Electronic & Remote Online Notarization
Louisiana authorizes remote and electronic notarization under specific rules; the strong civil-law formalities still apply to the underlying acts.
Remote and electronic acts
Louisiana permits certain remote and electronic notarizations under state law and Secretary of State rules, using approved technology, identity-proofing, credential analysis, and an audio-video recording. The formalities of the underlying act—such as the witness requirements for authentic acts—still must be satisfied, which makes remote authentic acts more complex than a simple acknowledgment.
Technology and recordkeeping
When notarizing electronically or remotely, the notary must use a tamper-evident electronic seal/signature, verify identity through the approved process, and retain the required audio-video recording and records. Always confirm the current Louisiana rules and any limits on which acts may be done remotely.
State-specific details
State exam facts
- State regulator
- Louisiana Secretary of State (Notary Division)
- Passing score
- A scaled score of 70 (out of 100)
- Time limit
- 240 minutes
Does Louisiana require a notary exam?
Yes — and it is widely regarded as the hardest notary exam in the United States. Non-attorney applicants sit a computer-based, open-book exam given in a single sitting of up to four hours; you may bring the official study guide. Before registering, non-attorneys must complete the Notary Exam Pre-Assessment (a diagnostic, not pass/fail). Louisiana-licensed attorneys are exempt from the exam.
What score do I need to pass the Louisiana notary exam?
You must earn a scaled score of at least 70 out of 100 to pass the state notary examination.
Why is the Louisiana notary exam so much harder than other states'?
Louisiana is the only civil-law jurisdiction in the country, so its notaries have far broader powers than common-law notaries — they can draft and execute authentic acts such as conveyances, mortgages, wills, and successions, functions closer to a European-style notaire. The exam tests that drafting ability, not just witnessing signatures.
How much can a Louisiana notary charge per act?
Louisiana sets no statutory cap on notarial fees. Notaries set their own fees but must disclose them to the client in advance.
Sources: https://www.sos.la.gov/notary, https://www.sos.la.gov/notary/get-exam-information