Yes, a notary is required.
Two witnesses and a notary. A notarial testament is signed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and the testator, each witness and the notary sign it.
In the official wording
"signed by the testator, each witness, and the notary"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Self-proving affidavit
- Built into the notarial testament: signed on each page with a declaration signed by the notary and the witnesses, it can be accepted without further proof (Code of Civil Procedure art. 2887).
"In our presence the testator has declared or signified that this instrument is his testament"
- Handwritten wills
- Recognized as an olographic testament if entirely written, dated and signed in the testator's handwriting.
"entirely written, dated, and signed in the handwriting of the testator"
Not confirmed on the pages we read: the interested-witness rule, electronic wills, remote witnessing and the minimum age. Check with the probate court for the county where the will-maker lives (statute: La. Civil Code art. 1576, Notarial testament; requirements of form (Louisiana Legislature)).
Next step
Plan an in-person signing, with the witnesses in the room. Online notarization of a will is generally not available through us: New Jersey's remote notarization law leaves wills and codicils out for signers outside the U.S. (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10), and states set their own rules on video witnessing.
Need a notary for the self-proving affidavit in Louisiana? We can look for a mobile notary commissioned there; bring your own witnesses (two).
Request a mobile notary in Louisiana
If a local notary in Louisiana does it: No statutory maximum (LAC 46:XLVI.135), under the state's fee rules (Louisiana notary fees).
Worth knowing
Louisiana uses civil-law forms of will. The notarial testament needs a notary as well as two witnesses; the rules were rewritten by Acts 2025, No. 30, which repealed former Civil Code article 1577 and moved the notarial testament to article 1576.
Official sources
- La. Civil Code art. 1576, Notarial testament; requirements of form (Louisiana Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- La. Civil Code art. 1575, Olographic testament; requirements of form (Louisiana Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- La. Code of Civil Procedure art. 2887, Notarial testament (Louisiana Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- La. Civil Code art. 1577 (repealed by Acts 2025, No. 30), Louisiana Legislature (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Does a will have to be notarized in Louisiana?
Yes, a notary is required. Two witnesses and a notary. A notarial testament is signed before a notary public in the presence of two witnesses, and the testator, each witness and the notary sign it.
Where does a notary come in for a Louisiana will?
The self-proving affidavit. Built into the notarial testament: signed on each page with a declaration signed by the notary and the witnesses, it can be accepted without further proof (Code of Civil Procedure art. 2887).
What does a notary charge in Louisiana?
No statutory maximum (LAC 46:XLVI.135), under the state's fee rules. A mobile notary may add a travel fee; ask for the total first.
Keep going
- Will signing-day checklist
- Will witness rules in every state
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- A bill of sale in Louisiana
A will in another state: Iowa · Michigan · every state