Louisiana Car Registration Fee Calculator 2026

Louisiana car registration fee calculator: Instantly and accurately estimate the total cost to register your vehicle in Louisiana. Know your fees before you go to the DMV.

Louisiana Vehicle Registration Fee Chart & In-Depth Explanation

The following tables outline the official fees used by the calculator, based on Louisiana OMV standards.

1. Standard Transaction Fees (Required)

These flat fees apply to almost every vehicle transaction, regardless of the vehicle type.

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Title Fee	$68.50	Charged for every new title issued.
Handling Fee	$8.00	Administrative processing fee charged on transactions.
Lien Recording (UCC)	$15.00	Charged if a lender (bank) is listed on the title.
Lien Recording (Non-UCC)	$10.00	For other types of mortgage recordings.
License Transfer	$3.00	Fee to move a plate from an old car to a new one.
Public Tag Agent Fee	Up to $23.00	Optional convenience fee charged by private agencies.

2. License Plate Fees (By Vehicle Class)

Louisiana license plate fees vary significantly by vehicle type and renewal duration.

Vehicle Class	Plate Fee	Duration	Notes
Automobile (Car/SUV)	Variable	2 Years	0.1% of value per year ($20.00 minimum).
Motorcycle	$12.00	4 Years	Flat fee.
Motor Home	$50.00	2 Years	Flat fee.
Boat Trailer (<1,500 lbs)	$25.00	4 Years	Flat fee.
Utility Trailer (<500 lbs)	$12.00	4 Years	Flat fee.
Other Trailers	$70.00	Permanent	One-time permanent registration option.
Commercial Vehicle	$10.00	1 Year	Annual renewal.

3. Truck Weight Fees

Trucks (pickups and cargo) are taxed based on their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

Truck Weight (GVW)	Fee	Duration
Up to 6,000 lbs	$40.00	4 Years
6,001 – 10,000 lbs	$112.00	4 Years

4. Automobile Value-Based Plate Chart

For private cars, the plate fee is calculated at 0.1% of the vehicle value per year, sold in 2-year blocks. The minimum value base is $10,000, meaning the cheapest plate is $20.00.

Vehicle Value	2-Year Plate Fee
$10,000 – $10,499	$20.00
$15,500 – $16,499	$32.00
$20,500 – $21,499	$42.00
$25,500 – $26,499	$52.00
$30,500 – $31,499	$62.00
$35,500 – $36,499	$72.00
$40,500 – $41,499	$82.00

(Note: The fee increases by $2.00 for every additional $1,000 in vehicle value).

Registering a vehicle in Louisiana is managed by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). If you are a new resident, you must register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.

How to Apply for Louisiana Car Registration

You generally cannot register a vehicle for the first time online; you must visit a local OMV office or a private Public Tag Agent (PTA) in person.

1. Prepare your documents: Gather all the required paperwork listed below before you go.
2. Visit an OMV or PTA: Go to your nearest Office of Motor Vehicles location or a licensed Public Tag Agent (authorized private company).
   • Tip: Public Tag Agents charge an extra fee (usually ~$18–$23) but often have shorter wait times.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
4. Pay Fees & Taxes: You will pay the title fee, handling fee, license plate fee, and any applicable sales/use tax.
   • Note: If you already paid sales tax in another state, bring proof to receive credit.
5. Get Your Plate: You will receive your license plate and registration sticker immediately.
6. Get an Inspection: After registering, you must get a safety inspection sticker (brake tag) from a certified inspection station.

Documents Needed

You must bring the originals of the following documents:

• Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799): Completed and signed by the owner.
• Proof of Ownership:
  • New Cars: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO).
  • Used/Moving to LA: Current Certificate of Title from your previous state.
• Valid Driver’s License: A Louisiana license or a valid out-of-state license (if moving).
• Proof of Insurance: A valid Louisiana insurance policy (declarations page or ID card).
  • Critical: Insurance limits must meet the state minimum ($15k/$30k/$25k).
• Bill of Sale / Invoice: Required to calculate sales tax (must show the purchase price).
• Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old.
• Lien Documents: If you have a loan, bring your financing agreement or UCC-1 form.

Important Links

• OMV Official Website: expresslane.org(Use this to renew registration online in future years)
• Find an OMV Office or Public Tag Agent: offices.omv.la.gov
• Download Vehicle Application (Form 1799): DPSMV 1799 PDF