When must a notary use blue or black ink?
Asked by: Mr. Walton Little | Last update: May 17, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (13 votes)
The notary seal must be clear, legible, and capable of photographic reproduction. When using an embosser, you must use blue or black ink with the embosser to ensure it can be photocopied.
Should notary stamp ink be blue or black?
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ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink.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.
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.
Is it better to use blue or black ink for 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.
What makes a notarized document invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
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.
Sign Estate Docs In Blue Or Black Ink?
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.
What makes a signed document invalid?
For a contract to be valid, all parties must have the legal capacity to enter into the agreement. This means they must be of sound mind, of legal age, and not under any form of coercion. If one party lacks this capacity, the contract can be deemed void.
When to use blue or black ink?
Traditionally, black ink has been synonymous with formality and professionalism. It's the color of authority, clarity, and finality. On the other hand, blue ink is often viewed as more personal and dynamic. It signifies originality and authenticity, making it easier to distinguish originals from copies.
Do you use blue or black ink for marriage license?
Complete the license in DARK INK ONLY (with a black or blue ballpoint pen). DO NOT USE GEL PENS, ERASABLE PENS, PENCILS AND/OR MARKERS.
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.
Does a notary have to stamp every signature?
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.
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 color ink should a notary use in Texas?
What color ink can I use on my notary stamp? Permanent ink must be used when using a rubber stamp type notary stamp; black ink is strongly recommended.
What is the best color for a 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.
Why do people use blue ink?
Professionalism: Using blue ink pens exudes professionalism and attention to detail. It shows that you're taking the document seriously and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure its validity. Legibility: Blue ink is easier to read than black ink, especially when photocopying or scanning documents.
How does blue notary work for Notaries?
Online notarization works by connecting users and a notary through a secure video conferencing platform. The notary verifies identities using uploaded IDs, observes the document signing, and applies an electronic seal. The session is recorded for security and compliance.
Should 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.
Do you use blue or black ink on legal documents?
“Blue ink is preferred because when black ink is used, someone at the bank or credit card company may not be able to tell if they are looking at a photocopy of a signature or a signature originally inked,” says Wong.
Do you use black or blue ink for Uscis forms?
If any of the form's pages are missing or are completed with a different edition of the form, we may reject your application. If you hand write your answers, use black ink.
What does it mean when you write in blue ink?
Blue Ink: Blue is associated with openness and freedom. A blue ink pen can encourage a focus on positive outcomes and creative solutions. Add your logo to a blue ink pen for distribution ahead of that team-building session or blue-sky brainstorm. Also, notes written in blue are easier to recall.
Do doctors use black or blue ink?
It used to be that blue ink would not copy on a copier, so the rule was that all handwritten medical records must be written in and signed in black ink. Now some attorneys are counseling people to sign documents in blue ink, as it stands out from the black text and can be verified as “original.”
What is the purpose of using blue inked pens instead of black ones?
When Is Blue Ink Best? When you want to be able to see your signature easily against a sea of black print, and confirm the signature's not a copy, blue is best. Credit Card Applications: Trying to get a credit card? Reach for the blue ink pen!
What grounds make a contract null and void?
A null contract is one that was never valid from the beginning, while a void contract becomes invalid due to certain circumstances, such as illegal provisions or the incapacity of one party. Consequently, such contracts are not legally binding and cannot be enforced.
What makes a signed document legal?
Well, to be considered legally binding, a document must contain the valid signatures of all sides entering into an accord, and also detail the duties and responsibilities each party has to the other. In the business world, you handle dozens upon hundreds of legal documents daily.
What is an unacceptable signature?
o Legible first initial and last name. o Illegible signature over a typed or printed. name. o Illegible signature where the letterhead, addressograph or other information on the page indicates the identity of the signatory. Example: An illegible signature appears on a prescription.