Frequently Asked Questions

Notary Basics

What is a Notary Public?
A Louisiana Notary Public is a commissioned public officer authorized to perform notarial acts — acknowledgments, jurats (oaths), administering oaths, witnessing signatures, and certifying documents.

Do you travel?
Yes! I'm a mobile notary and travel to you — home, office, hospital, or wherever works best.

Are you full-time?
Not full-time. I'm available evenings Monday–Friday, 5:30–6:30 PM, and weekends, by appointment only. Book on Calendly. If it's urgent, call or text 225-573-5656.

Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Please book directly through our online calendar so we can confirm a time that works for you. Same-day and short-notice appointments are sometimes available — call or text 225-573-5656 to check.

Do you go into jails?
Not at this time.

What are your services?
Standard notary & witness services (mobile or in-office), apostille & authentication processing, wedding & officiant services, and government contracting support, templates, and consulting. We do not currently offer Remote Online Notarization (RON).

What types of identification are accepted in Louisiana for notarization?
Louisiana law requires that a notary reasonably identify the signer. Acceptable forms include a Louisiana driver's license or state ID card (unexpired), a U.S. passport (book or card), other valid U.S. state driver's licenses or IDs, a military ID with photograph, or a Permanent Resident (Green) Card or other federal government-issued ID. IDs must be current, contain a photograph, signature, and physical description, and match the name on the document. Social Security cards, birth certificates, and work badges are not sufficient on their own.

Why can't you give legal advice?
Notaries public are not attorneys. Louisiana law prohibits notaries from giving legal advice, drafting legal opinions, or telling you which document is right for your situation.

Why shouldn't I use LegalZoom or generic online templates for my documents in Louisiana?
Louisiana law is different from most other states. While most states follow common law, Louisiana is based on civil law (influenced by the Napoleonic Code), so our forms and requirements are unique. Generic templates from national providers are often not valid under Louisiana law, which can mean rejected filings, invalid contracts, or costly delays.

Can my kid be my witness?
Depends on the document. Most authentic acts (contracts, affidavits, etc.) require witnesses 18+. Wills and testaments specifically allow witnesses as young as 16, as long as they aren't blind, insane, or unable to sign their name. Confirm with me beforehand since the rule changes by document type.

What's the difference between a will and a testament?
Same document. Louisiana's civil-law system formally calls it a "testament"; "last will and testament" is the common-law phrase used elsewhere.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Do you offer Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
No. We do not currently offer Remote Online Notarization. All notarizations are performed in person, with the signer physically present.

Travel, Locations & Pricing

How far do you travel for mobile notary services?
Within a two-hour driving radius of Baton Rouge. Travel within 20 miles is included; beyond that, we charge $1.50 per mile (round trip) from zip code 70818.

Do you provide notary services in nursing homes, hospitals, or prisons?
Yes. Because these environments may have added security or scheduling requirements, please confirm facility visitation rules in advance, ensure the signer is alert and willing to sign, have valid ID ready, and arrange any required witnesses (some facilities don't provide staff as witnesses). Additional travel or wait-time fees may apply.

What is the cost?
Depending on the service, there's a non-refundable booking fee applied to secure your appointment, plus a detailed invoice showing the total cost and any travel or processing fees. For an estimate, email info@bontonnotaryexpress.com or call/text 225-573-5656.

When You're In a Hurry

Why can't I complete the document before I get there?
By law, I have to personally witness you signing (or hear you acknowledge the signature is yours). If you sign beforehand, I legally can't notarize it as-is — you'd have to sign again in front of me. Bringing it unsigned saves time, not costs it.

Can you notarize a document for someone who isn't present?
No. Every signer must be physically present — no exceptions.

What if my ID is expired or I don't have one?
I can't proceed. Double-check your ID's expiration date before we meet.

Can you notarize a document in a language you don't read?
I can notarize the signature, but I can't translate or confirm the meaning of the document — that's outside what I'm authorized to do.

Can you notarize a copy of an original (like a passport or diploma)?
Only for specific document types that allow a "certified copy" notarization. Ask ahead and I'll confirm.

Can a notary refuse to notarize something?
Yes — if the signer lacks valid ID, appears pressured or confused, or the document is incomplete.

Voting & Elections

What do I need to register to vote in Louisiana?
• U.S. citizenship
• At least 17 to register (16 in person at the Registrar or LA OMV); 18 by the next election to vote
• Not under an order of imprisonment for a felony (some exceptions apply)
• Not under a judgment of full/partial interdiction affecting voting rights
• Louisiana residency in the parish where you register
• Apply 20+ days before an election online, or 30+ days by mail/in person
Register or check status at the GeauxVote portal.

Is a notary required to vote?
No. Louisiana absentee ballots require witness signatures, not a notary. If someone tells you otherwise, confirm with your parish Registrar of Voters.

Apostilles & Document Authentication

What is an apostille?
A certificate from the Louisiana Secretary of State authenticating a signature/seal so a document is recognized in another country.

Do I need an apostille or a certification?
Hague Convention country → apostille. Check the official HCCH Status Table.
Non-Hague country → certification, often with added authentication via the U.S. Department of State or that country's embassy.

Can you issue the apostille for me?
Not directly — only the LA Secretary of State issues them. I can properly notarize your document and help you prepare the paperwork correctly.

What documents qualify?
Public documents issued/notarized in Louisiana — notarized powers of attorney, affidavits, school transcripts/diplomas, certified vital records. Louisiana can only apostille Louisiana-connected documents.

Can a birth/death certificate be notarized for an apostille?
No — vital records can't be notarized. Submit a properly certified copy instead.

Cost and turnaround?
$20/document, ~3 business days processing (not counting mail). Confirm current fees at sos.la.gov.

Where do I send it?
LA Secretary of State – Business Services Division, 8585 Archives Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (mail: P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125).

Expungement Support

What does "expungement" mean in Louisiana?
It's the legal process of removing an eligible arrest or conviction record from public access, so you can generally deny it existed (with some exceptions, like certain licensing boards).

What kind of help do you provide with expungements?
I offer administrative support — notarizing required affidavits (like the in forma pauperis affidavit if you qualify for reduced/waived fees), and helping make sure your paperwork is complete before filing. I do not determine your eligibility or represent you in court — that's the role of an attorney.

How much does an expungement cost, and how long does it take?
Louisiana law caps the fee at $550 (less for a first-offense marijuana possession misdemeanor, through August 1, 2026). The process generally takes 6–12 months depending on court backlog and case complexity. Fees are non-refundable even if the court denies the request.

Do I need a lawyer?
Not required, but recommended for anything beyond a straightforward case. Free help is also available through Louisiana Law Help, the Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana, or the Louisiana Bar's Modest Means Directory.

This is general information, not legal advice or an eligibility determination. Please consult an attorney or a legal aid organization for guidance on your specific case.

Wedding Officiant Services

Are you a registered officiant?
Yes — Louisiana requires officiants to register with the Clerk of Court in the parish where the wedding takes place. I'm registered in East Baton Rouge Parish.

What do we need before the ceremony?
A valid Louisiana marriage license from the parish Clerk of Court, at least 24 hours before the ceremony (it expires 30 days after issuance). Both of you must be 18+ (16–17 allowed only with no more than a 3-year age gap between partners, and no one 15 or under may marry).

How many witnesses do we need?
Two witnesses, 18 or older and of sound mind, must be present and sign the marriage license along with you and me.

What happens after the ceremony?
The marriage certificate is signed by the couple, both witnesses, and me as officiant. It must then be filed with the Clerk of Court within 10 days, as required by Louisiana law. I currently perform ceremonies in East Baton Rouge Parish only.

Can you write a personalized ceremony?
Yes — Louisiana doesn't require specific wording, just a clear declaration of intent to marry from both of you. I'll work with you to craft a ceremony that fits your style.

This information is general in nature and not legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney.