Notary (Public) License in Louisiana

Louisiana's notary public system is unique in the US. The COS data confirms that applicants must be a resident citizen, pass the notary public exam, not have been convicted of a felony (unless pardoned), be registered to vote in the parish of commission, and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Louisiana notaries have quasi-judicial powers far exceeding those of notaries in other states, including the ability to prepare legal documents such as wills, real estate transactions, and affidavits. The Louisiana notary exam is one of the most difficult in the nation and many applicants take preparatory courses. Commission is typically for life in most parishes once granted.