate transfer fee | Approximately $6 |
| Louisiana vehicle sales tax | 4% of the purchase price (plus any applicable local taxes) |
| Annual registration fee | Varies based on vehicle weight and type |
| Public Tag Agent service fee | Varies by agency |
Because local sales taxes and service fees may also apply, the total cost of your transaction may vary depending on where the vehicle is purchased and registered.
Sales Tax and Registration Costs
In addition to transferring your license plate, Louisiana requires owners to pay applicable taxes and registration fees when titling a replacement vehicle.
Why is the vehicle sales tax important?
Louisiana collects a 4% state motor vehicle sales tax when most vehicles are titled. Depending on where you live, local sales taxes may also apply.
For many vehicle purchases, taxes represent the largest portion of the total registration cost, exceeding the plate transfer fee itself.
Personalized and Specialty Plate Transfers
Louisiana offers numerous military, collegiate, organizational, charitable, and personalized license plates. Most specialty plates can be transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same individual.
Can personalized plates be transferred?
Yes. Personalized and specialty license plates can generally be transferred to another eligible vehicle registered to the same owner.
Some specialty plate categories require continued eligibility or additional documentation before they can be reassigned.
Registration After Selling Your Vehicle
Selling a vehicle affects both your registration and your license plate. Since Louisiana license plates belong to the owner, they should always be removed before ownership is transferred.
What happens to your old registration?
Once your vehicle is sold and the plate is removed, your registration is no longer associated with that vehicle.
The buyer must title and register the vehicle in their own name through the Louisiana OMV or an authorized Public Tag Agent before legally operating the vehicle.
Can You Transfer a Plate to Another Person?
Louisiana does not allow license plates to be transferred between different owners. Registration remains tied to the individual or business listed on the registration record.
Can someone else use your Louisiana license plate?
No. You should remove your plate before delivering the vehicle to the buyer.
The purchaser is responsible for applying for title, paying applicable taxes and registration fees, and obtaining their own Louisiana registration.
Registration Deadlines
Louisiana establishes deadlines for registering newly purchased vehicles and for new residents moving into the state. Completing your registration promptly helps avoid penalties.
How long do you have to transfer your plate?
Most newly purchased vehicles must be titled and registered within 40 days of purchase. Individuals establishing Louisiana residency generally have 30 days to title and register their vehicle after becoming a resident.
What If You Don’t Want to Transfer Your Plate?
If you sell your vehicle without immediately purchasing another one, you are not required to transfer your existing license plate.
Should you keep or surrender your plate?
Depending on your circumstances, you may keep your plate for future use or surrender it to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. If you are unsure which option is appropriate, the OMV or an authorized Public Tag Agent can explain the current procedures.