How to become a notary in Louisiana
Notaries in Louisiana are commissioned by the Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Division (commission issued on behalf of the Governor). Here is who can apply, what it takes and what it costs, from the state's own rules, checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a notary in Louisiana?
- At least 18 years old
- Resident citizen or resident alien of Louisiana
- Registered to vote in the parish where you seek a commission
- No felony conviction, unless pardoned
- Able to read, write and speak English
- High school diploma, state-approved home-study diploma, or high school equivalency diploma
What are the Louisiana notary requirements?
| Commissioned by | Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Division (commission issued on behalf of the Governor) |
|---|---|
| Training required | No. No course is required by law; an online pre-assessment ($30) is mandatory but has no passing score. Commissions are for life (per Attorney General Opinion 1940-42), so term_years is null; surety bonds must be renewed every 5 years. |
| Exam required | Yes. Must pass the state notary exam ($100 registration), given at least twice a year. Attorneys licensed in Louisiana are exempt. Pre-assessment must be done 37 days and exam registration 30 days before the exam. |
| Surety bond | $50,000 |
| Application fee | $35 (Application to Qualify); $35 commission filing fee after passing |
| Commission term | See the official page |
| Remote online notarization | Yes: since February 1, 2022 (R.S. 35:621 et seq.), commissioned Louisiana-resident notaries may register for remote online notarization after an online course and quiz, choosing an approved technology provider, and paying a one-time $100 fee. |
Steps to become a notary in Louisiana
- File an Application to Qualify with the Secretary of State online or on paper ($35)
- After approval, complete the mandatory online pre-assessment ($30)
- Register for the state notary exam ($100) and study the official guide
- Pass the state exam (attorneys licensed in Louisiana skip the exam)
- Submit oath of office, official signature, a $50,000 surety or personal surety bond, and the $35 commission filing fee
- Receive your commission for your parish of residence; start notarizing on the commission date
Apply on the official Louisiana site
How do you find a notary in Louisiana?
- Banks, credit unions, shipping stores and law offices often have a notary on staff. Call ahead, because not every branch does.
- A mobile notary travels to you for a travel fee on top of the state's notarization fee.
- Bring a current government photo ID and the unsigned document. Don't sign it until the notary watches you.
- A notary checks your identity and witnesses your signature. They can't give legal advice or tell you what a document means unless they are also a lawyer.
- Check that a notary is commissioned on the official Louisiana notary lookup.