How to become a notary in Louisiana

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Louisiana Notaries have lifetime commissions. The only requirement to maintain their commission is to file a surety bond or E&O policy every five years and pay a filing fee.

The cost to become a Notary in Louisiana ranges between $310 to $337, depending on where you purchase your surety bond or E&O insurance.

The processing time can be lengthy due to the various requirements. The Application to Qualify and Notary Exam Pre-Assessment registration and scoring process takes approximately one week, and both must be completed at least 37 days before the exam.

An applicant must register for the state Notary exam at least 30 days prior to the exam. The Notary exam is given at least twice a year.

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

Complete the Application to Qualify on the Secretary of State's website and pay the $35 application fee.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification to register for the Notary Exam Pre-Assessment. This pre-assessment is an evaluation and does not require a passing score to register for the state Notary exam.

After receiving your assessment score, register for the state Notary exam online through the Secretary of State's website at least 30 days in advance.

Non-attorney applicants are required to pass an exam to become a Notary in Louisiana.

Louisiana Notaries are required to hold either a five-year $10,000 surety bond or errors and omissions (E&O) insurance.

Your bond or E&O policy must be filed with the state every five years for the duration of your lifetime commission.

There are two Oath of Office forms you’ll need to execute.

File one Oath of Office form and an original or certified copy of your Notary Surety Bond or E&O policy with the Secretary of State.

File a duplicate Oath of Office form with the parish Clerk of Court within one month after the oath is administered.

Below are answers to the most common questions about being an LA Notary.

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Last updated: Nov 21, 2024

Get everything you need with a full Louisiana Notary Package.