HOW TO FILE

New Applications

1. Qualifying Application completed with a $25 qualifying fee (separate from commission filing fee).
2. Examination Registration Form along with $75 registration fee (separate fee).
   
   

   Once an applicant has taken and passed the examination, the following documents must be filed with the Secretary of State's office along with the $35 commission filing fee, in order to receive their notary commission:

3. Two (2) Oaths of Office, properly executed. Send one (1) to Secretary of State and file one (1) with parish Clerk of Court.
4. Official Signature page.
5. Original or Certified True Copy Surety or Personal surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court in the
   amount of $10,000. 
                      OR
   Original Errors and Omissions policy in the amount of $10,000.
                      OR
   Attorneys provide an original certificate of good standing from the Louisiana Supreme Court
   issued within the past 30 days. Attorneys do not have to file a notary bond.
6. $35 commission filing fee - check or money order (payable to the Secretary of State). 
   
   Note: Completed documents should be mailed to the Secretary of State's office for filing.
   * Attorneys are excluded from #2 *

Parish Changes

1. Qualifying Application completed with a $25 qualifying fee (separate from commission filing fee).
2. Two (2) Oaths of Office properly executed. Send one(1) to Secretary of State and file one (1) with parish Clerk of Court.
3. Official Signature page.
4. *Original or Certified True Copy Surety or Personal surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Original Errors and Omissions policy in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Rider for an existing surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court changing the parish.
5. $35 commission filing fee - check or money order (payable to the Secretary of State). 
   * Attorneys are excluded from #4 * 

Name Changes

1. Two (2) Oaths of Office properly executed. Send one (1) to Secretary of State and file one (1) with parish Clerk of Court.
2. Name Change Form listing name on current commission, name on requested commission, and reason for change.
3. Official Signature page.
4. * Original or Certified True Copy Surety or Personal surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Original Errors and Omissions policy in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Rider for an existing surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court changing the name on the bond.
5. $35 commission filing fee - check or money order (payable to the Secretary of State). 
   * Attorneys are excluded from #4 *

Dual Commission

1. Qualifying Application completed with a $25 qualifying fee (separate from commission filing fee).
2. Two (2) Oaths of Office properly executed.  Send one (1) to Secretary of State and file one (1) with parish Clerk of Court.
3. Official Signature page.
4. Original or Certified True Copy Surety or Personal surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Original Errors and Omissions policy in the amount of $10,000.
5. $35 commission filing fee - check or money order (payable to the Secretary of State). 
   
   Note: Dual commissions can only be obtained for one other parish in which the applicant maintains an office, and is not reciprocal with the existing commission. See reciprocal parish list.

Bond Renewal

1. Original or Certified True Copy Surety or Personal surety bond that has been approved by the parish Clerk of Court in the amount of $10,000.
   OR
   Original Errors and Omissions policy in the amount of $10,000.
2. $20 bond filing fee - check or money order (payable to the Secretary of State).
   
   Note: Surety bonds and errors and omissions policies are filed with the Secretary of State every five years. Personal surety bonds expire at the death of the surety and must be renewed when such occurs.

Leave of Absence

Any notary may request the governor to grant a leave of absence if he or she is to be absent from the parish or state not to exceed 36 months. Provide this office with a letter requesting the leave, specifying the date notary is to be absent and date of return. This request will be forwarded to the governor's office for consideration.

Retirement Status

Provide this office with a written request for retirement status with an affidavit attesting to notary's age and certifying that he or she will no longer exercise the duties and functions of a notary while retirement status is in effect. Download Retirement Status Affidavit Form..

Resignation

Any notary may resign his or her commission by signing a letter of resignation and forwarding it to this office. After resigning, the notary shall not exercise any duties or functions of a notary public and may become an active notary again only by completing the application process of his parish, including the exam if applicable.