Any resident citizen or alien of the state, eighteen years of age or older, may be appointed a notary public in and for the parish in which he resides provided that he meets the requirements established by law, La.R.S.35:191(C).

Notary applicants must be qualified by the office of the Secretary of State and must take and pass the state notary examination unless they are licensed to practice law in Louisiana. The examination is given twice a year on the first Saturday in June and December.

How to Qualify

The applicant is required to complete an Application to Qualify in which La.R.S.35:191 requires the applicant to: attest to his good moral character, integrity and sober habits, be registered to vote in the parish in which he seeks commission, be a citizen or resident alien of the state and be 18 years of age or older.

How to Apply to Take the Exam

Once you have completed the Application to Qualify, you can apply to take the state notary examination by filling out the Examination Registration Form. The Application to Qualify and Examination Registration Form must be approved by the office of the Secretary of State. The deadline to get your Application to Qualify and Examination Registration Form to the office of the Secretary of State is 45 days prior to the exam.

 

How to Prepare for the Examination

The Fundamentals of LOUISIANA LAW and PRACTICE (Louisiana Notary Public Examination Official Study Guide) is available to purchase by completing the Notary Public Study Guide Order Form. You can purchase the book by fax, email, or mail.

No course or class is required by law in order for you to take the examination, but we suggest you take a good course or join a good study group. The Secretary of State does not recommend particular courses or instructors.

All information and forms can be obtained on our Web site.