Notary Public Permit Requirements in Baton Rouge, LA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you operate as an LLC/corporation or have employees. Sole proprietor notaries with no employees may use their SSN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Louisiana Notary Commission (Permanent)

   Louisiana notaries hold a permanent commission — it does not expire — though notaries must keep a $50,000 surety bond on file with the Secretary of State and pay a bond renewal filing fee to maintain it. The application process is one of the most rigorous in the country, requiring an online pre-assessment (waived for licensed lawyers), passing a four-hour computer-based state examination with a scaled score of 70 of 100, and submitting a detailed application to qualify.

   Official government source

   Published Secretary of State fees: $30 notary exam pre-assessment, $100 examination registration, $100 notary study guide, $35 Application to Qualify for Appointment as Notary Public, $35 commission documents, and $20 notary bond renewal. Credit card payments add a $5 statutory convenience fee. The $50,000 surety bond premium is set by the insurer and is not a Secretary of State fee.·Not published as an end-to-end duration. The exam is offered at least twice a year; registration closes 30 days before the exam date and qualifications plus the pre-assessment are due 37 days before.

   Published Secretary of State fees: $30 notary exam pre-assessment, $100 examination registration, $100 notary study guide, $35 Application to Qualify for Appointment as Notary Public, $35 commission documents, and $20 notary bond renewal. Credit card payments add a $5 statutory convenience fee. The $50,000 surety bond premium is set by the insurer and is not a Secretary of State fee.

   Not published as an end-to-end duration. The exam is offered at least twice a year; registration closes 30 days before the exam date and qualifications plus the pre-assessment are due 37 days before.

2. Louisiana Notary Examination

   All applicants for a Louisiana notary commission must pass a written examination administered by the Secretary of State. It is delivered by computer in a four-hour sitting and measures practical comprehension of Louisiana notarial law, including specific notarial acts and related instruments, using both general-knowledge questions and scenario-based items. A scaled score of 70 of 100 is required to pass. Applicants must also complete an online pre-assessment unless they are licensed lawyers.

   Official government source

   $100 examination registration fee, plus a $30 exam pre-assessment and a separate $100 non-refundable notary study guide. Credit card payments add a $5 statutory convenience fee.·The exam is offered at least twice a year. Registration closes 30 days before the exam date, and qualifications plus the pre-assessment are due 37 days before.

   $100 examination registration fee, plus a $30 exam pre-assessment and a separate $100 non-refundable notary study guide. Credit card payments add a $5 statutory convenience fee.

   The exam is offered at least twice a year. Registration closes 30 days before the exam date, and qualifications plus the pre-assessment are due 37 days before.

3. Notary Errors & Omissions Insurance (Recommended)

   Errors and omissions insurance is not required of Louisiana notaries. It is private insurance that covers financial loss from an unintentional mistake in a notarial act; it does not cover fraud or intentional misconduct and is separate from any bond. Signing-agent industry standards commonly call for at least $25,000 of coverage. Louisiana notaries are commissioned by the Secretary of State, which does not endorse or sell E&O policies.

   Set by the private insurer and varies with coverage limit, term and state; the $40–$80/year figure is not from an official source. Get quotes from licensed providers.·Not an official process with a published turnaround — coverage begins when the policy is issued by the insurer.

   Set by the private insurer and varies with coverage limit, term and state; the $40–$80/year figure is not from an official source. Get quotes from licensed providers.

   Not an official process with a published turnaround — coverage begins when the policy is issued by the insurer.

1. Baton Rouge Occupational License (if operating a notary business)

   If you operate a standalone notary business in East Baton Rouge Parish/Baton Rouge (notary signing agent, mobile notary, etc.), you generally need an Occupational License from the Finance Department's Revenue Collection Division, not from a 'City Clerk's Office.' If notarization is incidental to another profession (e.g., attorney, bank teller), a separate license may not be required.

   Official government source

   $50 one-time registration fee for businesses opening January 1-June 30, or $25 for businesses opening July 1-December 31. The annual renewal tax is computed from gross receipts under the Occupational License Tax classification tables.·Apply at least one month before opening. Once the Taxpayer Assistance Section processes the application, a temporary Occupational License Certificate is mailed; no processing time is published.

   $50 one-time registration fee for businesses opening January 1-June 30, or $25 for businesses opening July 1-December 31. The annual renewal tax is computed from gross receipts under the Occupational License Tax classification tables.

   Apply at least one month before opening. Once the Taxpayer Assistance Section processes the application, a temporary Occupational License Certificate is mailed; no processing time is published.

Official Sources

• Louisiana — Notary Public Requirements
• Louisiana Secretary of State

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