If you're planning to sell or buy a boat in Louisiana, having a properly completed Louisiana bill of sale for boat and trailer is one of the most important steps in the process. As someone who has drafted hundreds of these documents for clients across the Gulf Coast over the past decade, I can tell you that using the correct form saves time, prevents headaches at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), and protects both buyer and seller if disputes arise later.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through exactly how to sell a boat in Louisiana in 2025, explain why you need both a boat bill of sale and a separate or combined Louisiana boat trailer bill of sale, and give you a free, attorney-reviewed downloadable template that meets current state requirements.
A Louisiana bill of sale for a boat (and trailer) is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. While a handshake might feel sufficient between friends, the LDWF and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) require written proof of sale for registration and titling—especially for vessels 16 feet or longer and for most trailers over 500 lbs unloaded weight.
The bill of sale serves three critical functions:
In many cases, yes. Louisiana treats boat trailers as separate titled vehicles from the boat itself. According to the Louisiana OMV, any trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 500 pounds must be titled and registered separately. This means you typically need:
Many people combine both on one form (my template below does exactly that), but the purchase price must be broken out separately for each item so the buyer pays the correct amount of state sales tax.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries outlines the minimum required information on their website (ldwf.louisiana.gov). As of 2025, your Louisiana bill of sale boat document must include:
| Required Element | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller | Establishes parties to the transaction |
| Complete description of the boat (make, year, length, LA registration number, HIN) | Identifies the exact vessel being sold |
| Outboard motor details (if applicable: make, horsepower, serial number) | Required for registration |
| Trailer description (make, year, VIN, weight if known) | Required for separate trailer title |
| Purchase price broken down (boat, motor, trailer) | Determines sales/use tax owed |
| Date of sale | Starts warranty and tax deadlines |
| Signatures of buyer and seller (notarization recommended but not required by LDWF) | Makes document legally binding |
Over the years, I've helped dozens of clients navigate this exact process. Here's the proven sequence that avoids delays:
Click the button below to download my completely free, fillable PDF template that combines both boat and trailer on one page while keeping the pricing separate (exactly what the state wants).
Download Free Louisiana Bill of Sale for Boat and Trailer (PDF)
This template has been used successfully by hundreds of Louisiana boat owners and meets or exceeds all current LDWF and OMV requirements.
After reviewing thousands of boat transactions, these are the top errors that cause rejections:
Short answer: No for the boat bill of sale itself, but yes for trailer title transfers in most parishes. I always recommend notarizing the entire bill of sale anyway—it only costs a few dollars and adds significant legal protection if ownership is ever challenged.
Louisiana state sales tax on boats and trailers is 4.45%, plus local parish taxes (total often 8–11% depending on location). The buyer is responsible for paying tax based on the purchase price listed on your Louisiana bill of sale for boat trailer and vessel. Some parishes offer a “trade-in” credit if you're buying a replacement vessel—keep your paperwork!
Source: Louisiana Department of Revenue – https://revenue.louisiana.gov
Only if the boat is undocumented and under 5 net tons (roughly under 26 ft) AND was never previously titled. Otherwise, you must have a title.
Yes. Use $0 as the price and write “Gift” prominently. The recipient may still owe use tax based on book value.
Trailers manufactured before 2008 sometimes lack titles. You'll need to apply for a bonded title or use an affidavit of ownership.
Selling or buying a boat in Louisiana doesn't have to be complicated. With the right Louisiana bill of sale for boat and trailer, clear communication, and attention to the details above, the transaction can be smooth and legally bulletproof.
Download the free template, fill it out carefully, and you'll be ahead of 95% of private-party sellers in the state.
Download Now: Free 2025 Louisiana Boat & Trailer Bill of Sale Template
Disclaimer: This template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed Louisiana attorney or title professional for your specific transaction.
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