How to Get an Apostille in Louisiana

Educational information, not legal advice. Fees, addresses and processing times reflect the Louisiana Secretary of State and can change. Confirm current details on the official sos.la.gov page before you mail anything.

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Who issues apostilles in Louisiana?

Apostilles in Louisiana are issued by the Secretary of State through its Commercial Division in Baton Rouge. The office authenticates the signature and seal of a Louisiana notary or public official, issuing an apostille for Hague Convention countries and a certification for the rest. It handles Louisiana documents only, so a document issued or notarized elsewhere goes to that state instead. A private document such as a power of attorney must be notarized by a Louisiana notary first, and a vital record must be a certified copy carrying the issuing official's signature; the office authenticates that signature, not the contents of the document.

Are Louisiana notaries different from other states?

Yes, Louisiana notaries are genuinely different, because Louisiana is the only civil-law state in the country, and its notarial tradition follows that heritage rather than the common-law model used everywhere else. Louisiana notaries have far broader authority than notaries in other states, able to prepare authentic acts and perform functions that elsewhere require an attorney, and they are commissioned by parish, the Louisiana equivalent of a county. For apostille purposes this rarely changes the mechanics: the Secretary of State authenticates the notary's signature and commission just as other states do. It is worth knowing, though, because the terminology, the parish structure, and the notary's role can surprise people used to another state's system.

How much does a Louisiana apostille cost?

A Louisiana apostille costs $20 per document, on the higher side among states, and the amount is the same regardless of page count. Payment is by check or money order payable to the Louisiana Secretary of State, or by credit card. As everywhere, the $20 is the government charge only, and a private service adds its own handling on top, which is the larger part of any flat rate you see quoted. Because the fee is higher than in neighboring states, it is worth confirming exactly how many separate documents you need authenticated before you submit. Fee amounts move over time, so verify the current one first.

How long does a Louisiana apostille take?

A Louisiana apostille is commonly processed in around a few business days from the date the Commercial Division receives it, though during busy periods the wait can stretch considerably, so treat a short estimate as a best case rather than a guarantee. Add mail transit in each direction, and include a prepaid return envelope or label so the finished document comes back promptly. If a foreign deadline is firm, build in a buffer, because the range between a few days and a few weeks is real and depends on the office's current workload.

Can Louisiana apostille an FBI background check?

No, Louisiana cannot apostille an FBI background check, because it is a federal document authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. Sending a federal report to Baton Rouge means it comes back unprocessed. The Louisiana Secretary of State authenticates documents issued or notarized in Louisiana, such as a Louisiana birth certificate or a power of attorney notarized by a Louisiana notary. Federal documents like DOJ, FDA or IRS records, and documents from other states, go to their own authority instead.

By the Trámites Notariales US editorial team. Sources: Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division, Authentications (sos.la.gov). Double-check the current figures with the issuing office before you rely on them.