Free Louisiana Notary Acknowledgment Template

In Louisiana, a notary acknowledgment is how a party confirms an act under private signature. The party recognizes the signature as their own before a notary or other authorized officer. Once acknowledged, the act is regarded prima facie as genuine and is admitted in evidence without further proof (Civil Code art. 1836).

Louisiana follows a civil-law tradition, and its Civil Code and Revised Statutes set the rules below.

Names in Full

Under R.S. 35:12, notaries must write the parties’ names in full, not initials alone, along with each party’s permanent mailing address. A full name means at least one given name plus the surname.

Printed Names Under Signatures

The notary prints or types the full names of the witnesses and of themselves under their signatures. Also, the notary’s own name must appear as it does on the commission.

Notary Identification Number

Every document notarized in Louisiana must bear the notary identification number assigned by the Secretary of State. A notary who is a Louisiana attorney may use their state bar roll number instead. Either number goes next to the notary’s typed, printed, or stamped name.

Recording Offices Can Refuse

Clerks and recorders of mortgages or conveyances may refuse to record a document notarized since January 1, 2005 if key details are missing (R.S. 35:12(D)). These include the notary’s ID or bar roll number and the typed, printed, or stamped names of the notary and witnesses.

Who May Use the Title

Only a regularly commissioned notary may use the title “Notary Public.” Anyone else with notarial powers must show the position that gives them that authority.

Yes, two. Under Civil Code article 1836, a party may acknowledge an act under private signature before a court, notary, or other authorized officer. The party recognizes the signature in the presence of two witnesses. Beyond that, the article allows acknowledgment in any other manner authorized by law.

So plan for three people besides yourself at the signing table: the notary and two witnesses. Then, as R.S. 35:12 requires, each witness’s full name goes under their signature in print or type.

One limit is worth knowing. Even when acknowledged, an act under private signature can’t take the place of an authentic act when the law requires an authentic act. If you’re unsure which your Louisiana notary acknowledgment needs, ask the recipient or an attorney.

Arrange your Louisiana notary acknowledgment so everyone is present together.

1. Line up two witnesses to attend with you.
2. Fill in each party’s full name and permanent mailing address.
3. Appear before the notary and the two witnesses.
4. Recognize the signature on the document as your own.
5. The witnesses and the notary sign, and each printed name goes beneath its signature.
6. The notary adds their ID or bar roll number next to their printed name.

Drawing on article 1836 and R.S. 35:12, a Louisiana notary acknowledgment should cover:

• The full names of the parties and their permanent mailing addresses
• A statement that the party recognized the signature as their own before the notary and two witnesses
• The signatures of both witnesses, with their full names printed or typed below
• The notary’s signature, with their name printed, typed, or stamped as on the commission
• The notary identification number or Louisiana bar roll number next to that name

Complete these details with Document Genius before the appointment.