What color pen to use for notary?
Asked by: Eulah Ferry | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (21 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ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink.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 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.
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.
What's the best pen to use as a mobile notary and Signing Agent?
Is black or blue pen better for signing?
Go With Blue Ink for Financial Paperwork and Signatures
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.
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.
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 type of pen is best for signing?
I recommend Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Markers. Other brands of permanent markers may work fine too, but I've only personally used Sharpies for signing photo books (and photo canvases for that matter). A permanent marker is important as you don't want it to smudge.
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.
How do you fill a notary stamp with ink?
Push the stamp down slightly and pull out ink pad. Add 10-20 drops of Trodat / Ideal Ink on the inked side of the pad, just enough to saturate the pad. Once the ink has absorbed into the pad, push the pad back in.
What is the best font for a notary stamp?
- Arial.
- Century (and Century-related fonts like Century Schoolbook)
- Verdana.
- Adobe Caslon Pro.
- Adobe Sabon.
What type of stamp does a notary use?
Almost every state requires Notaries to use an official seal when notarizing physical documents. Traditional seals typically come in two formats — ink stamps and embossers. Here's the difference between ink stamps and embossers and each state's requirements for the seal you may use.
How do you notarize a handwritten document?
The handwritten document would be approached like any other document. The same procedures need to be followed, such as physical presence, no blanks, the name on the ID and the name on the document must match. As with any other document, you cannot advise which notarial certificate should be attached.
What is a red pen used for?
Red Pen: The red pen, synonymous with correction and emphasis, serves several vital functions in government offices: Correction of Errors: Red ink is commonly used to mark errors on documents, such as spelling mistakes or factual inaccuracies, ensuring they are promptly rectified (1).
How do you notarize a mark?
1. The person signing the document by mark must be identified by the California Notary Public by satisfactory evidence. 2. The signer's mark must be witnessed by two persons who must subscribe their own names as witnesses on the document.
Which Colour pen is best for signature?
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.
Why won't celebrities autograph in blue?
"They refuse to use blue because it may be sold as memorabilia over time," one person said. "Most celebrities and athletes are taught not to do blue ink cause you can scan and forge the signature on other things and sell them," another person offered.
What is the best pencil for signing prints?
Pencils are the most popular way to sign, date, or otherwise label prints made on inkjet matte or cotton fine art media. Look for "carbon pencils" which allow for smooth writing and darker, richer lines. One example is the General's Layout No. 555 carbon pencil.
What color pen for legal documents?
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 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 color ink should notary use?
There is no requirement that the Notary's signature must be in a particular color. In July 2013, a law that required a Notary Public to only sign in black ink was repealed. Confronted with a tricky notarization?
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.
Does a notary stamp count as a signature?
Yes. The notary statutes in most states dictate that the notary public sign and affix a notary seal to the certificate at the time of the execution of the notarization.