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How to become a notary public in Louisiana. Commission term: Lifetime. Verified 2026-04-02. Data verified 2026-04-02. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Notary Public
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Lifetime
Commission Term
before renewal
Yes
Education Required
online allowed
Yes
Exam Required
state exam
$50,000
Bond Required
surety bond
You must be a legal resident of Louisiana (or maintain a place of business there), be at least 18 years old, and be able to read and write English. You cannot have a disqualifying criminal record.
Must complete pre-assessment and study requirements. Attorneys licensed in Louisiana are exempt from the exam. Online courses are accepted. Education cost: Varies.
Must pass the state notary exam ($100 exam fee). Louisiana attorneys are exempt. Administered by: Louisiana Secretary of State.
Submit your application to the Louisiana Secretary of State. Application fee: $35 (application to qualify) + $30 (pre-assessment) + $100 (exam registration) + $35 (commission filing fee).
Obtain a $50,000 surety bond. Effective February 1, 2026, all non-attorney notaries must hold a $50,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000). E&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of bond. Bond renewed every 5 years with $20 filing fee. Bond cost: $100-$200.
Purchase an official notary stamp or seal that meets Louisiana requirements. Typical cost: $20-$40. Total estimated startup cost: $320-$500+.
Once approved, you will receive your notary commission, valid for Lifetime. You can then begin performing notarial acts in Louisiana. Remote online notarization (RON) is also permitted.
Minimum Age
18 years old
Residency
Must be a Louisiana resident and registered voter in the parish.
Citizenship
Resident citizen or alien of the state
Background Check
Not required
Not sure if you need a notary license? Check whether your state requires one.
Education
RequiredMust complete pre-assessment and study requirements. Attorneys licensed in Louisiana are exempt from the exam.
Online courses: Allowed
Exam
RequiredMust pass the state notary exam ($100 exam fee). Louisiana attorneys are exempt.
Administered by: Louisiana Secretary of State
Browse Notary Public study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Surety Bond
Required$50,000
Effective February 1, 2026, all non-attorney notaries must hold a $50,000 surety bond (increased from $10,000). E&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of bond. Bond renewed every 5 years with $20 filing fee.
Errors & Omissions Insurance
Not RequiredE&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of bond as of February 1, 2026.
Seal / Stamp
RequiredOfficial notary seal/stamp required.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $35 (application to qualify) + $30 (pre-assessment) + $100 (exam registration) + $35 (commission filing fee) |
Bond Premium Approximate premium for $50,000 bond for 5-year term | $100-$200 |
Stamp / Seal Purchased from private vendors | $20-$40 |
Education Course Pre-assessment and study materials vary by provider | Varies |
Total Estimated Cost Application fees + exam + bond + seal + study materials | $320-$500+ |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Meet eligibility requirements (18+, Louisiana resident, registered voter)
Complete pre-assessment ($30)
Submit application to qualify ($35)
Pass state notary exam ($100)
Pay commissioning fee ($35)
Obtain $50,000 surety bond (effective Feb 1, 2026)
File bond with SOS ($20 filing fee)
Purchase notary seal/stamp
Commission Term
Lifetime
Renewal Process
Commission is lifetime. Surety bonds renewed every 5 years with $20 filing fee. Annual reports referenced as a reason for suspended status.
Renewal Fee
$20 (bond filing fee)
Regulatory Board
Louisiana authorizes remote online notarization.
Additional Requirements
Must comply with Louisiana's RON requirements.
What Makes Louisiana Unique
Louisiana is the only state with lifetime commissions. Notaries have broader powers due to civil law tradition. Bond increased to $50,000 effective Feb 2026.
Louisiana is the only state with lifetime notary commissions.
Louisiana notaries have greater powers than most states due to civil law tradition.
HB 259 (signed June 11, 2025, eff Feb 1, 2026): Bond increased from $10,000 to $50,000. E&O insurance option eliminated — surety bond now the only accepted filing. Attorney notaries exempt from bond requirement. Surety company bonds no longer require parish Clerk of Court approval.
Non-attorneys must file annual reports.
Registered voter requirement is unique to Louisiana.
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Study guides and practice tests for the notary public exam.
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