How to Become a Notary in Louisiana (2026 Guide)
Published February 22, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Key Takeaways
- New for February 2026: Surety bond increased from $10,000 to $50,000
- State exam required (open-book, administered by Secretary of State)
- Lifetime commission (does not expire)
- Journal (notarial register) required
- Must be 18+, a LA resident, and registered to vote in your parish
- Training course strongly recommended
Louisiana is unique in several ways: notaries are commissioned for life, the bond requirement recently jumped from $10,000 to $50,000, and the state has its own civil law notary tradition. Here’s what you need to know for 2026.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Louisiana resident
- Be registered to vote in your parish
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Have no felony convictions (unless rights restored)
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete a Notary Preparation Course
While not legally required, a notary preparation course is strongly recommended. The Louisiana notary exam covers state-specific civil law. Most applicants take a course before attempting the exam.
Step 2: Pass the State Notary Exam
The Louisiana Secretary of State administers the notary exam. It is open-book and covers Louisiana notary law, the Louisiana Civil Code, and notarial procedures. Exams are held multiple times per year.
Step 3: Purchase Your $50,000 Surety Bond
Effective February 2026: Louisiana increased the required surety bond from $10,000 to $50,000. Purchase the bond from a bonding company or insurance agent. The bond premium will be higher due to the increased amount. Expect to pay $100-$300 annually.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
File your application with the Secretary of State, including your exam results, bond documentation, and application fee. Once approved, you’ll receive your notary commission.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary preparation course (recommended) | $100-$500 |
| State exam | $50-$100 |
| $50,000 surety bond premium | $100-$300/year |
| Application fee | $35 |
| Notary stamp | $15-$25 |
| Notarial register (required) | $10-$50 |
| Total (first year) | $310-$1,010 |
Note: Louisiana is now one of the most expensive states to become a notary due to the $50,000 bond requirement. Alabama is the only other state with a $50,000 bond.
How Much Can Louisiana Notaries Charge?
Louisiana does not set a statutory maximum fee for most notarizations. Fees are generally considered reasonable and should be agreed upon before performing the notarial act.
Can You Notarize for Family Members in Louisiana?
Louisiana does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. However, you cannot notarize documents in which you have a direct financial interest. Louisiana’s civil law notary system provides additional safeguards compared to most states.
Penalties for Notary Misconduct
- Notarizing without authority: criminal penalty
- Fraud or forgery: felony charges
- Commission revocation: the Secretary of State can revoke your commission at any time for cause
- Civil liability: your $50,000 surety bond protects the public; you are personally liable for damages above that amount
Employer Obligations
- Your commission is personal and does not belong to your employer
- If you leave your job, your stamp and journal go with you
- Your employer cannot require you to skip proper procedures
- An employer who pressures you into misconduct may share legal liability
How Louisiana Compares to Neighboring States
| Requirement | Louisiana | Texas | Mississippi | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | $50,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| Exam | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Training | Yes | Yes (SOS) | No | No |
| Term | Lifetime | 4 years | 4 years | 10 years |
| RON | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Louisiana requires the highest bond in the nation ($50,000 as of HB 259, February 2026) and uses a civil law notary system unlike any other state. Texas requires only a $10,000 bond. Mississippi has the easiest entry with no bond, no exam, and no training. Arkansas offers a 10-year term.
What Notarial Acts Can Louisiana Notaries Perform?
- Take acknowledgments
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Take verifications on oath or affirmation
- Witness or attest signatures
- Certify copies of documents
- Draft and execute authentic acts (unique to Louisiana civil law notaries)
Notary Stamp Requirements
Louisiana requires a notary stamp or seal. It must include your name as it appears on your commission, “Notary Public,” “State of Louisiana,” and your commission information. Louisiana notaries have broader authority than notaries in most other states due to the civil law tradition.
Do You Need E&O Insurance?
Not required, but strongly recommended given the $50,000 bond amount. If a claim is paid on your bond, you must repay the surety company. E&O insurance covers you directly without repayment. Policies typically run $50-$200 per year for $50,000-$100,000 in coverage.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Louisiana authorized remote online notarization. To perform RON, you must hold an active Louisiana notary commission and register with the Secretary of State. You must use an approved RON technology provider.
Becoming a Signing Agent
Louisiana is an attorney-closing state, meaning an attorney must be involved in real estate closings. Signing agents can still handle loan document signings, but the closing itself requires attorney oversight. New Orleans and Baton Rouge are the top markets in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a notary exam in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires all non-attorney notary applicants to pass the state notary exam administered by the Secretary of State.
Do I need a surety bond in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana now requires a $50,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000 effective February 2026).
How long does a Louisiana notary commission last?
Louisiana notaries are commissioned for life (no expiration), but must maintain their bond.
Is a notary journal required in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana requires notaries to maintain a notarial register (journal).
What is the Louisiana notary exam like?
The exam is open-book and covers Louisiana notary law. It is administered by the Secretary of State. Preparation courses are strongly recommended.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- How to Become a Notary in Texas
- How to Become a Notary in Mississippi
- Dual Tray Laser Printer Recommendations for Signing Agents
Updated May 2026. Requirements based on the Louisiana Secretary of State and RS 35:1-21.
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