How to Become a Notary

How to Become a Louisiana Notary

Any resident citizen or alien of the state, eighteen years of age or older, may be appointed a notary public in and for the parish in which he resides provided that he meets the requirements established by Louisiana R.S.35:191(C).

Notary applicants must be qualified by the office of the Secretary of State and must take and pass the state notary examination unless they are licensed to practice law in Louisiana. The examination is given twice a year on the first Saturday in June and December.

How to Qualify

The applicant is required to complete an Application to Qualify in which Louisiana R.S.35:191 requires the applicant to: attest to his good moral character, integrity and sober habits, be registered to vote in the parish in which he seeks commission, be a citizen or resident alien of the state and be 18 years of age or older.

How to Apply to Take the Exam

Once you have completed the Application to Qualify, you can apply to take the state notary examination by filling out the Examination Registration Form. The Application to Qualify and Examination Registration Form must be approved by the Secretary of State's Office. The deadline to get your Application to Qualify and Examination Registration Form to the Secretary of State's Office is 45 days prior to the exam. Forms can be filed online or via mail, fax or email. The Credit Card Cover Sheet must accompany fax or email filings.

How to Prepare for the Examination

"The Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice" (Louisiana Notary Public Examination Official Study Guide) is available to purchase by completing the Notary Public Study Guide Order Form. You can purchase the book online, by fax, email or mail.

No course or class is required by law in order for you to take the examination, but we suggest you take a good course or join a good study group. Although the secretary of state does not recommend particular courses or instructors, we maintain the list of registered and bonded notary exam preparator course providers.

All information and forms can be obtained on our website.