Are You Relocating?
Important Information on Relocating to Baton Rouge
DRIVER’S LICENSE
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Authorities warn that motorists establishing residency in Louisiana have only 30 days to get their vehicles registered and only 90 days to get their Louisiana driver’s license. You must present two forms of identification (utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage stub, cable television bills, social security card, W-2, or voter registration. Cal (225) 922-1175 for more information or visit the Office of Motor Vehicles at 7701 Independence Boulevard between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Newcomers take an eye test after presenting his or her former valid out-of-state driver’s license and two other forms of identification. If the license is expired, a written examination must be taken. Licenses are valid for 4 years and the cost is approximately $18- 48. No personal checks are accepted.
Driving tests are not given after 5:30 p.m., when streets are wet, or when headlights are required.
License plates are also obtained through the Office of Motor Vehicles. The cost of the plate is determined by the blue book value of the car and varies with the individual vehicle.
Inspection
Inspection stickers must be renewed yearly (for a $13.00 charge) at service stations designated by the orange “Louisiana Inspection Station” signs. However, your inspection sticker from the previous state is valid until it expires. You will need a valid Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana registration certificate, and a Louisiana license plate. The driver also must provide proof of liability insurance, which must be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Registration
Newcomers in the Baton Rouge area should take their vehicle registration papers, proof of liability insurance, and title issued from the state in which they previously resided to the Office of Motor Vehicles at 7701 Independence Boulevard and fill out an application for a Louisiana Title. The applicant is given license plates and registration papers. The title is mailed about 5 days later.
Car Taxes
Payment of a sales tax also may be necessary. The newcomer must pay or may get a credit for the difference in sales tax, if any, between his or her former state. Louisiana sales tax is 4% and individual city and parish taxes are added to that in many areas. Baton Rougeans pay a $24 fee plus an 8% tax. The tax is applied only to 75% of the current retail value on the vehicle as listed in the National Automobile Dealers Association and used car guide or “blue book”.
Voter Registration
Ease Baton Rouge Parish residents should bring driver’s license or utility bill with name and address on it to the Registrar of Voters Office, second floor, Governmental Building, 222 St. Louis Street. Residents of other parishes need to go to their respective courthouses. No period of residency is required.
Property Taxes
Baton Rouge’ property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. The first $75,000 of a residence’s value is tax exempt under the homestead exemption. To register for it, stop by the Parish Assessor’s Office in the Governmental Building, 222 St. Louis Street, during normal, weekday business hours.
