Journal & Record-Keeping
Louisiana notaries must retain and, in many parishes, record their acts; retention and recordation rules are a tested duty because authentic acts affect title and obligations.
Retention of acts
A Louisiana notary must retain original authentic acts (or file them where required) and maintain an index of the instruments they pass. Certain acts affecting immovable property must be recorded in the parish conveyance or mortgage records to affect third parties. The notary's retained originals are the authoritative record and may be used to issue certified copies.
Certified copies from the notary's records
Because the notary keeps the original authentic act, a Louisiana notary can issue certified copies of acts they have passed and retained. This is a broader records role than a common-law notary, who keeps only a journal of acts witnessed. Accurate recordkeeping protects the parties and the notary.