A Louisiana resident can become a Notary Public by taking the following steps.
*Starting Feb 1, 2026, all non-attorney Notaries and ex officio Notaries must file a $50,000 bond.
About the Louisiana Notary Process
Louisiana Notaries are issued lifetime commissions. Currently, non-attorney Notaries continue their commissions by maintaining a bond or evidence of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance coverage and filing proof of the bond or insurance policy 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 or, before 2/1/2026, E&O insurance* |
$110 - $250 |
| Commission filing fee |
$35 |
| Total Cost |
$310 - $450 |
*See Surety Bond and E&O Insurance below.
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 are required to 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 and E&O Insurance
Louisiana law currently requires all non-attorney Notaries to file a Notary surety bond, a personal surety or a Notary errors & omissions (E&O) policy with the Secretary of State in the amount of $10,000. A bond or evidence of insurance coverage must be filed with the Secretary of State every five years as long as you maintain your Notary commission.
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 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 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 or insurance policy in the amount of $10,000.
If you change your name, execute another oath with your new name, change the name on your bond or E&O policy, and submit an official signature page with a name change affidavit and $35 fee.
What is the process for renewing my commission as a Louisiana Notary?
While Louisiana Notary commissions do not expire, Notaries must submit proof of a $10,000 bond or E&O insurance every five years to the Secretary of State.
After getting your bond or insurance renewed, have it approved by your parish clerk. Submit the original or certified true copy of the bond or E&O signed by the parish clerk of court to the Louisiana Secretary of State. Pay the $20 filing fee.
What do I need to know about remote online notarization in Louisiana?
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Last updated: Aug 29, 2025