What pens are best for signing legal documents?
Asked by: Greta Lubowitz | Last update: May 24, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)
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 type of pen is best for signatures?
Nowadays most companies or Courts allow you to sign forms using a ball point pen. Most require you to use a black pen as it photo copies better. Some require you to use a blue colour to make sure it is an original signature and not a photocopy!
Is it better to use black or blue pen 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.
Is 0.7 or 0.5 pen better?
A 0.5mm pen offers a fine, precise line good for small handwriting or detailed work, while a 0.7mm pen provides a smoother, bolder line ideal for everyday writing and general use; choose 0.5mm for neatness and precision, and 0.7mm for a fluid, less scratchy feel. The main difference is the tip diameter, with 0.5mm being finer and 0.7mm being broader, affecting line thickness, smoothness, ink flow, and suitability for different tasks.
What color pen should you use to notarize a document?
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.
The Best Pen For Signing Legal Documents | LIFEPLAN LAWYER, PC
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to require the signer to appear personally, which violates law and leads to fraud claims; other frequent errors include incomplete or incorrect certificates (wrong dates, missing venue, illegible seals, incorrect wording, or misaligned signatures/names) and failing to properly verify signer identity. These errors can invalidate documents and lead to legal penalties, making adherence to strict procedures crucial.
What is the best pen 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.
What are the best pens for note taking?
Best Pens for Note Taking [2023]
- Ink Color. If your dream notebook is all colors of the rainbow, focus on good gel pens and brush pens. ...
- Fisher Space Pen Cap-o-Matic. ...
- Caran d'Ache 849. ...
- Pilot Frixion. ...
- Kaweco Sport. ...
- Pilot Vanishing Point. ...
- Retro 51 Tornado.
What does mm mean on a pen?
Manufacturers tend to denote the tip size in millimeters (or tenths of a millimeter) as opposed to the arguably more descriptive "fine,” "medium,” and “broad” or “bold” typically used in fountain pens and rollerballs.
Is 0.38 or 0.5 pen better?
Neither 0.38mm nor 0.5mm is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your writing style, but 0.38mm offers finer lines for small writing and planners (crisp, less bleed), while 0.5mm provides a bolder, smoother line, better for general use and left-handed writers, though some 0.38mm pens (like Uni-ball Jetstream) can be surprisingly smooth.
Why do notaries use blue ink?
However, many institutions prefer blue ink for administrative clarity. It helps clerks, lawyers, and auditors confirm the presence of an original signature during reviews or audits. Government agencies, law offices, and notaries often request blue ink to distinguish original submissions from photocopies.
Do you notarize in black or blue ink?
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.
Which pen is top 1 in the world?
There's no single "No. 1 pen," as it depends on what you value (luxury, sales, everyday use, tech), but Montblanc Meisterstück is often cited for luxury/status. For massive sales, the BIC Cristal is unparalleled (100 billion sold). For everyday writing, the Uni-Ball Jetstream is a favorite. For tech, the Nuwa Pen digitizes notes.
What pens do professionals use?
Best Professional Pens
- 25.) Prismacolor Premier Felt-Tip Pen.
- 24.) Uni-Ball Signo 207 Premier Gel Pen.
- 23.) Pilot Precise V5.
- 22.) Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen.
- 21.) Cross Calais Ballpoint Pen.
- 20.) Bic Cristal.
- 19.) Cross Classic Century Ballpoint.
- 18.) Dayspring Pens Abingdon Rollerball.
What is the difference between a signature pen and a normal pen?
High-Quality Ink: Signature pens typically use high-quality ink that dries quickly, preventing smudging and ensuring the signature remains clear and legible. Nib Type: The nib can vary in thickness and shape with a fountain pen signature pen.
Is a 0.5 or 0.7 mm pen better?
A 0.5mm pen offers a fine, precise line good for small handwriting or detailed work, while a 0.7mm pen provides a smoother, bolder line ideal for everyday writing and general use; choose 0.5mm for neatness and precision, and 0.7mm for a fluid, less scratchy feel. The main difference is the tip diameter, with 0.5mm being finer and 0.7mm being broader, affecting line thickness, smoothness, ink flow, and suitability for different tasks.
What does f mean in pens?
F (fine). A nib that will give a line width of around 0.6mm. Suitable for those with small writing.
What pen did Jackie Kennedy use?
With the brand's focus on quality and lasting style, S.T. Dupont aims to be the perfect gift. S.T. Dupont's line of writing instruments came to fruition when the brand was asked by Jackie Kennedy, First Lady at the time, to create a pen to match her Ligne 1 lighter, one of Dupont's signature products.
Which pen has the smoothest writing?
For the smoothest writing, the Uni Jetstream (especially the Light Touch) and Pentel EnerGel are top contenders for their hybrid/gel inks, offering unparalleled glide, while the Pilot G2 (particularly 0.38mm) and Zebra Sarasa Dry are popular gel choices; for ballpoints with great glide, the Bic Crystal 1.6mm and Uni Jetstream Standard are excellent, with some users finding rollerballs or specific fountain pens (like Pelikan M800/M1000) offer ultimate smoothness.
Are expensive pens worth the cost?
One major benefit to think about when pondering if luxury pens are worth it is that they can save you money in the long run and therefore they are a great investment. An expensive pen will last you longer under the pressure of more use, and when you have run out of ink, simply buy a low-cost ink refill.
Is it better to use blue or black pen for legal documents?
Traditionally, black ink has been the dominant choice for official documents, as it scans and photocopies clearly and projects authority. However, blue ink is also widely accepted in legal and administrative contexts because it provides an easy visual distinction between an original and a copy.
Are zebra pens good?
Yes, Zebra pens are generally considered good, praised for their sturdy metal bodies (like the F-301/F-402), smooth-writing gel ink (Sarasa line), and innovative designs (Blen series) that reduce wobble, making them reliable everyday pens for many, though some find standard ballpoints less impressive than their gel counterparts.
What pen doesn t run out of ink?
The Infinium Space Pen will write so long, in fact, that the average user won't run out of ink in their lifetime – and that is guaranteed! If your Infinium should ever run dry of ink, just send it back to us for a fully refilled replacement at no charge.