What is the new Louisiana notary bond requirement for 2026?
Louisiana has significantly increased the surety bond requirement for non-attorney Notaries Public, effective February 1, 2026.
New Requirements
Bond Amount Increase: The required surety bond increases from $10,000 to $50,000 - a 400% increase designed to provide greater protection to the public.
Elimination of E&O Alternative: Previously, Louisiana Notaries could file an Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance policy instead of a surety bond. This option has been eliminated - all non-attorney Notaries must now obtain a surety bond.
Mandatory Compliance Deadline: All current Notaries subject to the bond requirement must file their $50,000 bond with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office by February 1, 2026. Failure to comply will result in suspension of their notary commission.
Streamlined Filing Process: The filing process has been simplified - bonds no longer require parish clerk approval before submission to the Secretary of State. Notaries can now file directly with the state office.
Who This Affects
This requirement applies to non-attorney Notaries Public in Louisiana. Attorney Notaries may have different requirements based on their bar membership and professional liability coverage.
Cost Impact
The increased bond amount will affect the annual premium Notaries pay. Most Louisiana Notaries with good credit can expect to pay between $50-$150 annually for the $50,000 bond, though actual rates depend on the surety provider and the applicant's credit profile.
Action Required
Current Louisiana Notaries should contact a licensed surety bond provider well before the February 1, 2026 deadline to ensure timely filing and avoid commission suspension.
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