Louisiana § RS 35:601 - Unlawful exercise of notarial powers; penalties
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 35:601 — Unlawful exercise of notarial powers; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 35:601. Unlawful exercise of notarial powers; penalties
A. A person, who has not first been duly authorized to exercise notarial powers in this state or whose authority to exercise notarial powers in this state has been judicially revoked, shall not perform any of the following actions:
(1) Exercise or purport to exercise any notarial function.
(2) Hold himself out to the public as being entitled to exercise notarial functions.
(3) Render or furnish notarial services.
(4) Take any acknowledgment, administer any oath, or execute any instrument purportedly as a notary public or as a person purportedly authorized to exercise notarial power and authority.
(5) Assume to be a notary public or to be authorized to exercise notarial functions.
(6) Assume, use, or advertise the title of notary public or ex officio notary or equivalent terms in any language, or any similar title in such a manner as to convey the impression that he is authorized to exercise notarial powers.
B.(1) Any person who violates any provision of this Section shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than two years, or both.
(2) In addition to the penalties provided by Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the person shall be required to make full restitution for all costs required to authenticate, confirm, or ratify any instruments that fail to qualify as notarial acts due to the lack of proper authority of the notary or purported notary, including all costs of recordation and all damages each affected party may suffer.
Acts 2008, No. 904, §2, eff. July 10, 2008.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 35:601
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 35:601 cover?
Section RS 35:601 ("Unlawful exercise of notarial powers; penalties") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 35:601?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 35:601" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 35:601 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.