Why is the blue pen not used for signature?
Asked by: Aleen Mante | Last update: May 7, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)
"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.
Why are there no autographs in blue ink?
We've written before about how some celebrities won't sign autographs with a blue pen. In fact, Claire Foy refused to give her autograph to a fan recently, explaining that she doesn't “do blue”. This is because blue ink is easy to scan and forge, so some A-listers avoid it altogether.
Which color pen is best for signature?
Black ink is still the best pen for signature on most legal documents. Despite blue ink's popularity, most professional documents and forms require us to use black ink. If you're applying for a new job, for instance, you may have to use a black ink pen.
Why can't you use blue ink on legal documents?
Pale colors, such as light blue or lavender or glitter pens, etc. may not reproduce accurately and will be rejected by the document holder, such as lenders and banks or county recorders.
What color pen should be used when notary signing?
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ink color should be used to notarize documents (in fact, a law requiring that notary public signatures be in black was repealed in 20131) most notaries prefer blue ink.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.
Why celebrities dont sign autographs in blue ink? We asked an expert
Why use a blue pen for signature?
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.
Does notary have to be in 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.
Are blue pens unprofessional?
When filling out a job application, it is recommended to use a blue or black pen. These colors are professional and easy to read. Avoid using bright or flashy colors like red or neon shades, as they may be considered unprofessional.
Can deeds be signed in blue ink?
While blue ink might reduce the risk of mistaking a copy for an original, it's not a legal requirement. Deeds: Recording a deed often necessitates an original document, emphasizing the importance of clear and authentic signatures. However, blue ink is not required.
Can you use blue ink on a marriage license?
You must provide the license to the person solemnizing your marriage ceremony. 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 use blue ink instead of black?
Blue ink shines in its ability to verify document authenticity. Since black ink is the standard for printed materials, a signature in blue stands out, indicating that the document is original and not a photocopy. This feature is particularly valuable in legal documents, contracts, and when signing checks.
What does writing in blue ink mean?
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.
Does it matter what color pen you use?
Black ink tends to copy better than any other ink color. Red will show up too light and in some cases won't show up at all. The same might be said about blue or purple. Using the wrong color ink may cause issues when it comes to scanning documents.
Why do celebrities not use 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.
Is signing in red ink legal?
Signing a check or endorsing the back of a check in red ink could trigger trouble—that is, it could delay payment of the check. In extreme instances of fraud prevention, it could even void the check's validity. “Red ink has been considered a warning color since the Cold War era,” says Angleton.
Why not write with a black pen?
Black pens are prohibited primarily due to the following reasons: Uniformity: Ensuring all answer scripts look the same for fairness. Readability: Blue ink is often easier to read and less likely to cause eye strain for examiners.
Can I use blue ink on my tax return?
If handwritten, use black or blue ink only. Do not staple or attach your check, W-2s or any other documents to your return. Submit proper documentation (schedules, statements and supporting documentation, including W-2s, other states' tax returns, or necessary federal returns and schedules).
Do wills need to be signed in blue ink?
There should only be one original of the Will for everyone to sign. Copies can be created by photocopy. It is therefore a good idea to sign the original in blue ink, so that it is easily distinguishable from the photocopies.
What does blue ink autograph mean?
Blue ink stands out on paper, making it easier to distinguish an original signature from photocopies or scans. This is especially important in real estate transactions, where the validity of documents can be subject to scrutiny. The use of blue ink adds an extra layer of assurance to the authenticity of your signature.
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.
Is it rude to write in red pen?
Writing a name in red ink is a rude manner. Writing one's name in red ink is a cultural taboo in China and Korea as the meaning is traditionally associated with the end of life, indicating death to be exact. In Japan, people also avoid writing names in red for the same reason, but it is not an absolute taboo.
Why do doctors use blue pens?
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.”
How are notary signatures verified?
Notaries use their own digital certificate to sign documents electronically. You can trust the notary's identity because it's been verified by the certificate issuer and embedded within the certificate. To verify an online notarization, you need to check the validity of the notary's digital certificate.
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.
Who can use a black pen for signature?
Thus, a signature written in red ink seems to disappear. In many cases, you`ll find that black ink is more likely to be used when submitting applications, official documents, and other business documents. Government documents, such as a passport application, also require the use of black ink.