License Plates for motorcycles in Louisiana provide a clear way to identify registered two-wheeled vehicles on public roads. Motorcycle plates have specific size, placement, registration, and display requirements that differ from standard passenger vehicle plates. Owners may need to complete registration through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and keep their plate properly attached and visible. Information about motorcycle plate requirements, registration fees, renewal, replacement, and acceptable display practices can help riders keep their motorcycles properly registered and ready for legal road use.
License Plates on Louisiana motorcycles connect the vehicle with its state registration record and provide visible identification during road use. Motorcycle owners may encounter requirements related to plate mounting, renewal dates, registration documents, and replacement of damaged or lost plates. Specialty options may exist for eligible motorcycles or registration categories. Clear information about these requirements can help riders keep their motorcycle registration current, display the correct plate, and avoid common problems linked to missing, unreadable, or improperly positioned plates.
How to Register a Motorcycle in Louisiana
Louisiana motorcycle registration connects several parts of the vehicle record: the motorcycle title establishes ownership, the registration records the motorcycle with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), and the Louisiana License Plate provides its physical registration identification. The process generally involves submitting the required documents, completing the vehicle application, providing insurance information, paying applicable fees, and receiving the registration and plate.
- Louisiana OMV — New Title & Registration:
- https://expresslane.la.gov/omv/vehicles/title-and-registration/new-title-registration/
| Official OMV Information | Relevance to Motorcycle Registration |
|---|---|
| DPSMV 1799 | Application used for the title and registration transaction |
| MSO | Required for a new motorcycle in applicable transactions |
| Dealer Invoice | Supports a new motorcycle purchase |
| Motorcycle Title | Establishes ownership |
| Lien Documents | Required when a lien applies |
| Photo ID | Supports the registration transaction |
| Liability Insurance | Required when obtaining a plate, subject to applicable exceptions |
| Applicable Fees | Covers title, handling, plate, local, lien, and tax charges where applicable |
Louisiana Motorcycle Registration Requirements
Louisiana motorcycle registration requires documentation that connects the motorcycle to its owner and registration record. The motorcycle title establishes ownership, while the vehicle application provides the information OMV uses to process the registration. After the transaction is approved, the registration record supports issuance of the motorcycle plate and registration certificate. Louisiana law requires an owner applying for registration to provide ownership and vehicle information on the appropriate application.
Motorcycle Title
The motorcycle title is the primary ownership document for the vehicle. For a new motorcycle, OMV may require the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and dealer invoice. For a used motorcycle, the current certificate of title must be properly assigned to the purchaser. If a lien applies, the required lien documentation must be included with the transaction.
Vehicle Application
Louisiana OMV requires the Vehicle Application (DPSMV 1799) for vehicle title and/or registration transactions. The application contains the owner’s information and vehicle details required for the registration record. Louisiana law also requires the application to include the owner’s address and a description of the vehicle, including the engine or serial number as required by OMV.
Owner Identification and Proof of Insurance
For initial registration, Louisiana law requires current and valid photo identification showing the owner’s full legal name and identification or license number. When obtaining a license plate, OMV requires proof of liability insurance, subject to applicable exceptions. These documents help verify the owner and support the registration transaction.
Registration Information, Taxes, and Fees
The application must contain the required motorcycle information, ownership details, and other information requested by OMV. Applicable charges can include the title fee, handling fee, local fee, motorcycle plate fee, lien-recordation fee when applicable, and sales or use tax. The exact amount depends on the transaction and vehicle circumstances.
Registration Certificate and Out-of-State Documentation
Once the transaction is processed, the motorcycle receives a registration record and registration certificate, along with the applicable plate when plate issuance is part of the transaction. For an out-of-state motorcycle, Louisiana requires the Vehicle Application and current certificate of title, with the assignment completed and notarized when applicable. A properly released lien is required when a lien was recorded.
Louisiana Motorcycle Plate Types
Louisiana offers several motorcycle license plate options, including the regular motorcycle plate, personalized prestige plates, and certain specialty plates. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles lists Motorcycle Plates and Prestige Motorcycle License Plates as separate plate classifications. Specialty plate availability depends on the individual plate’s eligibility rules.
Standard Motorcycle License Plate
The standard motorcycle license plate is the regular plate issued as part of motorcycle registration. Louisiana OMV currently lists the motorcycle plate fee at $12 for four years. The regular motorcycle plate identifies thebregistered motorcycle and is separate from the motorcycle title, which establishes ownership. Owners can select an eligible specialty or personalized plate instead of the regular plate when the applicable requirements are met.
Personalized Prestige Motorcycle Plate
A personalized motorcycle plate allows the owner to request a unique combination of two to six letters and/or numbers. Louisiana law provides for special personalized prestige license plates for motorcycles, with the personalized combination subject to OMV approval and applicable rules. The annual personalized plate fee is $25, in addition to the regular motorcycle registration license fee. The personalized plate is issued in place of the regular motorcycle registration plate.
Specialty and Motorcycle Awareness Plates
Louisiana has specialty plates that may be available for motorcycles, but eligibility differs by individual plate. OMV states that certain specialty plates have specific qualifications and that specialty plate fees vary. The Motorcycle Awareness Campaign plate is specifically authorized for motorcycles. Louisiana law provides a $25 annual fee for this prestige plate in addition to the regular motor vehicle license fee, along with a $3.50 handling fee. Other specialty plates may have different fees, eligibility requirements, or vehicle restrictions, so the specific plate should be checked before applying.
Louisiana Motorcycle License Plate Fees
Louisiana motorcycle registration fees depend on the type of plate and the transaction being processed. Other charges can apply based on the title, lien, taxes, local fees, or plate type.
| Motorcycle Fee | Amount | Registration / Application Period | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Plate | $12 | 4 years | Standard motorcycle plate |
| Handling Fee | $8 | — | Where applicable |
| License Transfer Fee | $3 | — | When a plate/license transfer applies |
| Title Fee | $68.50 | — | When a title transaction applies |
| UCC-1 Lien Fee | $15 | — | When a UCC-1 lien is recorded |
| Other Lien Fee | $10 | — | When another security agreement is recorded |
| Local Fee | Up to $6 | — | Where applicable |
| Sales/Use Tax | Varies | — | When applicable |
| Personalized Motorcycle Plate | +$25/year | Annual additional fee | If a personalized prestige plate is requested |
Personalized Louisiana Motorcycle License Plates
A personalized motorcycle plate gives a motorcycle owner the option to request a specific combination of letters or numbers instead of the regular motorcycle plate. Louisiana law provides for special personalized prestige license plates for motorcycles, subject to OMV rules and approval. The requested motorcycle plate number must meet the state’s character and content requirements.
Character Limits and Approval
A personalized motorcycle license plate can contain at least two and no more than six letters or numbers. Louisiana law prohibits combinations that carry a connotation considered offensive to good taste and decency. The same combination cannot be issued to two owners. This means a requested custom motorcycle plate is subject to availability and OMV approval rather than being automatically issued.
Application and Availability
Louisiana OMV provides an online personalized-plate service and states that the vehicle must already be registered in Louisiana before performing a personalized plate inquiry. The OMV specialty plate system lets applicants view available options and submit a request for processing. Availability shown online should not be treated as final issuance until OMV processes the request.
Annual Fee and Renewal
The personalized motorcycle plate carries an additional $25 annual fee on top of the regular motor vehicle registration license fee. Each special plate requires a new application and the applicable fee. Upon timely annual renewal, the owner receives priority for the same letter or number combination.
Transfer Rules
Louisiana law provides for rules covering transfer of a special motorcycle plate when the owner replaces one motorcycle with another. If the motorcycle is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred before the personalized plate expires, separate rules determine whether the plate can be moved to another motorcycle or how it is handled. The personalized plate should not be treated as automatically transferring with motorcycle ownership.
How to Display a Louisiana Motorcycle License Plate
Louisiana has specific requirements for motorcycle plate display. The permanent registration plate assigned to a motorcycle must be attached to the rear of the motorcycle. The plate must remain securely attached, clearly visible, and legible so it can serve its identification purpose.
Rear Placement
A permanent motorcycle license plate must be attached to the rear of the motorcycle. Louisiana law permits a rear-fender mounting location when the plate is facing toward the rear. The plate should remain in the required rear position throughout the registration period.
Secure Attachment and Visibility
The plate must be securely fastened so it does not swing and must be positioned at least 12 inches above the ground, measured from the bottom of the plate. It must be placed where it is clearly visible and maintained in a condition that keeps the registration characters clearly legible. These requirements apply to the plate’s position and condition, rather than requiring a particular bracket or mounting hardware.
Plate Obstructions and Coverings
Louisiana law restricts coverings, substances, films, and devices that obscure the numbers, characters, registration information, or issuing jurisdiction shown on a permanent license plate. Keeping the motorcycle plate clean, visible, and unobstructed helps maintain the required identification display.
Louisiana Motorcycle Plate Renewal
The standard Louisiana motorcycle plate currently has a four-year registration period according to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles fee schedule. Renewal keeps the motorcycle’s registration record current after the existing registration reaches its expiration. The renewal process is based on the vehicle’s current registration information rather than issuing a new ownership record.
Four-Year Registration Period
OMV lists the motorcycle plate with a four-year expiration period. Owners should check the current registration certificate or renewal notice for the applicable expiration information.
Renewal Transaction
Louisiana OMV allows eligible vehicle registrations to be renewed online. The process can use the Renewal Identification Number from the renewal notice or information from the current vehicle registration certificate. A renewal notice without a Renewal ID may require assistance from OMV.
Fees and Registration Information
The amount due during a renewal transaction depends on the applicable registration record and charges. Owners should use the current renewal notice or registration information when completing the transaction. Louisiana law requires registered vehicles to maintain the required liability insurance or other qualifying security.
Personalized Plate Renewal
A personalized motorcycle plate has its own annual fee in addition to the regular motor vehicle registration license fee. Louisiana law gives the owner priority for the same personalized combination when the plate is renewed on time.
Motorcycle Plate Transfer in Louisiana
A motorcycle plate transfer and a motorcycle ownership transfer are related but separate registration matters. Louisiana OMV identifies a $3 license transfer fee, and its motorcycle plate policies address transfer situations involving motorcycle owners. The title records ownership, while the registration record identifies the motorcycle associated with the plate.
Transferring a Motorcycle Plate
A plate transfer moves an eligible registration plate under the applicable OMV process. License transfer fee listed by OMV applies when a license transfer transaction is processed. The specific transaction requirements depend on the circumstances and plate type.
Transferring Motorcycle Ownership
Ownership transfer concerns the motorcycle title and the change from one owner to another. A used vehicle transaction generally requires the current certificate of title to be properly assigned to the purchaser, along with the required vehicle application and other applicable documentation. A title transfer does not automatically mean that the existing plate follows the motorcycle or owner.
Moving a Plate to Another Motorcycle
Moving a motorcycle plate from one motorcycle to another is a separate registration transaction. Personalized prestige motorcycle plates have specific statutory transfer rules when an owner replaces one motorcycle with another. For other plates, the applicable OMV classification and transfer requirements determine whether the plate can be moved.
Updating the Registration Record
When ownership or vehicle information changes, the OMV record should reflect the current motorcycle and owner. Keeping the title, registration, and plate information consistent helps maintain accurate motorcycle identification and registration records.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Louisiana Motorcycle License Plate
A lost, stolen, or damaged motorcycle plate should be handled through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles rather than replaced with an unofficial plate. Louisiana OMV maintains a policy category for lost or stolen license plates and validation stickers, and an OMV transaction may be required to update the registration record and obtain the appropriate replacement.
Lost or Stolen Motorcycle Plate
If the motorcycle plate is lost or stolen, the owner should contact OMV and follow the applicable replacement process. The missing plate should not simply be recreated or replaced with a homemade copy. OMV can determine the required transaction based on the registration record and circumstances.
Damaged or Unreadable Plate
A damaged plate that can no longer provide clearly legible identification may require an OMV replacement transaction. Louisiana law requires a permanent registration plate to remain clearly visible and clearly legible, so a severely damaged plate should not be used when its identifying information cannot be read.
Replacement Documentation
Keep the current motorcycle registration information available when contacting OMV. Vehicle identification information and the current plate number can be useful for registration-related transactions. For duplicate or replacement registration requests, OMV lists the VIN or current plate number, vehicle make and model, proof of insurance, and applicable fee among the required information.
Maintaining Correct Identification
The replacement motorcycle plate should correspond with the official registration record. Using an unauthorized substitute can create a mismatch between the motorcycle, registration, and plate identification. OMV can provide the applicable replacement instructions at 225-925-6146.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Louisiana motorcycle license plates, the key details include plate fees, registration duration, placement, and personalization options.
How much is a Louisiana motorcycle license plate?
The current Louisiana OMV fee for a standard motorcycle license plate is $12, and the plate has a four-year expiration period. This is the motorcycle plate fee itself. Other registration costs may apply based on the transaction, such as title, handling, lien, local, or tax charges.
How long is a Louisiana motorcycle registration valid?
A standard Louisiana motorcycle registration and plate period is four years. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles lists the motorcycle plate at $12 with an expiration period of four years. Owners should check their registration record or renewal notice for the applicable expiration date and complete renewal before the registration period ends.
Where does a motorcycle plate go in Louisiana?
Louisiana law requires a permanent registration plate assigned to a motorcycle to be attached to the rear of the motorcycle. The plate must be securely fastened, positioned at least 12 inches from the ground when measured from the bottom of the plate, and kept clearly visible and legible. A rear-fender mounting position is permitted when the plate faces the rear.
Can I personalize a Louisiana motorcycle license plate?
Yes. Louisiana provides special personalized prestige license plates for motorcycles. A motorcycle owner can request a personalized plate in place of the regular registration plate, subject to the state’s requirements and approval process. Personalized motorcycle plates have an additional annual fee, and the requested combination must meet Louisiana’s rules before the plate is issued.
How many characters can be on a personalized motorcycle plate?
A personalized Louisiana motorcycle plate can contain at least two and no more than six letters or numbers under the state’s personalized prestige motorcycle plate law. The requested combination must be available and comply with applicable approval requirements. The six-character limit applies to the motorcycle personalized plate format and gives owners a short space for a name, initials, or other approved combination.