Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana notaries file an official signature specimen with both the Secretary of State and the Parish Clerk of Court.
IMPORTANT: Louisiana notaries are commissioned for life. A notary's handwritten signature IS their seal (no rubber stamp or embosser is used).
To verify a notary's signature:
1. Contact the Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Division at (225) 922-0507 — the SOS authenticates notary signatures by comparing against the filed specimen.
2. Alternatively, contact the Parish Clerk of Court where the notary is commissioned.
Commissions Division: (225) 922-0330

Louisiana notary commissions are for life — they do not expire. A commission ends only if the notary dies, resigns, or is removed.
1. Search the SOS Notary Search at https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/Notary/NotarySearch.aspx
2. If the notary is deceased or cannot be found, contact the SOS Notary Division at (225) 922-0507 — they maintain permanent records of all notary commissions.
3. For very old records, contact the SOS Historical & Permanent Records division at (225) 922-0420 or the Archives Research Library at (225) 922-1208.
Address: 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809

IMPORTANT: Louisiana is unique — a notary's handwritten signature IS the official notarial seal. Louisiana does not require notaries to own or use a rubber stamp or embosser.
Seal/stamp information (La. R.S. 35:12):
- The notary's signature serves as the seal of office — no rubber stamp or embosser is legally required
- Most Louisiana notaries do use a stamp for convenience, but it is not mandated
- If a stamp is used, it typically includes: notary name, "Notary Public", notary ID number, parish, "Louisiana", and an image of a pelican with nest
- The notary ID number assigned by the Secretary of State must appear (typed or printed legibly) next to the notary's name on every notarized document
- Louisiana notary commissions are for life — they do not expire

Louisiana — Contacting the Notary for Verification

Louisiana's notarial system is unique, rooted in civil law rather than common law. Louisiana notaries public have significantly broader powers than notaries in other states and function more like civil law notaries. Louisiana does not require all notaries to maintain a general journal of notarial acts, though a recordbook is required for certain instruments involving immovable property (RS 35:199).

Journal requirement:
- A recordbook (journal) is required for notarial acts performed on instruments involving immovable property that are required to be filed or recorded into public records (RS 35:199).
- For most other notarial acts, Louisiana does not statutorily mandate a journal, though maintaining one is recommended as a best practice.
- For Remote Online Notarization (RON), online notaries must maintain electronic records and audio-video recordings of all online notarizations.

Right to inspect:
- Because Louisiana does not mandate a general notary journal for most acts, there is no statewide statutory framework for public inspection of notary journals comparable to states like California or Pennsylvania.
- For acts involving immovable property recorded under RS 35:199, the recorded instruments become public records accessible through the parish recorder's office.
- Louisiana's Public Records Law (RS 44:1 et seq.) governs access to public records generally, but notary journals (where they exist) are typically not public records unless the notary is a government employee acting in that capacity.
- Parties seeking information from a notary's records may need to request it directly from the notary (who may decline) or obtain a court order or subpoena to compel production.

What can be requested:
- If a notary voluntarily maintains a journal, that notary may (but is not required to) provide access to journal entries.
- For recorded instruments involving immovable property, parties can request copies from the parish recorder's office where the instrument was filed.
- Thumbprints: Louisiana does not require thumbprints for notarial acts.

Key considerations:
- Louisiana notaries have broader powers and responsibilities than common-law notaries; their acts often carry greater evidentiary weight.
- Because journal-keeping is not universally required, many Louisiana notaries may not have a detailed journal of all notarial acts performed.
- For real property transactions, recorded instruments are public records accessible through parish recorders' offices.
- Ex officio notaries (such as justices of the peace and district court clerks) are authorized to perform notarial functions within the scope of their office (RS 35:392.1).
- Contact: Louisiana Secretary of State, Notary Division — (225) 922-0507

Relevant statutes: RS 35:2, RS 35:199, RS 44:1 et seq.

This information is provided for general reference only, does not constitute legal advice, and may not reflect current law. Laws and procedures change frequently. We make no warranty regarding accuracy or completeness. Consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before taking action.