License Plates are a key part of vehicle registration in Louisiana, helping identify cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and other registered vehicles. Each plate carries a unique combination of letters, numbers, or both, connecting the vehicle with its state registration record. Louisiana offers standard plates along with specialty, personalized, military, commercial, and other plate categories. Plate appearance, fees, registration requirements, and renewal rules can vary by vehicle type and plate selection, making accurate information useful for Louisiana vehicle owners.
License Plates in Louisiana come in different designs and categories based on vehicle use, registration status, and owner eligibility. The standard plate provides a common option for many passenger vehicles, while specialty plates feature themes connected with organizations, causes, military service, and other interests. Personalized plates can provide approved letter and number combinations subject to state rules. Details about plate types, designs, fees, registration, replacement, renewal, and display requirements help vehicle owners keep their plates properly registered and displayed.
What Does a Louisiana License Plate Look Like?
A standard Louisiana license plate has a light reflective background with contrasting colors, state identification, recognizable Louisiana imagery, and the state’s “Sportsman’s Paradise” slogan. The plate gives a clear visual identity to a registered vehicle and differs from specialty plates that use separate artwork or category-specific designs. For people searching for an LA car plate, LA number plates, or Louisiana car plates, the standard passenger plate is the main plate design associated with ordinary vehicle registration.
Every Plate Category at a Glance
Explore nine Louisiana License Plate categories in one place. Each card provides a quick look at the plate type and takes you to the relevant page for more details, eligibility, fees, requirements, and application information.
Military members aur veterans ke liye available special license plates, eligibility aur application requirements.
Vehicle ownership/plate transfer aur temporary plates ki information, including temporary registration ke rules.
Motorcycles ke liye plate types, registration, fees aur display requirements.
Apni choice ka letters/numbers combination rakhne wali custom plates, availability, fees aur restrictions.
Lost, stolen, damaged ya unreadable plate ko replace karne ka process, fees aur required documents.
Different organizations, causes, colleges, groups ya special interests ko represent karne wali plates.
Business aur commercial-use vehicles ke liye plates, registration requirements aur applicable rules.
Licensed vehicle dealers ke vehicles ke liye special dealer plates aur unke permitted uses.
Commercial vehicles jo multiple states/jurisdictions mein operate karte hain unke liye apportioned registration aur plates, usually IRP ke under.
How to Get a License Plate in Louisiana
A Louisiana license plate is issued as part of the applicable registration process, with requirements varying by vehicle and plate type. Most applicants need vehicle information, identification, insurance information, and the required title or registration documents. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) provides the forms, fee information, and transaction requirements for different vehicle situations.
- Louisiana OMV – New Title & Registration:
- https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/vehicles/title-and-registration/new-title-registration/
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) New Title & Registration page provides the official requirements for registering a newly purchased vehicle and obtaining a license plate. The page connects the plate process with vehicle title and registration and lists the documents applicants may need for the transaction.
For a new vehicle, the OMV page lists documents such as:
- DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application
- Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO)
- Original dealer invoice
- Odometer disclosure
- Lien documentation, when applicable
- Valid photo identification
- Proof of liability insurance when required
Where You Can Submit the Transaction
The required title and registration paperwork can be submitted through the transaction route that applies to your vehicle. The OMV page identifies these options:
- Louisiana OMV Headquarters
- OMV field offices
- Public Tag Agents
- Mail submission, where permitted
Fees and Plate Requirements
The amount you pay depends on the vehicle and transaction. The OMV page lists applicable title, handling, lien, registration, and plate-related charges. A single flat license plate price does not apply to every Louisiana vehicle.
Types of Louisiana License Plates
Louisiana license plates are divided into several categories based on vehicle use, owner eligibility, and registration purpose. The main distinction is between the standard plate issued for ordinary passenger vehicles and specialized plates created for specific groups, organizations, causes, or vehicle classifications. Louisiana OMV’s classification system includes passenger automobiles, personalized and specialty plates, military and veteran categories, mobility-impaired plates, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, farm vehicles, tow trucks, and other registration categories.
Standard Passenger License Plates
The standard license plate is used for ordinary passenger vehicles and is the main category associated with Louisiana car license plates. This plate is issued for qualifying passenger automobiles through the regular vehicle registration process. Its design provides the standard Louisiana appearance, including the state name, registration characters, and state-themed visual elements. The standard passenger automobile plate is separate from specialty plates that carry unique designs or eligibility requirements. Vehicle owners who do not qualify for or choose a specialized category typically use the standard passenger plate for their registered vehicle.
Personalized License Plates
Personalized license plates allow eligible vehicle owners to request a custom combination of characters rather than receiving a randomly assigned registration sequence. Louisiana OMV states that applicable personalized plates can contain up to seven characters, with separate character limits for motorcycles and handicap personalized plates. Requested combinations must meet OMV requirements and can be rejected when they are unavailable or violate applicable restrictions. The process involves checking character availability, meeting eligibility requirements, submitting the request through the OMV process, and paying the applicable personalized plate charges.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty license plates cover a broad range of categories created for particular interests, groups, organizations, and causes. Louisiana’s classification system includes plates connected with military service, universities, organizations, cultural interests, environmental causes, special programs, and other qualifying categories. Specialty plates can use artwork, colors, symbols, or wording that differs from the standard passenger design. Eligibility and documentation depend on the selected category. Some specialty plates may require proof of membership, service, qualification, or another connection to the category. This makes specialty plates a separate part of Louisiana’s overall plate system.
Military, Veteran, and Disability Plates
Louisiana provides separate plate categories for military, veteran, and mobility-impaired applicants. Military and veteran categories can relate to service status, military honors, campaigns, or other qualifying service connections. Disability-related plates are available under specific eligibility requirements for qualifying vehicle owners. These categories can have separate documentation, application procedures, fees, and character requirements. The exact conditions depend on the selected plate, so military, veteran, and disability plates should be reviewed as individual categories rather than treated as one standard plate type.
Commercial, Motorcycle, Truck, and Trailer Plates
Louisiana uses separate classifications for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, and trailers. A commercial vehicle may have registration requirements based on its use, weight, or operating characteristics, while motorcycle plates follow requirements applicable to motorcycles. Trailer and truck registrations can likewise differ from ordinary passenger automobile registration. The OMV classification system includes these categories along with farm vehicles, tow trucks, and other specialized vehicle types. The appropriate plate depends on the vehicle’s classification and intended use, so the standard passenger plate does not apply to every registered vehicle.
Fees and Registration Costs
Louisiana license plate costs vary by vehicle type and registration category. The plate fee for a standard automobile is based on the vehicle’s selling price, with a minimum value of $10,000. Other vehicle categories have separate fixed plate charges. The total registration cost can include title, handling, local, lien, tax, and specialty or personalized plate charges. The Louisiana OMV fee schedule lists these charges separately.
Standard Automobile Plate Fees
For standard automobiles, OMV charges 0.1% of the vehicle value per year. The minimum vehicle value used for the calculation is $10,000, and automobile plates are sold in two-year increments. This makes the minimum automobile plate fee.
| Vehicle Value | 2-Year Plate Fee |
|---|---|
| $10,000–$10,499 | $20 |
| $10,500–$11,499 | $22 |
| $11,500–$12,499 | $24 |
| $12,500–$13,499 | $26 |
| $13,500–$14,499 | $28 |
| $14,500–$15,499 | $30 |
| $15,500–$16,499 | $32 |
| $16,500–$17,499 | $34 |
| $17,500–$18,499 | $36 |
| $18,500–$19,499 | $38 |
| $19,500–$20,499 | $40 |
| $20,500–$21,499 | $42 |
| $21,500–$22,499 | $44 |
| $22,500–$23,499 | $46 |
| $23,500–$24,499 | $48 |
| $24,500–$25,499 | $50 |
| $25,500–$26,499 | $52 |
| $26,500–$27,499 | $54 |
| $27,500–$28,499 | $56 |
| $28,500–$29,499 | $58 |
| $29,500–$30,499 | $60 |
| $30,500–$31,499 | $62 |
| $31,500–$32,499 | $64 |
| $32,500–$33,499 | $66 |
| $33,500–$34,499 | $68 |
| $34,500–$35,499 | $70 |
| $35,500–$36,499 | $72 |
| $36,500–$37,499 | $74 |
| $37,500–$38,499 | $76 |
| $38,500–$39,499 | $78 |
| $39,500–$40,499 | $80 |
| $40,500–$41,499 | $82 |
The OMV schedule continues this value-based calculation for higher vehicle values.
Other Louisiana License Plate Fees
| Vehicle / Plate Type | Current Plate Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $12 | 4 years |
| Motor Home | $50 | 2 years |
| Commercial | $10 | 1 year |
| Boat Trailer up to 1,500 lbs | $25 | 4 years |
| Utility Trailer up to 500 lbs | $12 | 4 years |
| All Other Trailers | $10 | 1 year |
| Plate listed by OMV without category shown | $40 | 4 years |
| Plate listed by OMV without category shown | $70 | Permanent |
| Truck up to 6,000 lbs GVW | $40 | 4 years |
| Truck 6,001–10,000 lbs GVW | $112 | 4 years |
The OMV page says these are the most commonly occurring fees and that other fees are available upon request.
Other Louisiana Registration Charges
| Charge | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $68.50 |
| Title Correction | $68.50 |
| UCC Mortgage Recordation | $15 |
| Other Mortgage Recordation | $10 |
| License Transfer | $3 |
| Handling Fee | $8 |
| Local Fee | Up to $6 |
Louisiana License Plate Renewal
Louisiana plate validity is closely connected with the vehicle’s registration. The registration must remain current, and Louisiana law requires registered vehicles to maintain the required liability insurance or other qualifying security. OMV provides an online registration renewal service, with other transaction routes available for eligible motorists.
When Should You Renew?
Renew your Louisiana vehicle registration before its expiration date shown on the current registration record or renewal notice. Eligible motorists can use the OMV online renewal service with a Renewal Identification Number from the notice or information from the current registration certificate. If the notice does not contain a renewal ID, OMV says additional information is required and the online route may not be available.
How to Renew Louisiana Car Plates
Louisiana registration renewal can be completed online when the vehicle qualifies for the service. OMV requires the renewal notice or current registration and an accepted credit card for the online transaction. Other transactions can be handled through OMV offices, and Public Tag Agents can process registration renewals. Mail-in processing is available for applicable vehicle registration transactions.
Renewal options include:
- Online: Use the OMV registration renewal service.
- OMV office: Process an eligible renewal in person.
- Public Tag Agent: Authorized agents can handle registration renewals.
- Mail: Available for applicable registration transactions.
What Happens After Renewal?
After a successful renewal, the vehicle’s registration record is updated and the renewal credential is sent according to the selected transaction method. OMV states that online renewal transactions may take time to appear in its system, and mailed registration credentials can take up to 30 days. Keep the updated registration information with the vehicle.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Louisiana License Plate
A replacement plate transaction is different from requesting a duplicate registration. The appropriate process depends on what was lost, stolen, or damaged and the type of plate involved. Louisiana OMV and authorized Public Tag Agents handle replacement plate transactions. Public Tag Agents are authorized to process replacement license plates and registration renewals.
What Documents Are Needed?
Requirements can vary based on the plate and transaction. Vehicle information such as the VIN or current plate number may be needed, along with registration and insurance information. OMV uses the DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application for applicable title and registration transactions. Certain special plate categories can have additional forms or certifications.
Information may include:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current or previous plate number
- Vehicle registration information
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799), when applicable
- Statement or affidavit when required for a particular transaction
Replacement Plate Fees
The amount for a replacement license plate depends on the applicable plate category and transaction. OMV’s current fee information should be checked before publication or payment rather than using an older third-party amount. A duplicate registration has a separate published fee of $12, with a local fee of up to $6 potentially applying; this should not be presented as the replacement plate fee.
Lost vs. Stolen Plates
A lost license plate, stolen plate, or damaged plate can require a replacement transaction, but the exact paperwork can vary by situation and plate category. Do not assume that a police report is required for every lost or damaged plate unless the applicable OMV instructions state it. For a stolen plate, provide the information requested by OMV or the authorized agent handling the replacement. Keep your registration and vehicle identification details available when requesting the replacement.
Personalized and Specialty Louisiana License Plates
Louisiana offers both personalized plates and specialty plates for qualifying vehicle owners. Personalized plates let an applicant request a selected character combination, subject to OMV rules and availability. Specialty plates cover categories connected with military service, organizations, universities, disability status, causes, and other qualifying interests. The vehicle must meet Louisiana registration requirements before the applicable plate process can be completed.
Personalized Plate Requirements
A Louisiana personalized plate can contain up to 7 characters for standard plates. Motorcycle and handicap personalized plates are limited to 6 letters and/or numbers. Letters, numbers, spaces, periods, and hyphens have specific counting rules. The requested combination must be available and accepted by OMV. Certain combinations are prohibited, including specified agency prefixes, certain number-letter sequences, special symbols, and offensive combinations. The vehicle must be registered in Louisiana before an availability inquiry can be performed.
Specialty Plate Categories
Louisiana specialty plates cover many categories and eligibility groups. Available selections include plates connected with:
- Military and veteran service
- Universities and colleges
- Organizations and associations
- Special interests and causes
- Mobility impairment and disability
- Agriculture and other qualifying interests
- Commemorative and special programs
How to Apply for a Special Plate
The Louisiana OMV specialty-plate process starts with selecting an available plate through the Specialty Plates Viewer. The applicant can review the plate’s applicable fee and ordering information, then complete the required paperwork and submit the requested documentation and payment. OMV states that the vehicle must be properly titled and registered in the applicant’s name in Louisiana, with some plates requiring additional eligibility documentation.
Temporary Louisiana License Plates and T-Markers
A T-marker is a temporary registration marker used to identify a vehicle before its permanent plate is issued. Louisiana OMV recognizes temporary registration plates issued by dealers, lending institutions, and auto title companies under its vehicle plate classification policy. The temporary credential allows an eligible Louisiana vehicle to be operated while the permanent registration and plate process is being completed.
When Is a T-Marker Used?
Louisiana law allows OMV to sell temporary tags to licensed dealers. The dealer can issue the temporary tag to a vehicle purchaser so the Louisiana vehicle can be driven while the owner waits for the permanent license plate. Dealers must record the vehicle and purchaser information through the OMV Temporary Tag Database.
Dealer-Issued Temporary Registration
A dealer-issued temporary plate is connected with the vehicle sale and the registration process. OMV’s current materials identify temporary registration markers as a specific plate category and provide a dedicated application form for temporary registration markers. Auto Title Companies can issue temporary registration markers under their authorized OMV functions. The exact validity period and issuance conditions can depend on the applicable temporary-registration policy and transaction. For this reason, a fixed universal expiration period should not be stated without checking the current OMV policy for the particular T-marker.
What Happens After the Permanent Plate Is Issued?
The temporary registration serves its purpose until the permanent registration and permanent plate process is completed. Once the permanent plate is issued, the vehicle should be operated with the permanent registration credentials and plate according to Louisiana requirements. The dealer or authorized issuing party records the temporary transaction through the applicable OMV system.
Louisiana License Plate Transfer and Surrender
Louisiana has separate processes for vehicle transfers, license registration transfers, and plate cancellation. When a vehicle is sold, donated, or traded, the seller can submit a Notice of Vehicle Transfer to OMV. This flags the vehicle record, but ownership does not legally transfer until the new owner applies for title. OMV also provides a Cancel Plate service for plates that need to be canceled.
Can You Transfer a Louisiana License Plate?
A Louisiana license plate transfer depends on the plate and vehicle transaction. OMV’s fee schedule lists a $3 license transfer fee, but this does not mean every plate can be freely moved between vehicles or owners. Vehicle ownership transfer is handled through the title and registration process. Truck, trailer, commercial, apportioned, and specialty plates can have separate classification rules. Check the applicable OMV plate classification before moving a registration or plate to another vehicle.
When Do You Surrender a Plate?
Louisiana plates can be canceled online, turned in at an OMV location, or surrendered by mail. OMV states that a plate must be canceled before liability insurance is canceled. If a plate is canceled online, it does not have to be mailed back; it should be removed from the vehicle and destroyed. When a vehicle is sold, donated, or traded, the owner can use OMV’s Notice of Vehicle Transfer service to report the disposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Louisiana license plates identify registered vehicles and connect the physical plate with the state’s registration record. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, plate category, and transaction. The questions below cover the main points people ask about getting, registering, and displaying Louisiana plates.
What is a Louisiana license plate?
A Louisiana license plate is the numbered registration plate assigned to a registered vehicle. Louisiana law requires a number plate to display the registration number assigned to the vehicle and owner, the state name, and the applicable registration period. The plate must remain clearly visible and legible. Different vehicle and specialty categories can have different plate designs, fees, and requirements.
How do I get a license plate in Louisiana?
To get a license plate in Louisiana, complete the applicable vehicle title and registration transaction with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). For a new vehicle, OMV lists the DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application, ownership documents, identification, proof of liability insurance when required, and applicable fees. Transactions can be handled through an OMV office or Public Tag Agent, with some services available through other approved methods.
How do I get a Louisiana license plate for a new car?
For a new car, the vehicle must first be titled and registered with Louisiana OMV. The required paperwork can include the DPSMV 1799, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, original dealer invoice, odometer disclosure, and lien documents if applicable. To obtain the plate, OMV requires valid photo identification for each owner and proof of liability insurance, except when a licensed dealer submits the vehicle transfer.
What documents do I need to get Louisiana car plates?
The documents depend on the vehicle and transaction. For a new vehicle, OMV lists the completed DPSMV 1799 Vehicle Application, Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin, dealer invoice, odometer disclosure, and lien documentation when applicable. Applicants requesting a plate must provide current valid photo identification for each owner and proof of liability insurance when required. Used vehicles have additional title and ownership documentation requirements.
Does Louisiana require a front license plate?
For ordinary Louisiana vehicles, the current statute requires the permanent registration plate to be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The law provides separate placement rules for certain trucks, including trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 pounds and dump trucks, which may display the plate at the front or rear. Motorcycle and trailer plates are attached to the rear.