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Notary Resources
Is Your Notary Commission Suspended?
The Louisiana Secretary of State maintains a Notary Database of all persons who have been issued a commission. In a cursory review of the database you will find a number of Notaries whose commission is Suspended.
Secretary of State Notary Database
The suspended status refers to your bond being expired or not filing an annual report.
Supply the SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE with an original or certified true copy of your bond signed by the clerk of court in your parish or an original or certified true copy of your Errors and Omission policy with a check or money order for the $20 filing fee.
OR
File your current and any past due annual reports. Follow the instructions under Notary – How to File – Bond Renewal. If you have a Personal Surety and it is not indicated on the Notary Database, please supply the SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICE with the correct information.
Annual Report
Annual reports are being mailed to notaries sixty (60) days prior to the anniversary date of their commission. According to Act 1142 of the 2003 Legislative Session (see www.legis.state.la.us) the annual report shall be completed in full, signed by the notary and returned with payment of the $10.00 filing fee. The completed annual report and fee must be returned by the anniversary date of their commission to avoid a late fee or suspension.
The annual reports are being mailed to the address located on the notary database. Notaries can keep the Secretary of State’s office advised of any change in address and phone number by e-mail at notaries@sos.louisiana.gov or by fax at (225) 922-2650 .
Notary Duties
There is a difference in Notary Publics between Louisiana and other States. The Louisiana Notary is a CIVIL LAW NOTARY and has broad powers usually reserved for attorneys in other states. The Louisiana Civil Law Notary can draft, prepare and execute affidavits, acknowledgements and authentic acts. Louisiana Civil Law provides for much of our legal documentation to be passed by a Notary, a public official, who has qualified for a commission authorizing those powers.