What color ink should a notary use in Florida?
Asked by: Julianne Glover | Last update: December 17, 2025Score: 5/5 (49 votes)
the notary's official seal (The seal must contain the words "Notary Public-State of Florida" and the notary's name, expiration date, and commission number, and must be affixed in black ink.)
What color pen should a notary use?
Notarizing: Although there is no law about which ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink. It's easy to tell an original from a copy.
When must a notary use blue or black ink?
In some jurisdictions, the use of blue ink on notarized documents may be required by law or regulation. In California, some types of real estate documents, such as deeds and mortgages, must be signed in blue ink to be considered valid. Also, the use of blue ink can help to prevent fraud or forgery.
Does it matter what color my notary stamp is?
Practically, the color of a notary stamp can affect the legibility and visibility of the impression it creates on documents. Opting for a color that contrasts well with the ink used for notarization ensures that the stamp is easily readable, even on documents with dark or light backgrounds.
What color ink is best for signing legal documents?
Financial paperwork (e.g., credit card applications) and some other types of legal documents (such as those requiring a signature) usually require using a blue ink pen. If you were to use any other kind of ink, especially black, it would be difficult to determine whether the documents are original or photocopied.
Notary Loan Signing Agent Quick Tip: What color pen should I use at my loan signings?!
Does ink color matter on legal documents?
While no law mandates a specific ink color for most legal documents, some attorneys prefer blue ink. This preference stems from the psychology and practicality of distinguishing originals from photocopies.
Which ink color is best for documentation?
You shouldn't just use the first pen that you find when it comes to signing professional or legal documents. It's vital that you consider professional colors when it comes to filling out any professional forms. You don't want to use red or purple or green. To be safe, you are better off using blue or black ink.
What makes a notary stamp invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
For example, the seal must include the notary's name, commission number, and expiration date. States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
Can you use purple ink in a notary stamp?
Purple ink notary seals are as appropriate to use as blue ink on any type of notarized document, as long as a notary recipient or client does not state otherwise. (Notaries are always responsible for knowing what their laws require and what their loan signing clients stipulate for each assignment.)
Can a Florida notary use a notary seal embosser by itself?
The use of a Notary stamp is required in Florida. Some Notaries use an embosser in addition to their Notary stamps for extra fraud protection, but it cannot be used as the sole official seal of a Florida Notary Public.
Does Florida notary require a seal?
Yes. When notarizing a signature, you are required by law to date, sign, and affix your seal to a notarial certificate.
Why should you use blue ink?
Authentication: Blue ink is often seen as a symbol of authenticity, making it a popular choice for signing important documents.
Is it okay if the notary stamp is upside down?
Documents containing upside down, blurred, or partial Notary seal or stamp impressions are likely to get rejected.
What pen is best for signing certificates?
Fountain Pens
They have the advantage of letting you choose the kind of ink that goes inside the pen. This way, you're guaranteed the highest quality of archival ink to ensure that your autograph stands against the tests of time.
When to use red ink?
Red ink gets our attention and heightens persuasion (as in, “Stop! These prices won't last!). Our eyes and ears perk up at the color red! Customize a red ink pen or pencil to make corrections and important notations, underscore errors, and draw attention to edits.
What color ink for notary stamp?
When notarizing paper documents, the stamp must be applied in permanent ink and be capable of being photocopied (NMAC 12.9. 3.12. A[1]). Best practice is to use blue or black ink.
Is it better to use blue or black ink for legal documents?
Blue ink stands out on paper, making it easier to distinguish an original signature from photocopies or scans. This is especially important in real estate transactions, where the validity of documents can be subject to scrutiny. The use of blue ink adds an extra layer of assurance to the authenticity of your signature.
Can I handwrite my notary stamp?
If the content is satisfactory and the certificate wording meets the requirements of your state's laws, a handwritten notarial certificate is acceptable.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Can a notary notarize without their stamp?
All 50 states require public notaries to place their respective stamp on documents as a means to finalize and authenticate the service. Without this stamp, the document is not legally notarized.
How to fix a bad notary stamp?
If your Notary seal should get smudged, be administered too lightly, or come out unevenly inked, affix a second seal near, but not over, the first one. Make sure it is readable and able to be photocopied. In doing so, make sure not to cover or obscure any other text or images on the document.
What is the color code for documentation?
1 Choose a color scheme
For example, you can use red for urgent files, green for completed files, blue for financial files, and yellow for personal files.
Is purple ink legal?
Purple ink is reserved for the endorsement of the depository bank (“bank of first deposit”). A sample of the front and back of a check is shown in the 8034.2 Illustration. Certain warrants, money orders, or other negotiable instruments may have language pre-printed in the payee endorsement area.
What color ink to use?
Though whether blue or black ink is more professional depends upon the business circumstances, there are a few other colours you can safely avoid. For form filling and signing, steer clear of red, purple and green, along with any light or metallic shades. Red is hard to see when scanned or copied.