Key Takeaways
- Application to Qualify fee: $35
- Pre-assessment fee: $30
- State exam fee: $100
- Commissioning fee: $35
- Study guide cost: $100 (non-refundable)
Last updated: January 2026
Application and Commissioning Fees
Becoming a Louisiana notary requires payment of several fees to the Secretary of State and other parties.
Initial Application Fees
| Fee | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Application to Qualify | $35 | Initial application processing |
| Pre-Assessment | $30 | Mandatory online assessment |
| Study Guide | $100 | Official exam study materials |
| State Exam | $100 | Examination fee |
| Commissioning | $35 | Commission issuance |
Total Initial Costs
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fees to Secretary of State | $200 (Application + Exam + Commissioning) |
| Pre-Assessment | $30 |
| Study Guide | $100 |
| Surety Bond | Varies by provider |
| Approximate Total | $330+ plus bond |
Optional Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decorative Certificate | $20 | Optional display certificate |
| RON Registration | $100 | One-time fee for remote online notarization |
| Duplicate Commission | Varies | If original is lost |
Attorney Notary Fees
Attorneys admitted to practice law in Louisiana are exempt from some fees:
| Fee | Attorneys Pay? |
|---|---|
| Application to Qualify | Yes ($35) |
| Pre-Assessment | No (exempt) |
| Study Guide | No (not needed) |
| State Exam | No (exempt) |
| Commissioning | Yes ($35) |
| Bond | No (exempt) |
Attorney Total: Approximately $70 (application + commissioning)
Statewide Jurisdiction Upgrade (Pre-2005 Notaries)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Purpose | To gain statewide jurisdiction |
Fee Refund Policy
| Fee Type | Refundable? |
|---|---|
| Application Fees | Generally non-refundable |
| Exam Fees | Non-refundable |
| Study Guide | Non-refundable |
| Bond Premium | Per bond company policy |
Parish Change Fees
If you move to a different parish:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| New Application to Qualify | $35 |
| New Commissioning Fee | $35 |
| New Bond | Varies |
On the Exam
- Application fee: $35
- Exam fee: $100
- Commissioning fee: $35
- Attorney exemptions: Exam and bond
Test Your Knowledge
What is the fee for the Louisiana notary state examination?
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B
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D
Test Your Knowledge
Which fees are Louisiana-admitted attorneys EXEMPT from when becoming a notary?
A
B
C
D