The Louisiana Act of Donation of a Movable (DPSMV1699) is the official Office of Motor Vehicles document you use to give a vehicle or other movable property to another person as a gift, with no money changing hands. The donor (the person giving) signs it before a notary public and two witnesses, the donee (the person receiving) accepts the gift, and the form becomes the legal proof of ownership the donee needs to title and register the vehicle.
This form turns a friendly “I want you to have my car” into a legal transfer the state will recognize. Get a field wrong, skip the notary, or miss the 15-day liability deadline, and the donee may be stuck at the Office of Motor Vehicles without a clean title while the donor stays on the hook for the vehicle. Louisiana OMV processes hundreds of thousands of title transfers each year, and donation transfers are among the most common reasons a title gets rejected for a missing notary seal or a blank value line.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 🚗 What the Act of Donation does and who must sign it
- 📋 The exact documents and numbers to gather before you start
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every field on DPSMV1699
- 👨👩👧 Three real donation scenarios filled out start to finish
- ⚠️ The costly mistakes that get donation titles rejected
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Act of Donation of a Movable is a sworn legal document issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles. A “movable” in Louisiana law means property that can be moved, and for OMV purposes that almost always means a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, trailer, or boat. The form records that the donor owns the property free of debt, gives it away on purpose, and that the donee accepts it.
You must use this form any time ownership of a titled vehicle changes hands with no payment. The most common situations are a parent giving a paid-off car to an adult child, one spouse putting a vehicle in the other’s name, a grandparent gifting a vehicle to a grandchild, or a friend handing a vehicle to a friend. Charities that receive donated cars also rely on a version of this transfer to take ownership.
Louisiana donations are governed by the Louisiana Civil Code, including Civil Code Article 1541 on the form of donations and the manual gift rules in Article 1543. In plain English, the law says a donation of this kind must be in proper written form and accepted by the donee to be valid. The consequence of ignoring this rule is serious: a verbal “the car is yours” with no signed, notarized form gives the donee no legal ownership, so OMV will not title the vehicle in their name. For example, when Renee told her nephew he could keep her old Honda but never signed an Act of Donation, he could not register it and had to track Renee down a year later to sign the form. A common misconception is that handing over the keys and the old title is enough, when in truth the state needs this signed document to record the gift.
The agency that receives the form is OMV. The deadline that governs the donor is the 15-day Notice of Transfer rule, and the penalty for ignoring it is continued legal liability for the vehicle. Each piece connects: the Act of Donation proves the gift, OMV records the new owner, the Civil Code makes the gift valid, and the Notice of Transfer protects the donor.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather everything below before you open the form. A donation transfer stalls fast when one number is missing, and a second trip to the notary or OMV costs time and money. Here is your pre-filing checklist.
- The original vehicle title. This proves the donor owns the vehicle; without it, OMV cannot transfer ownership and you may need a duplicate title first.
- The donor’s full legal name and address. OMV cross-checks this against the title, and a mismatch holds up the transfer.
- The donee’s full legal name and address. This is the name the new title will print, so an error here means a corrected title later.
- The vehicle’s make, model, and year. These describe the gift on the form and must match the title exactly.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is the unique 17-character code that ties the form to the exact vehicle; one wrong digit can void the transfer.
- The current odometer reading. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old, and a missing reading blocks the title.
- The fair value of the vehicle. OMV needs a dollar value even though no money changes hands, and a blank value line gets the form rejected.
- The relationship between donor and donee. This supports the tax exemption for gifts and confirms the transfer is truly a donation.
- A photo ID for both parties. OMV requires a valid driver’s license or state ID for the new owner, and notaries require ID to notarize signatures.
- Proof of insurance for the donee. Louisiana requires liability coverage before issuing a license plate, so the donee should have a policy ready.
Having accurate information ready protects the gift’s tax-free status. Donations between family members are exempt from Louisiana road usage (sales) tax, but only when the paperwork clearly shows a true donation, so accuracy here directly saves money.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Act of Donation of a Movable is hosted on the Louisiana DPS document portal, and you can view and print the current DPSMV1699 form PDF at no cost. This is the version OMV recognizes, and it is the one you should use rather than a random copy from a search result. The form is short and fits on a single page.
You can also pick up the form at any OMV field office or at a licensed Public Tag Agent location. Many notaries and title services in Louisiana keep copies on hand and will print one for you when you come in to sign. Because the form must be notarized, getting it from a notary office is often the simplest path.
The form on the official PDF does not print a revision date or a separate version number beyond the DPSMV1699 label in its header, so confirm you are using the copy hosted on the official DPS portal. A common point of confusion is the number DPSMV1696, which is the Affidavit of Heirship, a different form used when the owner has died. Do not mix the two. If the registered owner is deceased, the heirs use the Affidavit of Heirship, not the Act of Donation, and using the wrong form will get the transfer kicked back. The plain-English point is simple: DPSMV1699 is for a living donor giving a gift, and DPSMV1696 is for confirming ownership after a death.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Act of Donation of a Movable Line by Line
The form is filled out by hand and signed in front of a notary and two witnesses, so do not sign it at home and assume you are done. Work through each field in the order it appears on DPSMV1699. Print clearly in black ink and use all capital letters for names so the entries are easy to read.
Parish
This top line asks which Louisiana parish you are signing the form in. Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties, so write the parish where the notary is located, not where the vehicle is kept. Marcus signs his form in Baton Rouge, so he writes EAST BATON ROUGE on the parish line.
If the donor and donee live in different parishes, use the parish where the form is actually being notarized, because the notary’s commission is tied to a parish and state. A common mistake is leaving this blank because it feels minor, but a missing parish makes the notarization look incomplete and can cause OMV to question the document. The misconception here is that parish must match the donee’s home address, when it only needs to match where the signing happens.
Donor
This field asks for the full legal name of the person giving away the vehicle. Write the donor’s complete name exactly as it appears on the current title, in all capital letters. Janet Boudreaux, who is donating her paid-off Toyota to her daughter, writes JANET MARIE BOUDREAUX on the Donor line.
If the title lists two owners, both must be named as donors and both must sign, because each co-owner holds an ownership interest. The most common mistake is writing a nickname or shortened name like “Jan” instead of the legal name, which creates a mismatch with the title and triggers a hold while OMV sorts out whether these are the same person. A widespread misconception is that the donor can use their current name even if they changed it since the title was issued; in that case, OMV may ask for proof of the name change, so matching the title is safest.
Donee
This field asks for the full legal name of the person receiving the vehicle as a gift. Write the donee’s complete legal name in all capital letters, since this is the name that will appear on the new title and registration. Janet’s daughter is named on the form as ALICIA RENEE BOUDREAUX.
If the donee wants two names on the new title, such as a married couple, list both donees here and have both accept and sign. The most common mistake is misspelling the donee’s name, which carries straight onto the new title and forces a costly correction later. The misconception people hold is that the donee’s name can be added or changed at the OMV counter; in reality, the notarized form controls, so any change after notarization may require re-signing the whole document.
Movable Property Description: Make, Model, Year, and VIN
This section asks you to describe the exact vehicle being donated using four pieces of information printed across the line: Make, Model, Year, and VIN. Copy each one directly from the vehicle title, not from memory. For a 2018 Toyota Camry, Janet writes TOYOTA under Make, CAMRY under Model, 2018 under Year, and the full 17-character VIN such as 4T1B11HK5JU123456 under VIN.
The VIN is the single most important entry on the entire form because it is how OMV ties the donation to one specific vehicle. If you are donating something other than a car, such as a trailer or boat, still enter the make, model, year, and identifying number exactly as the title shows. The most common and most damaging mistake is transposing or dropping a digit in the VIN, which can void the transfer and force you back to the notary to redo the form. A frequent misconception is that the license plate number can stand in for the VIN; it cannot, because plates move between vehicles while the VIN never changes.
Relationship Between Donor and Donee
This line asks how the donor and donee are related to each other. State the relationship plainly, such as PARENT TO CHILD, HUSBAND TO WIFE, GRANDPARENT TO GRANDCHILD, or FRIEND. Janet writes MOTHER TO DAUGHTER on this line.
This entry matters because OMV uses it to support the tax exemption for gifts; donations are not charged Louisiana road usage tax, and a clear family relationship helps confirm the transfer is a true donation rather than a disguised sale. If the parties are not related, you can still write FRIEND or NO RELATION, and the donation is still valid. The common mistake is leaving this blank, which can prompt OMV to question whether tax is owed and delay the title. The misconception is that only family members can donate a vehicle, when in fact anyone can be a donee, though non-family gifts may draw closer review.
Value of the Movable Property
This field asks for the dollar value of the vehicle being donated. Enter a realistic fair market value, not zero, even though no money is changing hands. Janet researches her Camry’s value and writes $12,000 on the value line.
OMV needs a value on record for the vehicle even on a tax-free gift, and a reasonable figure keeps the transfer moving. You can base the value on a common pricing guide for the year, make, and model. The most common mistake is writing $0 or leaving the line blank, which gets the form rejected because the state will not record a vehicle with no stated value. A stubborn misconception is that a low or zero value reduces fees; it does not change the flat title fee, and an unrealistic value can instead flag the form for review.
Lien and Encumbrance Warranty
This part is a pre-printed statement, not a blank to fill in, where the donor warrants there are no mortgages, liens, or encumbrances against the vehicle. By signing, the donor swears the vehicle is owned free and clear. Janet’s Camry is fully paid off, so this warranty is true and she can sign with confidence.
This clause protects the donee from inheriting a debt attached to the vehicle. If the vehicle still has a loan against it, you cannot honestly make this warranty, and you must pay off the loan and obtain a lien release before donating. The most serious mistake is signing this warranty while a lien still exists, which is a false sworn statement and can void the donation and expose the donor to legal trouble. The misconception is that the donee can “take over” the loan through this form; the Act of Donation does not transfer a loan, and the lender must release the lien first.
Date of Signing
This field asks for the day, month, and year the form is signed. Write the date you actually sign in front of the notary, using the format day, month, then year. If Janet signs on March 14, 2026, she writes 14 day of MARCH, 20 26.
The signing date should match the day the notary applies the seal, since notarization confirms the signature happened on that date. The most common mistake is post-dating or back-dating the form to match the day the keys were handed over, which creates a conflict with the notary’s records. The misconception is that the date can be left for the notary to fill in later; the donor should date it at signing so everything lines up.
Witness Signatures and Printed Names
This form has two witness lines, and each asks for a witness signature and printed name. Two competent adult witnesses must watch the donor and donee sign and then sign themselves. Janet’s two neighbors, DAVID CORMIER and SARAH LEBLANC, watch the signing and print and sign their names on the witness lines.
Witnesses confirm the signatures are genuine, which is why Louisiana requires two for this authentic act. A witness should be a neutral adult and ideally not the donee. The most common mistake is using only one witness or skipping witnesses entirely, which makes the act invalid and gets it rejected at OMV. The misconception is that the notary can also count as a witness; the notary’s role is separate, so you still need two distinct witnesses plus the notary.
Donor Signature and Printed Name
This field asks the donor to sign and print their name to complete the gift. The donor signs here, in front of the notary and witnesses, to swear the donation is voluntary and the warranty is true. Janet signs her name and prints JANET MARIE BOUDREAUX.
The donor’s signature is what legally gives away ownership, so it must match the name written in the Donor field above. The most common mistake is the donor signing at home before reaching the notary, which the notary cannot accept because the law requires the signature to happen in their presence. The misconception is that a typed or stamped signature is acceptable; OMV needs an original ink signature made at the notarization.
Donee Signature and Printed Name
This field asks the donee to sign and print their name to accept the gift. Acceptance is required for a donation to be valid, so the donee must sign in the notary’s presence too. Alicia signs and prints ALICIA RENEE BOUDREAUX to accept her mother’s Camry.
Without the donee’s acceptance signature, the law does not consider the donation complete, even if the donor signed. The most common mistake is the donee not being present at signing, which forces a second notary appointment. The misconception is that the donee can accept later by just registering the vehicle; the acceptance belongs on this form at signing.
Notary Signature, Printed Name, and Notary ID
This final block asks the notary public to sign, print their name, and enter their Notary ID number. The notary witnesses all signatures, confirms the identities of the parties, and applies their seal. The notary signs, prints their name, and writes their commission ID, for example LA NOTARY ID 98765, completing the act.
Notarization is what turns the document into a sworn legal act OMV will accept. In Louisiana, a notary has broad authority, and this seal is non-negotiable for the transfer. The most common and most fatal mistake is submitting the form with no notary signature or ID, which is an automatic rejection. The misconception is that any signature makes the form official; without the notary block completed, the Act of Donation has no legal force.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three of the most common donation situations, each followed start to finish so you can see what goes on the form.
Scenario 1: Parent donates a paid-off car to an adult child. Janet Boudreaux gives her 2018 Toyota Camry to her daughter Alicia.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Parish | EAST BATON ROUGE |
| Donor | JANET MARIE BOUDREAUX |
| Donee | ALICIA RENEE BOUDREAUX |
| Make / Model / Year | TOYOTA / CAMRY / 2018 |
| VIN | 4T1B11HK5JU123456 |
| Relationship | MOTHER TO DAUGHTER |
| Value | $12,000 |
| Date Signed | 14 MARCH 2026 |
| Donor Signature | JANET MARIE BOUDREAUX |
| Donee Signature | ALICIA RENEE BOUDREAUX |
Scenario 2: Spouse-to-spouse donation. Marcus Hebert moves his 2020 Ford F-150 into his wife Tara’s name.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Parish | LAFAYETTE |
| Donor | MARCUS PAUL HEBERT |
| Donee | TARA NICOLE HEBERT |
| Make / Model / Year | FORD / F-150 / 2020 |
| VIN | 1FTEW1EP7LFA12345 |
| Relationship | HUSBAND TO WIFE |
| Value | $28,500 |
| Date Signed | 02 APRIL 2026 |
| Donor Signature | MARCUS PAUL HEBERT |
| Donee Signature | TARA NICOLE HEBERT |
Scenario 3: Donation to a non-relative friend. Renee Thibodeaux gives her older 2012 Honda Civic to her friend Devon.
| Form Section | What Renee Enters |
|---|---|
| Parish | ORLEANS |
| Donor | RENEE ANN THIBODEAUX |
| Donee | DEVON MICHAEL CARTER |
| Make / Model / Year | HONDA / CIVIC / 2012 |
| VIN | 2HGFB2F50CH123456 |
| Relationship | FRIEND |
| Value | $5,500 |
| Date Signed | 20 MAY 2026 |
| Donor Signature | RENEE ANN THIBODEAUX |
| Donee Signature | DEVON MICHAEL CARTER |
In all three cases, the donor signs, the donee accepts, two witnesses sign, and the notary completes the seal. Because Devon is not related to Renee, OMV may look more closely at the transfer, but the donation is still valid as a true gift.
How to File the Completed Form
The Act of Donation does not get filed by itself; it goes to OMV together with the assigned title and a Vehicle Application (DPSMV1799) so the donee can get a new title and plate. The title must also be signed over and notarized. You cannot complete this transfer fully online, so plan to use one of the in-person channels below.
In person at an OMV field office. Bring the notarized Act of Donation, the notarized title, the completed DPSMV1799, both parties’ photo IDs, proof of insurance, and payment. The core fees are a $68.50 title fee, an $8.00 handling fee, and a possible $6.00 local fee, plus the license plate fee, per the OMV used title fees. OMV offices accept cash, check, money order, and most cards. Processing the title typically takes a few weeks to arrive by mail, and you should keep your stamped receipt as proof of filing.
At a Public Tag Agent. Licensed tag agents and title services process the same transfer, often faster, but charge an added convenience fee on top of the state fees, frequently up to about $23 per transaction. Payment methods vary by office. Keep the agent’s receipt and any temporary documents as your proof of filing.
By mail to OMV Headquarters. You can mail the notarized donation, assigned title, DPSMV1799, ID copies, insurance proof, and a check to the Office of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 64886, Baton Rouge, LA 70896. Mailed transfers take longer to process, so send copies of everything and keep certified-mail proof.
Notice of Transfer for the donor. Separately, the donor should file the Notice of Transfer of Vehicle online to release liability. This step is free, takes minutes, and is the donor’s proof they no longer hold the vehicle.
What Happens After You File
Once OMV accepts the donation package, it records the donee as the new legal owner and issues a new Certificate of Title in the donee’s name, usually mailed within a few weeks. If the donee also applied for a plate and registration, those are issued so the donee can drive the vehicle legally. The donee should review the new title carefully and report any spelling or VIN error right away.
For the donor, filing the Notice of Transfer creates a state record that they no longer own the vehicle, which releases them from liability for tickets, accidents, and registration tied to it. This is governed by Louisiana Revised Statutes 47:510, which requires any person transferring a vehicle to notify the commissioner within 15 days. The consequence of skipping this step is real: if the donee runs a red-light camera or abandons the vehicle, the donor’s name is still attached. For example, when Renee donated her Civic to Devon but never filed the notice, a toll violation came back to her months later. The misconception is that signing the title alone protects the donor, when only the Notice of Transfer creates that protective record.
The donor should not cancel insurance until after the vehicle is picked up and the Notice of Transfer is filed. Canceling coverage too early leaves a gap that can cause problems if anything happens before the transfer is recorded.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each field on this short form is a chance for a costly error. Watch for these.
- Signing the form before reaching the notary. The notary cannot accept a signature made outside their presence, so the form is void.
- Using only one witness or no witnesses. The act requires two witnesses, and missing them makes it invalid.
- Leaving the notary ID or signature blank. OMV rejects any donation without a completed notary block.
- Writing $0 or leaving the value line empty. OMV will not record a vehicle with no stated value.
- Entering the wrong or incomplete VIN. A single wrong digit can void the transfer and require a new form.
- Using a nickname instead of the legal name. A mismatch with the title triggers a processing hold.
- Misspelling the donee’s name. The error prints onto the new title and forces a correction.
- Signing the lien warranty with a loan still open. This is a false sworn statement and can void the gift.
- Confusing DPSMV1699 with DPSMV1696. The heirship form is for deceased owners and will be rejected for a living gift.
- Forgetting the odometer disclosure for a newer vehicle. Vehicles under 10 years old need it, and the title stalls without it.
- Skipping the DPSMV1799 vehicle application. Without it, OMV cannot issue the new title.
- Missing the 15-day Notice of Transfer deadline. The donor stays legally liable for the vehicle.
Do’s and Don’ts
A few simple habits keep a donation transfer smooth.
Do’s
- Do match every name and the VIN to the title, because OMV cross-checks them and a mismatch causes delays.
- Do sign in front of the notary and two witnesses, since the law requires it for a valid act.
- Do enter a realistic vehicle value, so the form is accepted without extra review.
- Do pay off any loan and get a lien release first, because the warranty must be true.
- Do file the Notice of Transfer within 15 days, to release the donor from liability.
- Do keep copies of every document and receipt, as your proof of filing.
Don’ts
- Don’t hand over keys without a signed, notarized form, because the donee cannot title the vehicle without it.
- Don’t write a zero value to dodge fees, since the flat title fee does not change and zero gets rejected.
- Don’t cancel insurance before the vehicle is picked up, to avoid a dangerous coverage gap.
- Don’t use the Affidavit of Heirship for a living donor, because it is the wrong form.
- Don’t let the donee accept “later”, since acceptance belongs on the form at signing.
- Don’t guess the VIN from the plate, because plates change and the VIN does not.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many donors complete this form themselves, while others use a notary or title service. Here is how the two paths compare.
Pros of filing on your own
- It costs less, since you avoid service convenience fees.
- You control the timing, signing whenever your notary is available.
- The form is short, so a careful donor can complete it without help.
- You learn the process, which helps for future transfers.
- You deal directly with OMV, keeping the paperwork in your hands.
Cons of filing on your own
- You must find your own notary and two witnesses, which takes coordination.
- A small error can mean rejection, costing a second trip.
- You handle the DPSMV1799 and title assignment yourself, with no one to check it.
- OMV lines can be long, eating up your day.
- You carry the risk of missing the 15-day notice, leaving you liable.
Pros of using a Public Tag Agent or title service
- They check the form for errors, reducing rejection risk.
- They often process faster, sometimes same day.
- They prepare the full package, including the DPSMV1799.
- They keep notaries on staff, so signing is one stop.
- They guide first-time donors, which lowers stress.
Cons of using a service
- You pay a convenience fee, often up to about $23 per transaction.
- You travel to their office, on their schedule.
- Quality varies between offices, so reputation matters.
- You still gather your own documents, like the title and IDs.
- It can feel less hands-on, since someone else handles the paperwork.
Act of Donation vs. Affidavit of Heirship
These two OMV forms get confused because they both transfer vehicle ownership, but they apply to very different situations.
| Act of Donation (DPSMV1699) | Affidavit of Heirship (DPSMV1696) |
|---|---|
| Used when a living owner gives a vehicle as a gift | Used when the registered owner has died |
| Donor and donee both sign | Eligible heirs sign |
| Requires notary and two witnesses | Requires notary and supporting death documents |
| Records a voluntary gift | Confirms inherited ownership interest |
FAQs
Is the Act of Donation of a Movable the same as DPSMV1699? Yes. DPSMV1699 is the official OMV number for the Act of Donation of a Movable. Use the copy hosted on the official Louisiana DPS document portal.
Do I have to get the form notarized? Yes. The form must be signed before a notary public, and the title must be notarized too. Without the notary seal, OMV will reject the transfer.
Do I need two witnesses to sign? Yes. Louisiana requires two competent adult witnesses to watch the signing and sign the witness lines. Missing witnesses make the act invalid.
Do I write the donor’s nickname or full legal name in the Donor field? No. Always use the donor’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the title. A nickname creates a mismatch and triggers a processing hold.
Do I have to enter a dollar value if the car is a gift? Yes. You must enter a realistic value even though no money changes hands. A blank or $0 value gets the form rejected.
Do I write the VIN or the license plate number in the description? No. Use the 17-character VIN from the title, not the plate number. Plates move between vehicles, but the VIN never changes.
Do gifts between family members owe Louisiana sales tax? No. A true donation is exempt from Louisiana road usage tax. The relationship line on the form helps support that exemption.
Do I owe any OMV fees on a donated vehicle? Yes. You still pay the $68.50 title fee, $8.00 handling fee, and possible local and plate fees, even though the transfer is tax-free.
Do I list the relationship if the donee is just a friend? Yes. Write FRIEND or NO RELATION on the relationship line. Anyone can be a donee, though non-family gifts may draw closer OMV review.
Do I file the form online? No. The notarized donation and title must be submitted in person, by mail, or through a Public Tag Agent. Only the donor’s Notice of Transfer is filed online.
Do I have to file a Notice of Transfer if I sign the title over? Yes. The donor must file the Notice of Transfer within 15 days to release liability. Signing the title alone does not protect the donor.
Do I use this form if the vehicle owner has died? No. Use the Affidavit of Heirship (DPSMV1696) when the owner is deceased. The Act of Donation is only for a living donor.
Do I need an odometer reading on a newer vehicle? Yes. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. A missing reading will stall the new title.
Do both the donor and donee have to be present to sign? Yes. Both must sign in the notary’s presence, since the donor gives and the donee accepts. A donee who signs later forces a second appointment.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out the Arkansas DFA Application for Duplicate Title + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Arkansas DFA Vehicle Registration Application (Form 10-381) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Louisiana OMV Application for Certificate of Title (DPSMV 1799) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Louisiana OMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form DPSMV 1799): A Step-by-Step Guide + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Louisiana OMV Vehicle Registration Application (Form DPSMV 1799) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Vermont DMV Application for Duplicate Title + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Delaware DMV Application for Duplicate Title (Form MV213) + FAQs