Key Takeaways
- Louisiana notary commissions are for life (no expiration)
- Must maintain bond (renew every 5 years)
- Address changes must be reported to Secretary of State
- Parish change requires new application and bond
- Commission can be revoked for misconduct
Last updated: January 2026
Commission Maintenance and Renewal
Louisiana notary commissions are unique in that they are issued for life - there is no fixed expiration date.
Lifetime Commission
| Aspect | Louisiana | Other States |
|---|---|---|
| Term | Lifetime | Typically 4-10 years |
| Renewal | Not required | Required periodically |
| Expiration | None (unless revoked) | Fixed date |
Ongoing Requirements
Even though the commission is lifetime, notaries must:
| Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Maintain Bond | Renew every 5 years |
| Update Address | Within 30 days of change |
| Remain Qualified | Ongoing |
| Parish Residency | Must reside in commission parish |
Bond Renewal
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Every 5 years |
| Filing Fee | $20 to SOS |
| Deadline | Before current bond expires |
| Consequence of Lapse | Commission suspension |
Address Changes
| Change Type | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Within Same Parish | Notify Secretary of State |
| To Different Parish | New application, commission, and bond required |
| Deadline | Report within 30 days |
Parish Change Process
If you move to a different parish:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Submit new Application to Qualify ($35) |
| 2 | Pay new Commissioning Fee ($35) |
| 3 | File new Oaths in new parish |
| 4 | Obtain new Bond for new parish |
| 5 | Previous commission terminates |
Grounds for Revocation
A commission may be revoked for:
| Ground | Example |
|---|---|
| Felony Conviction | Criminal conviction |
| Fraud | Fraudulent notarial acts |
| Incompetence | Repeated errors or violations |
| Mental Incapacity | Unable to perform duties |
| Misconduct | Violation of notarial laws |
Suspension vs. Revocation
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Temporary - can be restored |
| Revocation | Permanent - must reapply |
Reinstatement After Suspension
| Cause | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Bond Lapse | Obtain new bond, pay reinstatement fee |
| Administrative | Correct the deficiency |
| Other | Depends on circumstances |
Maintaining Qualifications
Notaries must continue to meet all qualifications:
| Qualification | Must Maintain |
|---|---|
| Louisiana Residency | Yes |
| Voter Registration | In commission parish |
| No Felony Convictions | Ongoing |
| Mental Capacity | Ongoing |
Annual Reporting
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Non-Attorney Notaries | May need to file annual reports |
| Purpose | Confirm continued qualification |
| Failure to File | May result in suspension |
On the Exam
- Commission term: Lifetime
- Bond renewal: Every 5 years
- Address change: Report within 30 days
- Parish change: Requires new application and bond
Test Your Knowledge
How long is a Louisiana notary commission valid?
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Test Your Knowledge
What happens when a Louisiana notary moves to a different parish?
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Test Your Knowledge
If a Louisiana notary fails to renew their surety bond before it expires, what happens?
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