Key Takeaways
- Submit Application to Qualify form to Secretary of State with $35 fee
- Complete mandatory pre-assessment (online, one-time)
- Register for and pass the state notary exam ($100 fee)
- Submit commissioning documents including oaths, signature, and bond
- Louisiana-admitted attorneys are exempt from exam and bond
Last updated: January 2026
Application Process Step-by-Step
Becoming a Louisiana notary requires completing several steps through the Louisiana Secretary of State's office.
Step 1: Submit Application to Qualify
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Form | Application to Qualify |
| Submit to | Louisiana Secretary of State |
| Fee | $35 (non-refundable) |
| Processing | Must be qualified before proceeding |
Step 2: Complete Pre-Assessment
Before registering for the exam, you must complete a mandatory online pre-assessment:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Online |
| Cost | $30 |
| Frequency | Taken only once |
| Purpose | Ensures readiness for the challenging exam |
Step 3: Register for State Exam
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register with Secretary of State |
| Deadline | 45 days before scheduled exam |
| Fee | $100 |
| Offered | Regionally in June and December |
| Location | LSU Baton Rouge campus (and other sites) |
Step 4: Prepare for the Exam
| Study Materials | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Study Guide | "Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice" |
| Cost | $100 (non-refundable) |
| Use on Exam | May be annotated and tabbed |
| Format | Open-book exam |
Step 5: Take and Pass the Exam
| Exam Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Format | Computer-based (as of 2025) |
| Type | Open-book |
| Passing Score | 70 scaled score |
| Pass Rate | Approximately 21% |
Step 6: Submit Commissioning Documents
After passing, submit to the Secretary of State:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Oath of Office (x2) | One for SOS, one for parish clerk of court |
| Official Signature Page | Your official notarial signature |
| Surety Bond | $10,000 (until Feb 2026); $50,000 (after Feb 2026) |
| Commissioning Fee | $35 |
Attorney Exemption
Louisiana-admitted attorneys are exempt from:
- The state notary examination
- The bond requirement
However, attorneys must still:
- Submit the Application to Qualify
- Pay all applicable fees
- File oaths and signature page
Total Costs Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application to Qualify | $35 |
| Pre-Assessment | $30 |
| Study Guide | $100 |
| State Exam | $100 |
| Commissioning Fee | $35 |
| Bond (5-year term) | Varies by provider |
| Total (approximate) | $300+ plus bond |
On the Exam
- Pre-assessment: Mandatory, online, one-time
- Exam fee: $100
- Study guide: $100, may use during exam
- Pass rate: Only 21%
Test Your Knowledge
What is the deadline to register for the Louisiana notary exam?
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B
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D
Test Your Knowledge
Which group is exempt from both the Louisiana notary exam AND the bond requirement?
A
B
C
D