A Louisiana resident can become a Notary Public by taking the following steps.
About the Louisiana Notary Process
Louisiana Notaries are issued lifetime commissions. Currently, non-attorney Notaries continue their commissions by filing a $50,000 surety bond with the Secretary of State every five years.
Cost to Become an LA Notary
The cost to become a Notary in Louisiana ranges between $310 and $450.
| Expense |
Cost |
| Application to qualify |
$35 |
| Notary exam pre-assessment |
$30 |
| Exam registration |
$100 |
| Surety bond |
$110 - $250 |
| Commission filing fee |
$35 |
| Total Cost |
$310 - $450 |
Commission Processing Time
The commissioning process can be lengthy in Louisiana due to the application steps and time needed to prepare for the exam.
Louisiana Notary Public Requirements
Eligibility
There are basic qualifications for a person to become a Notary in Louisiana. Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a resident citizen or alien of the state
- Be a registered voter in the parish in which you're applying
- Be able to read, write and speak English
- Have received a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have no felony convictions unless they have been pardoned
Application
Complete the Application to Qualify on the Secretary of State's website and pay the $35 application fee.
Pre-Assessment
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification to register online for the mandatory Notary exam pre-assessment. Allow up to seven business days for the pre-assessment to be graded. You must both qualify and complete the pre-assessment at least 37 days before taking the exam.
Exam
Non-attorney applicants must pass an exam to become a Notary in Louisiana. Attorneys are exempt from the exam requirement.
After receiving your pre-assessment score, you may register online for the state Notary exam. The exam registration and $100 fee must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam date.
Surety Bond
Louisiana law currently requires all non-attorney Notaries to file a Notary surety bond or personal surety in the amount of $50,000 with the Secretary of State. A Notary surety bond must be filed with the Secretary of State every five years, as long as you maintain your Notary commission. Personal surety bonds must be recorded by the parish clerk of court and expire at the death of the surety.
Oath of Office
There are two oath of office forms you’ll need to execute.
You will submit one oath of office form to the Secretary of State. You must then file a duplicate oath of office form with your parish Clerk of Court within one month after the oath is administered.
Louisiana Notary Public FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about being an LA Notary.
Which state government office handles Notaries?
The Office of the Secretary of State, located in Baton Rouge, LA, issues Notary Public commissions.
Is training required to become a Louisiana Notary?
Training is not required for Louisiana Notaries, but it is recommended by the state.
How can I prepare for the Notary exam?
What Notary supplies do I need?
A Notary seal is not required by the state, but the following information must be typed, printed or stamped on every notarized document:
- Your name as it appears on your commission
- Your Notary identification number, or state bar number if you are a licensed attorney
- The words "Notary Public"
Another optional, but strongly recommended supply, is a Notary journal to keep a record of all your notarizations.
Where will I be able to notarize?
Non-attorney Notaries may notarize anywhere in their parish. An attorney licensed to practice law in Louisiana who obtains a Notary commission has statewide jurisdiction.
Who can I notarize for?
You can notarize for everyone, excluding yourself. You cannot notarize your own signature, nor can you notarize documents you are named in or would benefit from.
Louisiana law doesn't specifically prohibit notarizing for a spouse or relative or for a spouse's business. If you perform notarizations as part of your employment, your employer may limit the notarizations you perform during your work hours.
How much can LA Notaries charge per notarization?
Louisiana Notaries may charge a reasonable fee per notarial act.
While the Secretary of State does not set a maximum fee for notarizations, it's a best practice to inform signers of your fees prior to a transaction to prevent potential conflicts.
What should I do if I move or change my name?
You must notify the Secretary of State of any address or name changes.
For an address change, you can either update your address online or mail or fax the new address to the Notary Division.
If you move to another parish, you must change your commission to that parish even if you move to a parish within a reciprocal group. To do so, you’ll need to:
- Complete another Application to Qualify and pay the $35 qualifying fee and $35 commission fee.
- File two Oaths of Office forms and official signature page with the SOS and parish clerk of court.
- Submit an original or certified copy of a surety bond in the amount of $50,000 or rider for an existing surety bond.
If you change your name, you’ll need to change the name on your bond, complete a name change form, new oath in your new name and official notarial signature form. Submit these documents to the Secretary of State with a $35 name change fee.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a Louisiana Notary?
While Louisiana Notary commissions do not expire, Notaries must file a $50,000 bond every five years with the Secretary of State and pay a $20 Notary bond renewal fee.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Louisiana?
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Last updated: Feb 4, 2026