Notary Exam:
A notary is a person who is legally authorized to sign a document as a witness and it becomes valid. A notary will be a lawyer in most cases. Adding to signing as a witness, a notary also has many other functions and roles, and responsibilities.
People who don’t have any proof of address, especially immigrants will need a notary or notary public. The notary should be honest and disciplined throughout his/ her career as they will be dealing with the legal affairs related to the state. Also, if one wants to be included in the voter’s list or a student needs an affidavit signature, they have to contact the Notary.
Notary Exam in Louisiana:
Louisiana, a state of the Southeastern US is situated in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a separate Notary division in the Louisiana secretary of state. This division handles the responsibility of selecting and appointing notaries for the government.
To help the aspirants of the notary exam to prepare, they have prepared a study guide which is available online on their official website. All the exam details are available on the official website page of the Notary division, Secretary of the state.
It is not mandatory to take a course, but the notary division of the state recommends it or joining a study group as it will help one to prepare for the exam.
Becoming a notary in Louisiana:
To become a notary, there are several criteria you should meet and many processes to undergo. If you are above 18 years old, you can apply to become a notary in the parish of your residence. The first step is to get qualified by the secretary of the state and commissioned in the parish where you reside. The second step involves completing an application. After the application, the division has to qualify you.
Following are the eligibility criteria you should meet to get qualified:
Should have the right to vote or register as a member who can vote in the parish you are seeking to apply. Should be a resident of the state of Louisiana. Should be free of any criminal background. Should be an expert in the English language with the ability to read, write, and speak the language fluently. Should have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent diploma. In addition, you should have a diploma in completing any home study program (The program should be approved by the state).
If you are qualified, you will be notified in case you applied online and by post in case you applied by paper. Then you should submit your commission documents which include a signature form, administered oath of office, and a good standing letter from the supreme court of Louisiana.
Preparing and Attending the Exam:
Before taking the exam, you need to complete a pre-assessment online. This pre-assessment score is compulsory to attend the notary exam. After you qualify, you will receive the instructions and login credentials for the pre-assessment either through email or post. Then you have to complete your pre-assessment exam online. You will receive your score on completion of the pre-assessment. Yet, a passing score is not mandatory and it is only for evaluation.
You can register for the main state notary exam online. You should complete your application, submission, and pre-assessment 30 days before the deadline of the exam. The division doesn’t recommend any particular prep course. But, they maintain a list of recognized institutes for students which you can check out on their official page.
List of Notary Education providers in Louisiana:
A+ Pelican State Notary ClassBaton Rouge Community CollegeBossier Parish Community CollegeDelgado Community CollegeDonaldson Education servicesHilker EnterprisesInotarynowJeremy LeblancJTO servicesLisa MCCOY/ Real motion notary servicesLouisiana state universityLoyola universityNotary Instruction and servicesNotary Toute and suite
Conclusion:
Being a notary requires very good honesty, strength, and discipline. You should be very careful and very vigilant in your work. The state notary exam in Louisiana is not that hard but not easy though. Work hard and prepare well to become a notary in Louisiana.
How can I contact the division for my queries regarding the State Notary Exam?
You can call or drop a message at 225-922-0507.
Is there a separate qualifying fee?
Yes. There is a separate qualifying fee of 35 dollars.
When the exam will be conducted?
The exam will be conducted at least twice a year by the Secretary of State.
What is the cost of a pre-exam assessment?
It will cost 30 dollars.
