Launching and Running a Notary Business in Louisiana

Are you interested in starting your own notary business in Louisiana? Becoming a notary public can be a rewarding and lucrative venture. In this article, we will explore the steps to launch and run a successful notary business in the state of Louisiana. We will also discuss the fees that can be charged or typically collected by notaries, as well as additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.

Setting up Your Notary Business

To begin your notary business in Louisiana, there are a few important steps you need to follow:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements: To become a notary in Louisiana, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and able to read, write, and understand English.
2. Complete the Application: Obtain an application from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website or office. Fill out the application accurately and provide any required documentation, such as proof of residency and a criminal background check.
3. Take the Required Exam: Once your application is approved, you will be notified to take the required exam. The exam assesses your knowledge of notary laws and procedures.
4. Purchase Notary Supplies: After passing the exam, you will need to purchase notary supplies such as a notary seal, official stamp, and a notary journal to record your notarial acts.
5. Obtain a Surety Bond: In Louisiana, notaries are required to have a surety bond as a form of financial protection for their clients. The bond amount is typically $10,000.
6. Submit Your Paperwork: Once you have completed all the necessary steps, submit your application, exam results, proof of bond, and other required documents to the Secretary of State’s office. Pay the application fee, which is currently $35.

Fees for Notary Services

As a notary public in Louisiana, you are allowed to charge certain fees for your services. The maximum fees that can be charged or typically collected by notaries are set by state law and may vary depending on the type of notarial act performed. Here are a few common notary services and their associated fees (as of 2021):

• Acknowledgments: $5 per signature
• Jurat: $20 per signature
• Protests: $5 for the first page and $2 for each additional page
• Depositions: $5 for administering the oath and $0.25 per 100 words

Please note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest fee schedule provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.

Additional Charges for Special Notarizations

In addition to the standard fees, Louisiana notaries are allowed to charge additional fees for certain special notarizations:

• Mobile Notarizations: If you provide notary services at a location other than your office or home, you are permitted to charge a travel fee. This fee can vary depending on the distance traveled.
• Loan Closing Notarizations: For loan closings, notaries are often allowed to charge higher fees due to the complexity and length of the process. These fees can range from $150 to $500, depending on the type of loan and the services provided.
• Remote Online Notarizations: With the advancement of technology, remote online notarizations have become more common. Notaries can charge additional fees for providing this service, which involves using audio-video communication to perform notarial acts remotely.

It’s important to remember that all fees and charges must be reasonable and disclosed to the client before providing the notary services.

Conclusion

Starting and running a notary business in Louisiana can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. By following the necessary steps and understanding the fees associated with notarial acts, you can establish yourself as a trusted notary public in the state. Remember to stay informed about any changes in the laws and fee schedules, and always provide professional and reliable service to your clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about other aspects of the notary profession or exploring different topics related to the legal field, feel free to explore the other articles on our website. We are dedicated to providing valuable information to help you succeed in your notary business and beyond.