Title Check: what a Louisiana car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Louisiana
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage | Total loss in an insurance claim: damage of 75% or more of market value per the most current NADA guide (R.S. 32:702(14)). The insurer or owner must apply for the salvage title within 30 days of the settlement. It cannot be driven until rebuilt, inspected by OMV and issued a reconstructed title (§ 32:707). | Not a car to drive; a project. Only at a project price. |
| Reconstructed | It was salvage, was repaired and passed the OMV inspection with bills of sale for the major parts. The title reads "RECONSTRUCTED" (§ 32:707). It cannot be used as a taxi or public passenger carrier. | Can be a good buy if the repair was serious. Ask for the parts list the rebuilder filed with OMV (form DPSMV 1635, Reconstructed Parts List, which names every major part and who it was bought from) and photos of the original damage. |
| Water damage | The power train, computer or electrical system suffered water damage, even if it did not reach salvage (§ 32:707(O)). Louisiana denies a title to out-of-state cars with water damage (§ 32:707(E)). | For most buyers: no. If you still consider it, a full electrical inspection. |
| Certificate of destruction | A car flood-damaged in a disaster declared by the governor, with the power train, computer or electrical system damaged, and declared a total loss. It can never be titled or registered again for road use, and it cannot be resold as a retail unit: parts or scrap only (§ 32:707.3(C)). Violating that section is a misdemeanor: a $500 to $5,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both (§ 32:707.3(F)). The definition leaves out antique vehicles and vehicles over 20,000 lb GVWR (§ 32:702(5)). | Never as a road car. If someone offers it with a plate, it is illegal. |
| Hail damage | Cosmetic hail damage (glass, paint, dents) of 75% or more of value. It is not declared salvage, but the title carries a hail brand (§ 32:702(14)). | Check whether paint and glass were repaired. Price by real condition. Confirm with your insurer first. |
| Manufacturer buyback (lemon) | The maker bought it back because it did not conform to its warranty and was not fixed within the time the law allows. R.S. 51:1945.1 requires the notice on the title. In a covered sale or title transfer by a manufacturer, its agent or a dealer, the manufacturer must also execute and deliver written notice in 10-point all-capital type. Do not automatically extend this specific notice duty to a private seller. Read the title, investigate the defect and consider the other applicable remedies described in this guide. | Ask what the defect was and whether it was corrected. Ask for the written notice before signing. |
| Glider kit · Assembled vehicle · Kit car | It did not leave the factory this way; OMV has its own disclosure form for these vehicles (DPSMV1804, Disclosure of Glider Kit / Assembled Vehicle / Kit Car). It may be well built, but it is not the catalog car. | Different value and insurance. Confirm with your insurer first. |
| Bonded title (from another state) | This is not a Louisiana brand but another state's: a title issued against a surety bond because the owner could not prove ownership. OMV will not accept an out-of-state title branded "Bonded Title" or "Bonded Vehicle Title" to issue any kind of Louisiana title (OMV Policy 2.00). | Do not buy one to bring into Louisiana: you end up with a car you cannot title or plate here. |
The law protects you, if you use it
Brands (salvage, reconstructed, water damage, hail, buyback) are written on the Louisiana title, so read it in full before paying. For a covered buyback sale or title transfer by a manufacturer, its agent or a dealer, R.S. 51:1945.1 requires the manufacturer's written notice; a dealer who fails to deliver the required notice faces a $500 to $1,000 fine. Do not apply that specific notice duty automatically to every private sale. Hiding a defect can be challenged under redhibition (Civil Code arts. 2520–2548) and as a deceptive practice (LUTPA, R.S. 51:1401).
How to review the title and available history
- OMV: check which title records are available and how to request them.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- La. R.S. 32:702 — Definitions (salvage title, total loss, hail)
- La. R.S. 32:707 — Salvage title, reconstructed title, water damage brand
- La. R.S. 32:707.3 — Certificates of destruction
- La. R.S. 51:1945.1 — Mandatory disclosure of nonconformity (buyback)
- Louisiana OMV — Vehicle Title and Registration Forms
- Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission — Louisiana Consumer Protection Laws
- OMV form DPSMV 1635 — Reconstructed Parts List
- OMV form DPSMV1804 — Disclosure of Glider Kit / Assembled Vehicle / Kit Car
- OMV form DPSMV 1637 — Application for a Salvage-Reconstructed Motor Vehicle
- Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission — Licensee Lookup (used-car dealers)
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.