ELOUISIANANOTARY

New Notary Startup Checklist

Everything you need after receiving your Louisiana commission

✓ WEEK 1: ESSENTIAL SETUP

Commission & Bond

Receive and review your notary commission certificateObtain $10,000 surety bond (required by Louisiana law)Consider additional bond coverage ($50,000 recommended)File bond with the parish clerk of courtTake oath of office before the parish clerk

Notary Supplies

Order official notary seal/stamp (must meet Louisiana requirements)Purchase notary journal (bound, sequential pages)Get notary certificate stamps (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.)Order business cards with notary credentials

✓ WEEK 2: BUSINESS FOUNDATION

Legal Structure

Decide on business structure (sole proprietor vs. LLC)Register business name with Louisiana Secretary of State (if applicable)Obtain EIN from IRS (if forming LLC or hiring employees)Open separate business bank account

Insurance & Protection

Purchase Errors & Omissions (E&O) insuranceConsider general liability insurance

✓ WEEK 3: OPERATIONS

Pricing & Policies

Set your fee schedule (max $35 per notarial act in Louisiana)Determine travel fees for mobile servicesCreate cancellation and no-show policySet up payment processing (Square, PayPal, etc.)

Systems & Tools

Set up scheduling system (Calendly, Acuity, etc.)Create client intake formSet up secure document storage systemCreate invoice/receipt templates

✓ WEEK 4: MARKETING

Create Google Business ProfileSet up professional social media accountsJoin notary directories (Notary Rotary, 123Notary, etc.)Network with real estate agents, attorneys, and title companiesJoin National Notary Association

✓ OPTIONAL: RON SETUP

Complete Louisiana RON training courseRegister as RON with Louisiana Secretary of StateSelect and set up RON platformObtain electronic seal and signatureSet up secure recording storage

📅 KEY DEADLINES TO REMEMBER

• Bond must be filed within 30 days of commission date
• Commission renewal: Every 5 years (apply 60 days before expiration)
• Continuing education: Check NNA requirements annually
• Keep all records for minimum 10 years after commission expires