Louisiana Dealer License Plates

License Plates for Louisiana dealers serve a specific purpose for businesses involved in selling, buying, demonstrating, or transporting vehicles. Dealer plates can provide an authorized way to operate eligible vehicles without registering each vehicle through the standard process. Louisiana has rules covering who can obtain dealer plates, permitted uses, application requirements, fees, and proper display. Dealers need accurate plate information to keep vehicle operations aligned with state requirements. The type of dealership and business activity can affect which plate privileges and restrictions apply.

License Plates issued for dealer use are different from regular passenger vehicle plates and are connected to qualifying dealership activities. Louisiana dealer plates may be used on vehicles under specific circumstances, such as demonstrations, transportation, or business-related purposes permitted by state law. Requirements can cover plate placement, documentation, eligibility, renewal, and authorized vehicle use. Reviewing the applicable Louisiana rules helps dealers identify the correct plate type and maintain proper registration records for vehicles handled as part of their business operations.

How to Get Louisiana Dealer License Plates

Louisiana Dealer License Plates are issued to licensed dealers for specific business-related uses. The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission (LUMVC) states that dealer plates can be used on vehicles offered for sale, vehicles used for demonstration or public display, and vehicles being maintained by the dealership. A dealer plate cannot be used for purposes outside the authorized dealer activities.

• LUMVC Dealer Plates:
  • https://lumvc.louisiana.gov/dealer-plates/

The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission (LUMVC) provides the official dealer plate requirements for Louisiana dealerships. Its Dealer Plates page explains who can obtain dealer plates, how the plates may be used, the current plate fees, plate limits, renewal requirements, and the documents required for a new application.

For a new dealer plate, LUMVC lists these requirements:

• DPSMV 1640 — Application for Dealer’s License Plate
• Copy of the dealer license
• Certificate of insurance
• Applicable dealer plate fee

The page states that dealer plates can be purchased only after the dealer has received a dealer license. It also explains that dealer plates may be used on vehicles offered for sale, vehicles used for demonstration or public display, and vehicles being maintained by the dealer. Other uses are prohibited.

Louisiana Dealer Plate Requirements

Louisiana dealer plate requirements apply to dealerships that need plates for vehicles in their inventory or for approved dealer activities. The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission (LUMVC) states that a dealer must receive the dealer license before purchasing dealer plates. The application process requires the current dealer license, proof of insurance, the required application, and the applicable plate fee.

Active Dealer License or Permit

An active dealer license is required before dealer plates can be purchased. The license identifies the motor vehicle dealer and dealership authorized to conduct the licensed business. LUMVC states that dealer plates can only be purchased after the dealer license has been issued.

Certificate of Insurance

A current certificate of insurance must accompany a new dealer plate application. LUMVC lists proof of insurance as one of the required documents for new dealer plates. Dealer licensing rules likewise require applicable garage liability insurance for vehicles offered for sale or used in dealer operations.

DPSMV 1640 Application

The DPSMV 1640 is the Application for Dealer’s License Plates. The form requires dealership information, business and mailing addresses, dealer number, number of plates requested, and the dealer’s signature. A separate application is required for each series of plates needed. The application must be accompanied by the current dealer license and proof of insurance.

How Much Do Louisiana Dealer Plates Cost?

Louisiana dealer plates have different fees for initial issuance, standard renewal, and personalized renewal. The current LUMVC fee schedule lists the applicable plate charges and convenience fee. The table below shows the current amounts and when each fee applies.

How Many Dealer Plates Can a Louisiana Dealer Get?

Louisiana dealer plate allowance is based on the dealer license and the number of licensed and insured salespeople connected with the dealership. Current LUMVC information allows a dealer to receive up to three dealer plates per dealer license. An additional plate may be available for each licensed and insured salesperson.

Base Plate Allowance

A dealership can receive up to three plates under one dealer license. This base allowance applies to the licensed dealer and provides plates for qualifying dealer vehicles and authorized dealership activities. Each plate must be used according to Louisiana dealer plate requirements.

Additional Salesperson Plate

A licensed and insured salesperson can qualify for an additional dealer plate. The additional plate is tied to the salesperson’s licensing and insurance status. If the dealership has multiple qualifying salespeople, the available plate allowance can increase based on those requirements.

Requests Above the Standard Allowance

A request for plates above the standard allowance is not automatically approved. Louisiana OMV policy provides a process for requests that exceed the maximum, with written justification and approval from OMV Administration. The dealer should provide the reason for the additional plates and follow the current agency procedure before assuming extra plates will be issued.

What Can Louisiana Dealer Plates Be Used For?

Louisiana dealer plates are intended for specific dealership activities involving vehicles held in dealer inventory or handled as part of the dealer’s authorized business. The OMV policy identifies several permitted purposes, including offering vehicles for sale, displaying vehicles, demonstrating their qualities, and maintaining their condition or value. A dealer plate should remain connected to an authorized dealer purpose rather than being treated as a general-use registration.

Vehicles Offered for Sale

A dealer inventory plate may be used on a vehicle that the dealership is offering for sale. This allows a qualifying vehicle in dealer inventory to be operated for an authorized sales-related purpose while it remains part of the dealership’s inventory.

Demonstration and Display

Dealer plates may be used when a vehicle is being demonstrated or displayed. A dealership can use a qualifying vehicle to show its features and condition as part of the sales process.

Vehicle Maintenance

An inventory plate can be used when a dealer vehicle is being maintained. This includes activities connected with maintaining or improving the vehicle’s condition or value.

Demonstrating Vehicle Qualities

Louisiana dealer plates may support demonstrations intended to show a vehicle’s qualities. The use must remain connected to the dealership’s authorized business activity and the vehicle’s dealer status.

Other Authorized Business Uses

The OMV policy also recognizes maintaining or enhancing a vehicle’s condition or value as an authorized purpose. Dealer plate use should stay within the purposes recognized by Louisiana requirements. A dealer plate is not a substitute for ordinary vehicle registration for unrelated personal or general transportation use.

What Vehicles Can Have a Dealer Plate?

Louisiana dealer inventory plates can be affixed to several types of vehicles handled by a licensed motor vehicle dealer. The OMV policy identifies automobiles, trucks, tractors, trailers or semi-trailers, buses, and motorcycles among the vehicle classifications that may carry a dealer inventory plate when the requirements are met.

Dealer Vehicle Classifications

The presence of an eligible vehicle classification does not mean the plate can be used for any purpose. The vehicle must be connected with the dealer’s authorized business activity, such as being offered for sale, displayed, demonstrated, or maintained as permitted by Louisiana dealer plate requirements. The dealer should match the plate use to the vehicle’s status in the dealer inventory and the purpose allowed under the current OMV policy. A dealer inventory plate does not create unrestricted registration for personal transportation or activities outside the dealer’s authorized use.

Louisiana Dealer Plate Rules and Restrictions

Louisiana Dealer License Plates are issued for specific dealer-related purposes, so their use is subject to restrictions. The OMV policy requires a dealer inventory plate to be displayed in plain view and limits its use to authorized dealer activities. The dealership remains responsible for using each plate according to the applicable requirements.

Authorized Use

A dealer inventory plate may be used for activities recognized by the OMV policy, including offering a vehicle for sale, displaying or exhibiting the vehicle, demonstrating its qualities, and maintaining or enhancing its condition or value. These uses must relate to the dealership’s authorized business activity.

Prohibited Use

A dealer plate should not be treated as unrestricted vehicle registration. Using it for purposes outside the authorized dealer activities can violate the applicable requirements. Personal or unrelated transportation should not be assumed to qualify simply because the vehicle belongs to or is held by a dealership.

Plain-View Display Requirement

The OMV policy requires the dealer inventory plate to be displayed in plain view. The plate should be positioned so it can be readily seen in the manner required for dealer inventory vehicles. Proper display is part of complying with dealer plate requirements.

Consequences of Improper Use

Improper use can affect a dealership’s dealer plate privileges. The OMV policy provides that the agency may suspend or revoke dealer-plate privileges when plates are used outside authorized purposes. Dealers should keep their vehicle use within the permitted activities and follow current agency requirements for plate display and operation.

Louisiana Dealer Plate Renewal

Louisiana dealer plates expire at the end of each year. The renewal process is separate from the initial plate application and requires the dealer to have a renewed dealer license before the plate renewal can be processed. LUMVC refers to dealer plate renewal as a registration renewal and lists the required documents for the process.

When Dealer Plates Expire

Dealer plates are valid through the end of the calendar year. During the renewal process, the dealer receives a new sticker for the existing plate. Renewal should be completed after the dealer license has been renewed.

Documents Needed for Renewal

LUMVC lists the following items for a dealer plate renewal:

• OMV plate renewal notification, or a letter on dealership letterhead listing the plates
• Copy of the renewed dealer license
• Certificate of insurance
• Applicable renewal fee

Dealer License Must Be Renewed

The dealer license renewal must be completed before the dealer plate renewal can be processed. A dealership should have its renewed license, insurance certificate, renewal notice or plate list, and applicable payment ready when submitting the plate renewal request.

Lost or Stolen Louisiana Dealer Plates

A lost or stolen dealer plate should be reported and handled through the dealer plate replacement process. LUMVC requires written information from the dealership describing what happened to the plate. Stolen plates require an additional law-enforcement report.

What to Do If a Dealer Plate Is Lost

For a lost dealer plate, submit a letter on dealership letterhead requesting a replacement. The letter must provide a detailed description of how the plate was lost. The plate number should be included when available.

What to Do If a Dealer Plate Is Stolen

A stolen dealer plate should be reported to local law enforcement immediately. LUMVC requires the dealer to cancel the stolen plate with LUMVC or OMV and provide a copy of the police report with the replacement application.

Replacement Documentation

The replacement request should include the dealership’s letterhead letter and the required details about the lost or stolen plate. For theft, include the police report required by LUMVC. The cancellation of the original plate helps prevent continued use of a plate that is no longer in the dealership’s possession.

How to Cancel a Louisiana Dealer Plate

A dealership can request cancellation of a dealer plate when the plate is no longer needed or has been lost or stolen. LUMVC provides a direct cancellation process that identifies the specific plate being removed from the dealership’s active plate records.

Identify the Plate

Record the plate number that needs to be cancelled. This information should be included in the dealership’s written cancellation request.

Prepare the Required Letter

Prepare a letter on official dealership letterhead. The letter should clearly state the plate number being submitted for cancellation.

Surrender the Plate

If the physical dealer plate is available, mail or bring it to LUMVC or the nearest OMV location. For a lost or stolen plate, follow the applicable replacement and cancellation requirements instead.

Submit the Cancellation Request

LUMVC specifically instructs dealers to mail or bring the plate to LUMVC or the nearest OMV, along with a letter on dealership letterhead identifying the plate number for cancellation.

Can a Louisiana Dealer Plate Be Moved to Another Vehicle?

Yes. A valid dealer inventory plate can be moved from one qualifying dealer vehicle to another vehicle owned or operated by the dealer. Louisiana law permits a dealer inventory plate to be used on a motor vehicle held as dealer inventory for authorized activities such as offering it for sale, displaying it, demonstrating its qualities, or maintaining its condition or value.

Dealer Plate Transfer Between Vehicles

Moving a dealer plate means removing the plate from one qualifying inventory vehicle and placing it on another vehicle that meets the dealer inventory and authorized-use requirements. The plate remains associated with the dealer rather than becoming the personal plate of the vehicle. This is different from a normal consumer plate transfer. A dealer inventory plate is issued to the licensed dealer and can be used on qualifying vehicles held by that dealer. The vehicle must remain connected to an authorized dealer purpose. Dealers should keep the plate within the scope of Louisiana dealer plate requirements when moving it between vehicles. A dealer plate does not create unrestricted registration for personal use or for a vehicle outside the dealer’s authorized inventory activities.

Personalized Louisiana Dealer License Plates

Louisiana provides a separate category of personalized dealer plates for qualified dealers. Louisiana law authorizes special personalized license plates for dealers and permits their use for authorized sale, demonstration, trading, delivery, and vehicle transfer purposes.

Who Qualifies?

The personalized dealer plate program is intended for a qualifying motor vehicle dealer. The dealer must meet the applicable dealer licensing and plate requirements before applying. OMV lists a separate Application for Personalized Dealer License Plate and instructions for obtaining one.

Personalized Dealer Plate Requirements

The application process follows requirements established for personalized dealer plates. The dealer must maintain the required dealer authorization and insurance documentation. Louisiana law gives the department authority to establish the application and issuance procedures.

Character Restrictions

Personalized dealer plates are subject to character and configuration restrictions. Louisiana law states that the department cannot issue a letter combination considered offensive to good taste and decency. No two dealers may receive identical personalized dealer plates.

Personalized Dealer Plate Cost

Louisiana law establishes an annual $25 fee for a special personalized dealer plate, separate from the regular motor vehicle registration license fee. The current LUMVC dealer-plate page separately lists $40 for personalized renewal, so dealers should confirm the amount applicable to their transaction with the current agency instructions before payment. A personalized dealer plate may be transferred during its registration period from one vehicle owned or operated by the dealer to another, subject to the applicable requirements.

Dealer License Plates and Insurance Requirements

A current certificate of insurance is part of the dealer plate requirements in Louisiana. For used motor vehicle dealers, the current OMV policy requires a certificate showing at least $55,000 in garage liability coverage for dealer plate transactions. The insurance documentation must be current when the dealer applies for or renews dealer plates.

Certificate of Insurance

The certificate of insurance provides proof that the dealership has the required coverage. OMV lists a current certificate of insurance among the documents required for dealer plate transactions. A new dealer plate application must include this documentation along with the required dealer information, DPSMV 1640, and applicable fee.

Dealer Insurance

For a used motor vehicle dealer, the OMV policy specifies a minimum of $55,000 in garage liability coverage. The certificate should show the required coverage so the agency can verify the insurance requirement for the dealer plate transaction.

Insurance and Dealer Plate Renewal

The insurance requirement continues when dealer plates are renewed. LUMVC lists a certificate of insurance as part of the renewal documentation, along with the renewal information, renewed dealer license, and applicable fee. A dealership should keep its insurance documentation current and confirm the latest agency requirements before submitting a dealer plate application or renewal. This section concerns insurance documentation for dealer plate requirements, rather than the full insurance rules that apply to operating a dealership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisiana dealer plates have specific requirements for eligibility, fees, renewal, vehicle use, and plate limits. The FAQs below answer common questions about dealer plate costs, required documents, validity, inventory vehicles, transfers, personalized plates, and permitted use.

How much are Louisiana dealer plates?

The current LUMVC fee schedule lists $15 per plate for an initial dealer plate, $15 per plate for renewal, and $40 per plate for personalized renewal. LUMVC separately lists a $20 convenience fee per plate. Fees can change, so check the current agency schedule before payment.

Who can get a Louisiana dealer plate?

A licensed dealer can obtain dealer plates after the dealer license has been issued. LUMVC requires the dealer plate application, a copy of the dealer license, certificate of insurance, and applicable fee for a new plate.

How many dealer plates can a dealership have?

A dealer can purchase up to three plates per dealer license, plus one additional plate for each licensed and insured salesperson. Requests above the standard allowance may require additional agency approval.

How long are Louisiana dealer plates valid?

Dealer plates expire at the end of each calendar year. LUMVC provides a renewal process for existing dealer plates, with renewal requiring the applicable dealer licensing and insurance documentation.

Can dealer plates be used on inventory vehicles?

Yes. Dealer inventory plates can be used on qualifying vehicles in dealer inventory for authorized purposes. LUMVC lists offering vehicles for sale, displaying or demonstrating vehicles, and maintaining vehicles among the permitted uses. Other uses are prohibited.