What color pen should you use to notarize a document?
Asked by: Miss Krystal Gottlieb | Last update: May 11, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)
You should generally use blue or black ink to notarize documents, with blue often preferred as it clearly distinguishes original signatures from photocopies, though some state laws (like NY's) require your official details in black ink, so it's best to check your state's rules and always use non-erasable ink. A lender or title company might specify their preference, often for blue to stand out on black printed forms.
Why do notaries use blue ink?
🖊️ Did you know? Blue ink is often preferred for signing legal documents like mortgages and deeds because it's more difficult to reproduce or alter than black ink. This helps verify a document's authenticity and reduces the risk of fraud.
Which color ink is best for signature?
Most commonly, either blue or black ink is used for signing documents. While both are acceptable, many people consider blue the optimal choice. The reasoning behind this is that the color will stand out among the walls of black text on the document while still being dark enough to read.
What pens are best for signing legal documents?
Ballpoint Pens: These pens use a thick, oil-based ink that dries quickly and doesn't smudge. They are known for their reliability, making them a popular choice for official documents. 2. Rollerball Pens: Rollerball pens use water-based ink that flows more smoothly, resulting in a wetter signature.
Is a green pen legal?
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.
Notary Loan Signing Agent Quick Tip: What color pen should I use at my loan signings?!
What invalidates a notarized document?
Don't let simple things like improper wording or formatting make your notarized document invalid. Additionally, failing to properly identify the signer or making an illegible stamp impression are other common mistakes that undermine a notary's public trust.
Can you notarize in purple ink?
In addition, it may cause delays and hardship for the document signer. The American Association of Notaries (AAN) can accommodate notaries with a choice of ink colors on almost any notary stamp or notary seal available on the AAN website. The choices are black, blue, purple, green, and red.
Is a 0.5 or 0.7 pen better for writing?
A 0.5 mm fine tip pen gives more control and cleaner lines, making it ideal for small or tidy handwriting. However, 0.7 mm offers a smoother writing experience with less pressure needed, which many find more comfortable for everyday writing. It depends on your writing style and preference for line width.
Does it matter what color your 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 pen is good documentation practices?
Using indelible ink: All records must be filled out in indelible BLACK or BLUE ballpoint pen for long-term legibility. Do not use pencil or ink that can be erased.
Does a notary have to use blue 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.
What's the most a notary can charge?
States can set a maximum notary fee that notaries can charge. Many notaries charge on a per signature basis. Did you know that a handful of US states don't regulate the fee? This means that the notary public can set their own fees, but the highest notary fee in states that regulate it is $20.
Why do notaries get sued?
1- Notarizing for someone who isn't present at the time
Engaging in such practices exposes the notary to significant legal risks, including criminal charges for fraud, revocation of their notary commission, and civil liability for damages resulting from reliance on the notarized document.
Would a notarized document hold up in court?
Judges, government offices, and financial institutions trust notarized documents because of one thing: accountability. Every notary in California is commissioned by the Secretary of State and bound by law to follow strict identification, recordkeeping, and ethical standards.
Can a notary use white out?
The Notary Public Association's March 2023 guidelines leave no room for interpretation: white-out is expressly prohibited on notarized documents.
What is the best pen for signing legal documents?
Reach for the blue ink pen! Banks prefer blue because it's easier to verify that the signature is legitimate and the documents are original when they're signed in blue ink. Unlike black ink, a blue ink signature isn't as easy to reproduce.
What color pens are legal?
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.