What Louisiana Requires to Become a Notary

To become a notary in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Louisiana for at least one year before you explore. You cannot have a felony conviction on your record. Louisiana does not require you to pass an exam, but you do need to complete a notary education course and submit an process to the Secretary of State's office along with a bond and oath of office.

The state does not mandate a specific number of training hours, but the course you choose must cover Louisiana notary law, ethics, and proper procedures. Many providers offer online courses that take between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Once you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that you submit with your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and have lived in Louisiana for one year before explore.
  • Complete a notary education course from an approved provider and keep your certificate of completion for your process.
  • Purchase a notary bond (usually $500 to $1,000) and file it with your process to the Secretary of State.
  • Your commission lasts for four years, after which you can renew by submitting a renewal process and a new bond.

Step 1: Complete a Notary Education Course

Find an approved notary education provider and enroll in a course. Louisiana does not maintain a list of approved providers on the Secretary of State website, so you will need to search for courses offered by private companies, community colleges, or online platforms. Look for courses that specifically cover Louisiana notary law and procedures.

Most online courses cost between $20 and $100 and can be completed in a few hours. You will receive a certificate of completion at the end. Keep this certificate—you will need to submit it with your process. Some providers may mail you a physical copy, while others provide a digital version you can print yourself.

Step 2: Obtain a Notary Bond

A notary bond is a financial may provide that protects the public if you make a mistake or act dishonestly in your notary duties. In Louisiana, the bond amount is typically $500 to $1,000, though the exact amount may vary by bonding company. You purchase the bond from an insurance or bonding company, not from the state.

Contact local insurance agents or search online for "notary bond Louisiana" to compare prices. The bonding company will ask for basic information about you and may run a background check. Once approved, they will issue the bond, usually within a few days. You will receive a document showing the bond details and the effective date—this is what you submit to the Secretary of State.

Step 3: Prepare Your process Materials

Gather the documents you will need to submit to the Louisiana Secretary of State. You will need a completed notary process form, your certificate of completion from the education course, a copy of your notary bond, and a completed oath of office form. The Secretary of State's office provides the process and oath forms on its website.

You will also need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Some applications may require a passport-style photograph. Check the current requirements on the Secretary of State website before you submit, as requirements can change. Prepare copies of everything—do not send original documents unless the instructions specifically ask for them.

Step 4: Submit Your process to the Secretary of State

Mail your completed process, certificate of completion, bond, oath of office, and identification copy to the Louisiana Secretary of State's office. The mailing address is listed on the Secretary of State website under the notary section. Include a cover letter listing all the documents you are enclosing so the office can verify everything is there.

Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. The Secretary of State will review your process and, if everything is in order, will issue your notary commission. You will receive your commission certificate by mail. Once you receive it, you are officially a notary and can begin performing notarial acts. Keep your commission certificate in a safe place—you may need to show it to clients or employers.

Renewing Your Notary Commission

Your notary commission in Louisiana is valid for four years from the date it is issued. To renew, you must submit a renewal process to the Secretary of State at least 30 days before your commission expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial process: you will need a new bond, a renewal process form, and an updated oath of office.

You do not need to take another education course to renew, though some notaries choose to take a refresher course to stay current on any changes to Louisiana law. Check the Secretary of State website for the current renewal fee and any updated requirements. Submitting your renewal process early gives you time to address any issues before your current commission expires.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip the education course or assume you already know Louisiana notary law. Even if you have been a notary in another state, Louisiana has specific rules about what you can and cannot do. Taking the course ensures you understand the state's requirements and protects you from making costly errors.

Do not purchase a bond before you have completed your education course and are ready to submit your process. Bonds have an effective date, and you want the bond to be active when you submit your process. Also, do not assume your bond will automatically renew—you must purchase a new bond each time you renew your commission.

Do not mail your process without keeping copies for your records. If the Secretary of State's office loses your process or there is a delay, you will have proof of what you submitted and when. Use certified mail or a service that provides tracking so you know when your process arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Louisiana to become a notary?

Yes, you must be a Louisiana resident for at least one year before you can explore. If you recently moved to Louisiana, you will need to wait until you have lived there for a full year before submitting your process.

Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?

You cannot become a notary if you have a felony conviction. Misdemeanors may not disqualify you, but the Secretary of State reviews each case individually. If you have a criminal record, contact the Secretary of State's office to ask about your specific situation before you spend money on a bond and course.

How much does it cost to become a notary in Louisiana?

The total cost is typically $100 to $200. This includes the education course ($20 to $100), the notary bond ($500 to $1,000 paid upfront but spread over the four-year commission), and any process fees charged by the Secretary of State. Costs vary depending on which provider you choose for your course and bond.

Can I take the notary course online?

Yes, many providers offer online notary courses that you can complete from home. Online courses are often faster and less expensive than in-person classes. Make sure the course covers Louisiana-specific notary law and provides a certificate of completion that you can submit with your process.

What can I do as a notary in Louisiana?

As a Louisiana notary, you can witness signatures, administer oaths, certify copies of documents, and perform other notarial acts as defined by Louisiana law. You cannot provide legal information, prepare legal documents, or act as a lawyer. Your role is to verify that the person signing a document is who they claim to be and that they are signing willingly.