How to become a notary in Louisiana: the official requirements
Who can apply, the training, bond and term, and the steps, from the Louisiana Secretary of State's own published requirements.
To become a notary public in Louisiana: Who can apply: At least 18; a resident citizen or alien of Louisiana, registered to vote in the parish where you seek your commission; no felony conviction unless pardoned; able to read, write and speak English; a high school diploma or equivalent. Training: No course or class is required by law to take the exam; the Secretary of State publishes an official study guide. Exam: Unless you are licensed to practice law in Louisiana, complete the one-time online Notary Exam Pre-Assessment, then take and pass the state notary exam (given at least twice a year). Bond: A $50,000 notary surety bond or personal surety bond; surety bonds are renewed every five years. Commission term: For life: Louisiana notaries are commissioned for life. Commissions are issued by the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Notary requirements in Louisiana
| Requirement | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | At least 18; a resident citizen or alien of Louisiana, registered to vote in the parish where you seek your commission; no felony conviction unless pardoned; able to read, write and speak English; a high school diploma or equivalent. |
| Training | No course or class is required by law to take the exam; the Secretary of State publishes an official study guide. |
| Exam | Unless you are licensed to practice law in Louisiana, complete the one-time online Notary Exam Pre-Assessment, then take and pass the state notary exam (given at least twice a year). |
| Bond | A $50,000 notary surety bond or personal surety bond; surety bonds are renewed every five years. |
| Commission term | For life: Louisiana notaries are commissioned for life. |
| State fee | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Louisiana Secretary of State. |
| Background check | Not stated in the official source we read. Check with the Louisiana Secretary of State. |
| Oath and filing | After you pass the exam, file your oath of office, official signature and $50,000 bond with the Secretary of State to be commissioned, in the parish where you live. |
Where the official source we read does not state something, the table says so rather than guessing.
How to apply in Louisiana
- File an Application to Qualify with the Secretary of State.
- Once approved, register for and complete the mandatory online Notary Exam Pre-Assessment.
- Register for and pass the state notary exam.
- File your oath of office, official signature and $50,000 bond with the Secretary of State to be commissioned.
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Questions people ask
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How this page is built
Every requirement on this page comes from the Louisiana Secretary of State's own published material, read on the dates shown. Requirements and fees change; the authority's current instructions govern.
- Not legal advice.
- Fees charged by bonding agencies, course providers and fingerprint vendors are not included.
- Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Application Process, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.
- Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Frequently Asked Questions, official source, read Nov 5, 2026.