How to Become a Notary in Louisiana
Learn about Louisiana notary requirements, commission process, fees, and more. Prepare with AI-powered supplementary training, adaptive quizzes, and a 24/7 AI tutor scoped to Louisiana law.
Louisiana has a unique notarial system. Louisiana notaries are quasi-judicial officers with broader powers than notaries in other states. Applicants must pass a comprehensive examination administered by the Secretary of State. In Orleans Parish, applicants must also have a law degree or complete an approved notarial law course. Non-attorney applicants in other parishes must complete an approved preparatory course. Notary Mentor is supplementary only and does not replace the state-mandated education or examination requirements.
Louisiana Notary Requirements at a Glance
Key facts about notary commissions in Louisiana.
Remote Online Notarization
Journal Requirements
Louisiana law under La. R.S. 35:200 requires notaries to maintain records of their notarial acts. Notarial acts must be preserved in a bound volume or as otherwise authorized. In Orleans Parish, notar...
Fees & Seals
Louisiana notary fees are governed by La. R.S. 35:191. Fee schedules vary based on the type of act. For standard notarial acts (acknowledgments, oaths), fees are set by statute. The notary seal must i...
Key Topics Covered for Louisiana
Master these essential areas of Louisiana notary law with our AI-powered training platform.
Acknowledgments
Louisiana uses the term 'authentic act' rather than a simple acknowledgment. Under La. C.C. art. 1833, an authentic act is a writing executed before a notary public in the presence...
Journals & Records
Louisiana law under La. R.S. 35:200 requires notaries to maintain records of their notarial acts. Notarial acts must be preserved in a bound volume or as otherwise authorized. In O...
Identity Verification
Under La. R.S. 35:511 and related provisions, a notary must identify signers through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of identity. Acceptable identification includes gov...
RON Specifics
Louisiana enacted RON legislation under La. R.S. 35:625 et seq. (effective August 1, 2020). A commissioned Louisiana notary may perform remote online notarizations by registering w...
Prohibited Acts
Louisiana notaries are prohibited under La. R.S. 35:191 et seq. from: performing notarial acts outside their jurisdiction (parish of commission for parish-specific commissions, or ...
Fees & Seals
Louisiana notary fees are governed by La. R.S. 35:191. Fee schedules vary based on the type of act. For standard notarial acts (acknowledgments, oaths), fees are set by statute. Th...
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Louisiana
Mistakes that Louisiana notaries frequently make — and how to avoid them.
Failing to include two competent witnesses for authentic acts, which is required under Louisiana civil law
Confusing Louisiana's civil-law notarial system with common-law notary practices in other states
Non-attorney notaries exceeding their authority by providing legal advice
Not depositing records with the Notarial Archives (Orleans Parish) or clerk of court (other parishes)
Performing acts outside the notary's parish of commission without a state-at-large commission
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about becoming a notary in Louisiana.
Ready to Start Your Louisiana Notary Journey?
Get AI-powered supplementary training with adaptive quizzes, a 24/7 tutor, and content tailored to Louisiana notary law. Start free and upgrade anytime.