Living Will Requirements in Louisiana
A Louisiana written declaration must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two competent adult witnesses; notarization is not required.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Louisiana at a glance
- Name of the document
- Declaration (Living Will)
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- Notarization
- Optional
The rules in Louisiana
What is a living will called in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the document is called the Declaration (Living Will).
Does a living will need witnesses in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires two witnesses.
Does a living will need to be notarized in Louisiana?
No. Notarization is optional in Louisiana.
Where do the Louisiana rules for living wills come from?
They come from La. R.S. 40:1151.2 Making of declaration; illustrative form; registry and La. R.S. 40:1151.1 Definitions. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Louisiana compares
Louisiana is one of 25 jurisdictions that make notarization optional.
What this means in practice
Give copies to your doctor, your health care agent and close family, and keep the original where it can be found quickly. A living will that nobody can find cannot help.
Many states have rules about who may serve as a witness, for example excluding relatives or your health care providers. Check the statute before you sign.
Review the document after a major diagnosis, a move to another state or a change in your wishes.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.