by According to the latest update, the state of Louisiana has enacted a major law regarding its notary bond requirement. The new legislative change was recently passed under House Bill 259, which made significant changes to the notary surety bond for all notaries across the state.
What is the New Law for the Notaries?
Under the law, the Bond Amount has increased from $10,000 to $50,000. This represents a substantial increase in the financial protection backing a notary’s official acts. This change will be effective from February 1, 2026.
Earlier, notaries could meet the state requirement by posting a $10,000 surety bond, maintaining $10,000 in errors & omissions insurance (E&O), or posting a personal surety bond. That option to file E&O insurance as a substitute has now been eliminated for filing with the Secretary of State. Although a notary may still personally carry E&O coverage for protection against claims, it cannot be used to satisfy the state filing requirement.
Louisiana has simplified the Filing Process for Notaries
Beyond increasing the amount, the new law has also streamlined the administrative process, which includes:
- No more required approval from the parish Clerk of Court for surety bonds issued by an authorized surety company.
- Notaries will file their $50,000 bond directly with the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office.
- If a bond is secured as a special mortgage or via personal surety, it still must be recorded in the parish mortgage office.
Compliance Deadline: What you need to know?
All affected notaries must have a compliant $50,000 bond in place and filed by February 1, 2026. Bonds or filings under the old $10,000 threshold will no longer be accepted after that date.
This requirement applies to all commissioned notaries public in Louisiana, including:
- Independent notaries
- Title company staff who serve as notaries
- Non-attorney notaries
Note: Attorney notaries (licensed attorneys acting as notaries) are exempt from the bond requirement and thus are not required to file a surety bond with the state.
Why This Important?
The primary purpose of increasing the surety bond amount and tightening requirements is to enhance public protection by ensuring stronger financial backing for notarial acts. Having a higher bond provides a greater financial resource for claimants in the rare event of fraud, misconduct, or failure to perform official duties as a notary.
For title professionals and signing agents, understanding these updates is critical for compliance and risk management. Notaries who fail to secure and file the required bond risk suspension of their commission until compliance is met.
Step-by-Step Guided to Compliance
If you are a Louisiana notary or manage notaries in your business, this section will help you to understand the steps for compliance.
Step 1: Review your current bond.
Confirm whether it meets the new $50,000 requirement.
Step 2: Contact your surety provider
To issue a compliant bond well before February 1, 2026, you must contact your surety bond provider.
Step 3: File the bond with the Louisiana Secretary of State
No need to loop in the parish clerk if your bond is from an authorized surety.
Step 4: Maintain documentation
You must maintain the documentation to demonstrate compliance and protect your commission from suspension.
