Louisiana Notary Public Exam

What power distinguishes a Louisiana notary from a common-law-state notary?

1. ACharging higher fees
2. BDrafting and passing authentic acts and other legal instrumentsCorrect
3. CCertifying vital records
4. DServing without a bond

Why: Louisiana is a civil-law state, so its notaries can draft and execute authentic acts and prepare contracts, sales, mortgages, and other legal instruments—work a common-law notary cannot do. Common-law notaries merely witness signatures and administer oaths. This drafting authority is the defining Louisiana difference.

How long does a Louisiana notary commission generally last?

1. ADuring good behavior (effectively for life), subject to maintaining the bond and filingsCorrect
2. BTwo years
3. CFour years
4. D90 days

Why: Unlike short fixed-term common-law commissions, a Louisiana notary generally serves during good behavior—effectively for life—so long as the bond stays in force and required filings are made. This reflects the office's quasi-judicial character.