What color pen should a notary use?
Asked by: Aurelio Gaylord | Last update: October 25, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (61 votes)
We recommend though using a basic professional blue or black. Many people may not realize green or red are acceptable colors and then become upset about your choice. The type of ink doesn't really matter either, just make sure it isn't erasable!
What color pen do you use to notarize?
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ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink.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.
What color should my notary stamp ink be?
Black is the most common color of ink selected by notaries when choosing stamp seal ink color. The only states with laws that require that their notaries have black ink in their seal are Florida, Oregon, Illinois, Delaware, Missouri, and Massachusetts.
What color pen should be used when signing legal documents?
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.
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.
Notary Loan Signing Agent Quick Tip: What color pen should I use at my loan signings?!
Is black or blue pen better for signing?
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.
Should notary seals be shaded or inked?
Most California Notaries use an inked stamp.
What color pen is professional?
When signing important documents, it's not just about grabbing any old pen. You need to think about using the right ink color, especially for professional or legal forms. It's best to stick to blue or black ink and avoid colors like red, purple, or green.
What color pen is good documentation practices?
1 All data will be written in blue or black indelible ink. Gel pens, pencils, and erasable ink pens are not permitted. 4.1. 2 Either indelible ink pens or permanent markers (blue or black) may be used to record information on labels for solutions or specimens.
What does black ink symbolize?
It can be linked with death, mourning, evil magic, and darkness, but it can also symbolize elegance, wealth, restraint, and power. As the first pigment used by artists in prehistory and the first ink used by book printers, black played an important role in the development of art and literature.
What is the best type of notary stamp?
The more commonly preferred modern choice is a self-inking stamp. These have a small built-in ink pad within the stamp's frame. After each use, the stamp die rotates against the pad to prepare for the next stamping. Self-inking stamps make for an effortless stamping process for busy notaries.
What color ink should a notary use in New York?
No, there is no statute in New York that requires signers to sign in a certain color. Confronted with a tricky notarization? Unsure how to proceed? NNA members have unlimited access to our expertly trained NNA Hotline counselors to help you with all of your notarial questions.
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.
Does notary stamp color matter?
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.
Why is the blue pen not used for signature?
That's because blue ink is harder to reproduce and easier to spot on paper that's typically filled with lots of black print.
What color is best for documentation?
Dark-colored text on a light background is easier to read than light-colored text on a dark background.
What pen is used in good documentation practices?
Putting GDP into practice
Only use wet ink (blue or black pen) on paper documentation to ensure permanency; do not use pencil, crayon, or marker.
What is the preferred ink color for 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.
Can you use a blue pen on legal documents?
Using blue ink for notarizations is not merely a suggestion; it's a longstanding tradition grounded in legal recognition. Many jurisdictions require notaries to sign documents in blue ink to distinguish their seal and signature from other markings on the page.
What color is seen as professional?
Navy and Charcoal: These classic hues are associated with professionalism, stability, and authority. Wearing navy or charcoal suits can establish a sense of trustworthiness and competence. Black: The color black exudes power and sophistication.
What color ink is best for memory?
Information written in blue ink is said to be easier to recall. Photo by Katy Nguyen. All of my notes are in blue ink because writing in blue ink is supposed to help with remembering information.
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.)
What's higher than a notary?
The level of authority provided by a Medallion Signature Guarantee is typically higher than that provided by a Notary because Medallion Signature Guarantees are backed by the financial institution providing the guarantee, which assumes liability for any fraud or unauthorized transactions.
How do I make my notary seal visible?
The Solution: If a notary uses a metal embosser as her official seal, she should carefully darken the very top of the raised embossment so that the seal will be visible on a photocopy of the document. Fortunately, there is the seal impression inker. It is a round ink pad with a tab on the back.