Louisiana: titling an imported car

Louisiana OMV Policy 41.00 says grey-market vehicles cannot be titled until Customs entry is proven and must be converted to U.S. standards.

Sources checked 2026-10-17. Not legal advice; rules change.

At a glance

• Import ease (where verified): Official sources state barriers or hold-ups for typical 25-year imports. OMV policy says grey-market vehicles must be converted to comply with U.S. standards and does not mention an age exemption.
• Kei / mini-truck: No kei or mini-truck rule found in the sources read. No kei or mini-truck rule found in the official pages read.

What the official sources say

1. OMV Policy 41.00 (revised 05/17/2024): grey-market vehicles (made overseas for other countries and not meeting state and federal emission-control and safety standards) cannot be titled or registered until documents verify proper importation through U.S. Customs, and 'must be converted to comply with U.S. standards.'
   Source: Louisiana OMV Policy 41.00: Imported and Grey Market Vehicles
2. All imported or grey-market vehicles not previously registered in the U.S. need: Vehicle Application DPSMV1799, proof of current insurance, a copy of the security agreement if applicable, and an original DOT Highway Safety Form 7 (HS-7).
   Source: Louisiana OMV Policy 41.00
3. Vehicles imported from countries other than Canada also need: the original foreign title/registration or manufacturer's statement of origin; original bill of sale if applicable; one accepted U.S. Customs form showing entry (CF 368, 3299, 3311, 3461, 3461 ALT, 6059B, 7501 or 7523); original EPA Form 3520; and an affidavit of physical inspection by a full-time POST-certified law-enforcement officer certified by State Police to inspect motor vehicles.
   Source: Louisiana OMV Policy 41.00
4. Fees listed: title, handling, license plate, mortgage recordation if applicable, and sales/use tax.
   Source: Louisiana OMV Policy 41.00

Not verified (do not rely on ImportClock for these)

• The policy does not mention the 25-year exemption; how Louisiana treats an HS-7 Box 1 vehicle that cannot be 'converted' was not found.
• No kei or mini-truck rule was checked.
• Fee amounts were not listed on the policy page.

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