To qualify for an initial appointment to the office of Notary Public in Louisiana, one must:
Be at least 18 years of age
Be a resident (citizen or alien) of the State of Louisiana
If you are a citizen, you must be a registered voter of the parish of your residence
The initial appointment must be made in the parish of your residence. If you get your appointment in any one of the following parishes (Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemine or St. Bernard) they have a reciprocal agreement with each other and you may practice in all four parishes. At this time, our training is geared to these four parishes only.
Pass the Notary Exam and submit the proper forms and fees to the District Court. We give you these forms in class and show you how to fill them out and where to send them.
The Notary Initial Appointment Process: A Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Register for Notary Course 101
Refer to our Course Calendar on the left side of this page. You may register by calling one of our Customer Service Representatives at 456-1785 in the Greater New Orleans Area or Toll Free at 1-800-257-2741. Payment is not due until the first class session.
Step 2: Submit an Application to be appointed as a notary public to the appropriate district court together with a certificate establishing age and residence.
We give you the Application in Class and share with you how to fill it out, where to send it, and when it is due.
Step 3: Apply to take the Examination
Application to take the examination must be filed with the district court no later than thirty days prior to the date as fixed for such examination.
Step 4: Attend the Notary Exam Prep Course (Optional)
Your chances of passing the test increase dramatically by taking this course. Our professionals will "fine tune" your learning just before you take the examination and make sure you are ready. Our goal in this course is to make sure you pass the examination the first time.
Step 5 Submit the following to the Secretary of State:
The Certificate from the Court that you have been found competent and possess the necessary qualifications to be appointed to the office. (In other words, you have passed the examination.)
The Oath of Office Document
A Bond in the amount of $5,000. (This will cost you approximately $250 for a 5 year Bond.). In lieu of a bond you may provide the Secretary of State a Notarized Affidavit for $5,000 in assets that are clear of leans.
