Key Takeaways
- Must be 18 years or older and a Louisiana resident
- Must be a registered voter in the parish of commission
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- No unpardoned felony convictions
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English
Eligibility Requirements for Louisiana Notary
Under Louisiana R.S. 35:191, any resident citizen or alien of the state who is 18 years of age or older may be appointed a notary public in and for the parish in which they reside, provided they meet specific requirements.
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Residency | Louisiana resident (citizen or legal alien) |
| Voter Registration | Registered voter in parish of commission |
| Education | High school diploma, home study diploma approved by State Board, or GED |
| Mental Capacity | Not under interdiction or incapable due to mental infirmity |
| Criminal Record | No unpardoned felony convictions |
| Language | Ability to read, write, and speak English |
Civil Law Distinction
Unlike common law states, Louisiana's civil law notary system (based on French and Spanish law) requires more rigorous qualifications because notaries have significantly expanded powers.
Parish-Specific Commission
Your notary commission is issued for your parish of residence. You must be a registered voter in that specific parish. If you move to a different parish, you must:
- Submit a new qualifying application ($35)
- Pay a new commission fee ($35)
- Obtain new oaths and bond in the new parish
- Complete any additional parish-specific requirements
Reciprocal Parishes
Louisiana has groups of reciprocal parishes created by the legislature. A notary commissioned in one parish may exercise notarial functions in reciprocal parishes without additional bonding or examination.
Note: This reciprocal system primarily affects notaries commissioned before 2005. Notaries commissioned after 2005 who have passed the state exam have statewide jurisdiction.
On the Exam
- Voter registration: Required in parish of commission
- Residency: Must be Louisiana resident
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Reciprocal parishes: Allow practice without additional bonding
Which of the following is NOT a requirement to become a Louisiana notary?
What happens if a Louisiana notary moves to a different parish?