Judgments of Ownership – Movable Property in Louisiana

1. General Authority of Justice of the Peace Courts

• La. CCP Art. 4912 allows Justice of the Peace (JP) courts to handle suits over possession or ownership of movable property.

• JP courts can issue judgments of ownership, but these must be recognized by the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

• Judgments of ownership are not a substitute for a legal transfer of title.

2. What Counts as Ownership?

• Under Civil Code, ownership involves direct, immediate, and exclusive control of a thing.

• Ownership typically comes from:

  • Sale (with bill of sale)

  • Donation (act of donation)

• For titled movables (like cars), a proper title transfer is mandatory, usually requiring:

  • Notarized title

  • Notarized bill of sale or act of donation

3. Common Situations Needing Judgment of Ownership

• Buyer receives only a bill of sale or improperly filled title.

• Seller disappears, and title is not transferred.

• Vehicle valued under $5,000 is required for JP involvement.

4. Pre-Approval Process by OMV

To pursue a JP court judgment:

• Must first obtain a Form 3515 (Physical Inspection) from law enforcement (usually LA State Troopers).

• Vehicle must be insured if driven for inspection.

• Form 3515 verifies:

  • VIN

  • Vehicle description

  • Whether it’s stolen

• Bring the form and all supporting documents to the JP.

• JP sends the full package to OMV for review and investigation (~30 days).

• OMV may require:

  • Certified letters to prior owners

  • Lien release

  • Out-of-state title checks

5. Outcome of JP Judgment

• If OMV approves:

  • JP issues a Judgment of Ownership.

  • Applicant pays court filing fees.

  • Use judgment to obtain title and plate at OMV.

  • Sales tax, penalties, and insurance proof required.

6. Abandoned Vehicles: What You Cannot Do

• No law allows you to “claim” a titled vehicle as abandoned property.

• Cannot simply take possession—no “finders keepers” rule.

• Only path is Acquisitive Prescription:

  • 3-year rule: Good faith possession + act of transfer (e.g., bill of sale)

  • 10-year rule: Possession alone, no title or good faith required

7. Car Repair Shops & Unclaimed Vehicles

• Have a mechanic’s lien (possessory privilege) but not automatic ownership.

• Must sue the owner and have the lien recognized.

• Problems:

  • Unknown or absentee owners

  • Court can’t just give the vehicle to the shop

  • Car’s value might exceed the cost of repairs

• Alternative: Use the Louisiana Towing and Storage Act (La. R.S. 32:1711 et seq.) to:

  • Sell or obtain title

  • Must follow proper notice and documentation procedures

Important Items 

• Do not purchase a titled vehicle without a valid, notarized title.

• If already purchased, start by gathering all paperwork and a Form 3515.

• Use a Justice of the Peace only when all other avenues fail.

• Never try to claim an abandoned vehicle without going through OMV or towing protocols.

Would you like a downloadable summary or a fillable checklist to guide someone through the process?