Frequently Asked Questions

When are Commission Certificates issued?

• issued to elected officials (except the President, U. S. Senators and U. S. Congressmen) and mailed by our office, with a Code of Governmental Ethics, oath of office form, and ID card
• issued to officials appointed by the Governor, including members of boards and commissions, and mailed by the Governor's office.
• issued to notaries
• issued to Assistant District Attorneys, when a letter of appointment and oath of office are received from the District Attorney
• replacement certificates are issued when an original certificate has been lost or damaged --a written request with the name of the official, address, and a $15.00 fee is required. 

Who can perform marriages? (see R.S.9:202-204)

• Priest, minister, rabbi, clerk of the Religious Society of Friends, or any clergyman of any religious sect, who is authorized by the authorities of his religion to perform marriages; must be registered with Clerk of Court in parish where he will principally perform marriage ceremonies.
• State Judge or Justice of the Peace.

How can I recieve a Certificate of Elected Service?

• We need the name of the elected official
• the office the person held
• the year, month, day person served in office
• contact person's name and telephone number
• a $20.00 fee is required

What is an Apostille?

• a specific form of authenticaton that is prepared pursuant to an international treaty known as the "Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents".  The convention eliminates the need for authentication above the level of Secretary of State and is only accepted by countries that have signed the treaty.

What times are walkins taken?

• walkins are taken from 8:00am - 4:30pm
• visitors must sign in with the receptionist
• our office closes at 4:30pm

What forms of payment do we accept?

• we accept cash, checks, money orders & credit cards
• make checks and money orders payable to: Secretary of State of Louisiana