Louisiananotary public requirements & rules
Exam requiredLouisiana notary law basics: exam requirement, commission term, bond, and how to prepare — from the official commissioning authority.
- Written exam
- Exam required
- Administered by
- Written state notary examination administered by the Louisiana Secretary of State (offered regionally each June and December); not required for Louisiana-licensed attorneys
- Commission term
- Life (commissioned for life; bond must be renewed every 5 years to remain active) years
- Surety bond
- $50,000 surety or personal bond, renewed every 5 years ($20 filing fee); effective Feb 1, 2026 E&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of the bond, and bonds under $50,000 no longer accepted
- Notes
- Louisiana is a notable exception requiring a written notary exam and the highest bond amount among the 10 states studied; commission itself is lifetime but requires periodic bond renewal (every 5 years) to remain active. Must be commissioned in parish of residence.
Preparing to be a Louisiana notary
Louisiana requires a written exam, and PrepTempo's Notary course covers the notarial concepts it tests — notarial acts, identifying signers, journals and seals, and unauthorized practice of law. Study your Louisiana statute on top of the core.
Free notary practice questions →Louisiana notary public FAQ
Does Louisiana require a notary exam?
Yes. Louisiana requires a written notary exam (Written state notary examination administered by the Louisiana Secretary of State (offered regionally each June and December); not required for Louisiana-licensed attorneys).
What are the Louisiana notary public rules for term and bond?
A Louisiana notary commission is typically Life (commissioned for life; bond must be renewed every 5 years to remain active) years. Surety bond requirement: $50,000 surety or personal bond, renewed every 5 years ($20 filing fee); effective Feb 1, 2026 E&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of the bond, and bonds under $50,000 no longer accepted. Confirm current amounts with the official Louisiana authority.
How do I become a notary public in Louisiana?
Follow Louisiana commissioning steps: complete any required training or exam (Exam required), obtain the required bond if applicable ($50,000 surety or personal bond, renewed every 5 years ($20 filing fee); effective Feb 1, 2026 E&O insurance no longer accepted in lieu of the bond, and bonds under $50,000 no longer accepted), and apply through the official Louisiana commissioning office. PrepTempo's Notary course covers core notarial concepts for exam and practice readiness.
Official sources
Educational information only, researched July 2026 — not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the Louisiana commissioning authority. PrepTempo is not affiliated with any state authority or the National Notary Association.