What must a Louisiana notary public do in order to validate a document?

To validate a document in Louisiana, a notary public must affix their signature and seal. This step is crucial because the signature of the notary, combined with the official seal, serves to authenticate the document, indicating that it has been properly executed and is legally binding. This action signifies that the notary has overseen the signing of the document and confirms the identities of the signers, as well as their willingness to execute the document.

Other elements mentioned in the options, such as providing a witness or notarizing the document in person, may apply in specific contexts or types of documents but are not required universally for every notarization. Additionally, not all documents need to be filed with the court to be deemed valid; notarization is sufficient in many cases to ensure the document's legitimacy and enforceability. Therefore, the requirement for a notary public to provide their signature and seal is fundamental to the validation process in Louisiana.