FAQs

Questions for our Notary? Call us! (985) 641-9884

Louisiana notaries are different than notaries in other states. We work under a different set of rules and have much greater powers so please call us if you have any questions.

Are Louisiana Notaries Required to Use a Seal?

A Louisiana notary’s signature is their seal.

When Does a Louisiana Notary’s Commission Expire?

Notaries in Louisiana are commissioned for life pursuant to Attorney General Opinion 1940-42.

What are the Qualifications of a Louisiana Notary?

A notary must be a resident citizen (registered to vote in the parish of residence) or alien of the state, 18 years of age or older, and take and pass the statewide standardized exam administered by the Secretary of State.  Anyone licensed to practice law in the state is exempt from the test. See Louisiana R.S. 35:191.
General Notarization

There are many documents that require notarization. Affidavits, Titles, Powers of Attorney, Licensing forms, and Lien Waivers are just a few of the various documents that must often be signed in front of a Notary.

General Power Of Attorney (Procuration)

Making a General Power of Attorney gives authority to another person (your “Agent”) to act on your behalf. These powers include handling financial affairs, business matters, making gifts, hiring professional assistance, and more. A General Power of Attorney is a great tool if you will be traveling and need someone to handle certain matters, or in the event you are physically or mentally incapable of managing your own affairs or making medical decisions.

Limited Power Of Attorney

You can specify which powers an Agent may exercise by making a Limited Power of Attorney. This is useful when one cannot be present to handle affairs due to other commitments. Selling or donating automobiles, transferring property, and paying bills, are just a few of the common powers specified in a Limited Power of Attorney.

Provisional Custody By Mandate

Provisional Custody by Mandate is a Louisiana instrument that allows parents of a minor child to authorize another person to provide for the care, custody and control of that minor.

Provisional Custody is used when a minor child will be spending an extended period of time with someone who is not his/her parent or legal guardian. The “Custodian” usually has the power to enroll the child in school, discipline the child, authorize medical care for the child, and perform any other acts necessary for the well-being of the child. The authority can be granted for a period of no greater than one year.

*Provisional Custody is different from full Legal Custody and Adoption, both of which are usually permanent and require a court proceeding.

Simple Wills

Our Notarial Testaments meet Louisiana’s required form and are drafted by a Notary in accordance with Louisiana State Law. If you know how to sign your name, if you can read, and are physically able to do both, then we can help.

Affidavits

An Affidavit is a statement of facts that is sworn to (or affirmed) before an officer who has authority to administer an oath (i.e. Notary Public). Common types of Affidavits in Louisiana are Affidavits of Residency, Affidavits of Heirship, and Affidavits of Error.

Certified / True Copies

Notaries are frequently asked to make a “Certified” or “Attested” copy of an original document. Please note that when a Notary makes an “Attested” copy of a document, he/she is not guaranteeing the authenticity of the Original Document, its contents, or its effects. The Notary is simply stating that the document photocopy is a “True” and complete copy of the original document that was presented. Bring us your Original Passport, Driver’s License, College Degree or other Original Document and we will make a “Certified True Copy” (You must present the original document to the Notary.)

What Forms of ID Can You Accept?

We accept any original government-issued ID and a few others. (U.S. issued Driver’s License, State Issued ID, Passport, and TWIC Card.

Does my ID Have to Match my Signature?

Yes, your ID must match your signature. If your ID shows Jr., the III, the IV, or any other suffix on your name, you must sign your legal documents using the suffix. Also maiden or married names must be on ID, if you are signing your maiden or married name.
Can I Bring a Document Signed by Another Person to be Notarized?
No. The person who is signing the document must appear before and sign the document in the presence of the Notary after presenting a valid form of identification.

Can I Fill Out my Document or Write my Statement Prior to Appearing Before a Notary?

Yes. You can fill out your document or write your statement prior to appearing before a Notary. But DO NOT sign or date the document until you are directed to do so in the presence of a notary.

Is a Living Will the same as a Testament?

No, the living will regards actions to be taken by a hospital/doctor  upon the eventual circumstance where an individual becomes incapacitated and cannot make health decisions for him/herself.  An example is whether or not to allow life sustaining equipment to be utilized to prolong the life of the individual and other similar directives made by the principal.

Do Notaries Have to Know How to Write Property Descriptions?

Absolutely.  That is a part of the current notary exam that is included every time.  Property descriptions are an important part of the notary role.

What Do I Need to Register a New, Previously Unregistered Vehicle?

1. Manufacturer’s statement of origin, assigned before a notary by the licensed dealer to the applicant
   If the dealer selling the vehicle is located in a state that does not require notarization, the file will be accepted without the MSO or invoice being notarized
2. Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, showing complete description (make, year, model, and vehicle identification number) of the vehicle sold, vehicle traded-in (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number
   The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted
3. A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
   Properly completed and signed odometer disclosure statement
4. Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
5. All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.

What Do I Need to Register a Vehicle With a Louisiana Title?

• “Current” certificate of title assigned before a notary by seller to purchaser, with the properly released lien, if applicable
• If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
• Act of Donation must be notarized
• Original notarized bill of sale or invoice specifying the actual consideration involved and full description of vehicle. If an invoice from a dealer is submitted, the full description of the trade-in vehicle (if any), and the dealer’s current permit number. A separate bill of sale is not required if the selling price is included on a title with a notarized assignment.
• The itemized invoice submitted must be the original. If the original is lost and the bill of sale is from a notary state, a certified true copy can be accepted.
• A carbon copy of a bill of sale can be accepted if being submitted from a state that does not require notarization
  Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement) or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
• Proof of liability insurance coverage as required by law, unless the vehicle was purchased from a dealer
• All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued; however, a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.

What Do I Need to Register a Vehicle With an Out-of-State Title?

Same requirements as listed above plus the following documentation:

If the documents were notarized out of state, the file will be accepted, since it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title is not a resident of Louisiana. Several states do not require notarization of all or some title transfer documents. If an unnotarized bill of sale is received, but the assignment of title from the registered owner is notarized out of state, this will suffice as proof of non-residency of the seller. If neither the bill of sale nor assignment of the title is notarized, a notarized affidavit is required from the registered owner indicating that he is not a resident of Louisiana. The affidavit MUST include the out-of-state address. If the documents submitted were notarized in Louisiana, it is assumed that the registered owner shown on the out-of-state title has become a resident of Louisiana and must pay use tax. A “double transfer” will be processed and taxes are due on both transactions. An affidavit of non-residency or a copy of the seller’s out-of-state driver’s license/identification card will be accepted as proof of residency.

Exemptions from this procedure will be acceptable if:

• The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title provides a notarized affidavit of non-residency in Louisiana and states his true out-of-state address; or
• The registered owner listed on the out-of-state title presents his out-of-state driver’s license
  An international driver’s license shall not be accepted as proof of out-of-state residency
• If the vehicle is less than ten (10) years old and the back of the out-of-state title does not contain an odometer disclosure statement, a supplemental odometer statement must be submitted
• An out-of-state title indicating alternate ownership may be transferred with one of the titled owner’s signatures if only one signature is required by that jurisdiction
• All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012, must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state. If an acceptable form of identification cannot be provided, a title will be issued however a plate will not be issued until identification is shown.
• An out-of-state title with the brand of “Bonded Title” or “Bonded Vehicle Title” cannot be accepted for any type of title in this state
• Any person who is a new resident of Louisiana shall apply for a title and/or registration for each motor vehicle he owns and operates on the public streets of Louisiana within thirty days of the date he establishes residency. The date a person establishes residency shall be the date he/she is issued a Louisiana driver’s license.

What Can I Do IF I Bought a Car From a Dealer in Another State and They Made me Pay Taxes?

Applicants who purchase a vehicle out of state and pay use or sales tax to that state are allowed credit against the state and local use taxes imposed in Louisiana for the full rate of sales or use tax paid in the other state.

The following documents are required:

• MSO or out-of-state title properly assigned (and notarized, if applicable) to the applicant
• Original itemized invoice from dealer to purchaser, inclusive of a complete description of the vehicle (make, year, model, body style and vehicle identification number)
• Properly completed odometer disclosure statement
• Original or copy of properly completed UCC-1 form (financing statement), or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
• All files with a date of sale on or after August 1, 2012 must include a copy of each vehicle owner’s current and valid photo identification. The photo identification provided should be a driver’s license or identification card issued by this state or another state.

What Do I Need to Sell my Car?

To ensure that the vehicle is completely transferred out of your name, the Certificate of Title must be assigned to the new buyer in front of a notary. We will prepare a bill of sale or Act of Donation and provide copies for your files. We can also put a comment on the vehicle record showing that the car has been transferred. Before you cancel your insurance, you must cancel your license plate; otherwise, you can be fined for having an “active” license plate without insurance.

If I lost My Title, Can I Get Another One?

A duplicate title can be issued when the original has been mutilated, lost, destroyed, or never received. Only the registered owner, the registered owner’s agent, or lienholder can apply for a duplicate title. Proof of lien satisfaction must be provided, if applicable.