How to Become a Notary in Louisiana (2026)
Step-by-step guide to getting your Louisiana notary commission — fees, bond, exam, and timeline. All data from official Louisiana state sources.
How to Become a Notary in Louisiana — Step by Step
Meet the eligibility requirements
To become a notary in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal U.S. resident, and either a resident of Louisiana or regularly employed there. You cannot have felony convictions (in most states) unless your civil rights have been restored.
Complete the required education course
Louisiana requires you to complete a state-approved notary education course before applying. Courses are available from approved providers and can typically be completed online. Fees vary by provider, usually $20–$80.
Pass the notary exam
Louisiana requires all applicants to pass a written notary exam. The exam fee is $100. Schedule your exam through the state or an approved testing provider. Study the Louisiana notary handbook — available free from the Secretary of State.
Obtain your $50,000 surety bond
Louisiana requires a $50,000 surety bond before you can be commissioned. Purchase the bond from a licensed insurance or surety company — the actual premium typically costs $40–$100 for your entire 4-year term. The bond protects the public from errors you may make as a notary; it does not protect you personally.
Submit your application to the Secretary of State
File your completed notary application with the Secretary of State and pay the $200 application fee. Include proof of your surety bond with the application. Include your certificate of course completion. Include your exam pass certificate. Most states now accept online applications.
Receive your commission and take your oath of office
After your application is approved, you'll receive your notary commission certificate. You must then take an official oath of office — typically before a notary public, judge, or court clerk — within 30–90 days. Missing this deadline can void your commission entirely.
Purchase your notary supplies
Order your official Louisiana notary seal or stamp and a notary journal/record book. Most states require a specific seal format — check the Secretary of State requirements for approved shapes, ink colors, and required text. Supplies typically cost $30–$60. Estimated cost for Louisiana: $60.
Start notarizing — and consider signing agent training
Once commissioned, you can begin performing notarizations in Louisiana. Traditional notary fees in Louisiana: market rate (no state cap). For higher earnings, consider training as a notary signing agent (see below).
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Louisiana Notary Commission — Cost Summary
| State application fee | $200 |
| Commission term | Lifetime |
| Surety bond | $50,000 face value (~$40–$100 to purchase) |
| Exam | Required — $100 fee |
| Education course | Required |
| Notary supplies (stamp + journal) | ~$60 |
| Filing office | Secretary of State |
| RON available | No |
| Est. total startup cost | $400–$540 |
Lifetime commission — once commissioned, no renewal. But the process is rigorous: mandatory education, a demanding civil law exam ($100 fee, widely considered one of the hardest in the nation), and a $50,000 bond (increased February 2026). Total startup cost typically $500+.
Source: Secretary of State — Official Louisiana Notary Page ↗
What Can a Louisiana Notary Charge?
Louisiana has no state-set maximum — notaries set their own fees. Typical market rates are $10–$25 per signature. No state maximum for notary fees. Fees vary by notary and region.
Source: Louisiana Notary Fee Authority ↗
Earn $75–$200 Per Signing as a Louisiana Notary Signing Agent
Once you have your Louisiana notary commission, you can earn serious income as a signing agent at real estate loan closings. Loan Signing System teaches you how to find clients and run a full signing business.
Explore Notary Signing Agent Training →