« We recommend that signatories to our documents use blue ink because it contrasts with our applications, which is especially beneficial if there are identification issues in the future, » says Angleton. That`s right. Final documents must always be signed in blue ink. Even if you deposit the money into your child`s personal bank account, it is illegal to sign your name or your child`s name on the back of that cheque that grandma sends to a minor for a holiday or birthday gift. The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice to the respective author. Contact a lawyer for a specific problem or problem. We will answer your questions about choosing the right color and quality of ink to sign a legal document. Documents with blue ink signatures are considered « originals ». A blue ink signature is more difficult to reproduce and easily distinguishes an original document. We know there are color photocopiers, but most financial and legal firms use standard black ink photocopiers on a daily basis. This is one of the questions we receive the most when we help our clients set up their legal estate planning program. Be wary of certain pen requirements in the instructions at the top of each form you can fill out. Using the wrong color can lead to a number of problems when your form is rejected or fraudulent activity is triggered.

You never want to use a pencil for important documents, as it can be deleted and edited. I am not aware of any law regulating the color of the ink required to sign a legal document. Someone can`t get out of an agreement or contract just because they signed with the wrong color. However, if the instructions for signing a document indicate that it must be signed in a specific color, these instructions must be followed. Surprisingly, the ink can be black in the wrong color, says Jim Angleton, president of Aegis, an issuer of prepaid debit and debit cards for businesses. « If you apply for a credit card in person, your bank may ask you to sign the application in blue ink. » I have also had many trials in the last 14 years where a case has been decided by who has managed the proper execution (signing) of documents with the utmost care. « You sign a legal contract with the credit card provider that only allows you to use the credit card. You are violating this Agreement if you give additional permission to use your card, » said attorney Stephen Lesavich, Ph.D., author of « The Plastic Effect: How Urban Legends Influence the Use and Misuse of Credit Cards. » While there is no law, statute, or regulation that requires you to sign your estate planning legal documents in a particular color, it is generally recommended that users sign their estate planning documents with a blue pen. Although there do not appear to be laws regulating the color of ink used to sign a legal document, some organizations, jurisdictions, and administrators of individual documents (county officials, notaries, etc.) have specific preferences and practices regarding ink color. Of course, important documents should never be signed in pencil, as your signature can easily be deleted or altered.

The most important feature of signatures is that they are unique to each individual. For this reason, they are the standard method for accurately distinguishing the parties in a written agreement. Although we have covered the details of signing legal contracts in previous articles, here is some additional information about choosing the right color and ink quality when signing important documents. Anyway, the pen is more powerful than the sword. (Ask anyone who regrets signing their timeshare contract.) So, what color of ink is officially legal? All colors work. There is a lot to consider when trying to choose the best pen to sign documents. Factors such as the type of ink, the width of the pen, the purpose of writing, and the paper have a slight impact on the person-to-person writing experience. Cost can also be an important factor, as some of the most respected collectible pens are incredibly expensive. If you don`t have very deep pockets, you probably won`t spend thousands of your hard-earned dollars on a pen. So choose the one that best suits your personal style and budget, and keep in mind that the pen you choose can very well be used to sign documents of significant importance. Today, I was reminded again of the importance of original blue ink signatures on official legal documents.

I reviewed a court transcript stating that an infringement had been committed on part of a legal document that had been altered to be used as evidence for the forger. Fortunately for the other party, whose name and reputation were defamed, they had a practice of using only original signatures in blue ink and keeping those originals on file. With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, many people prefer to use their own pen when signing final documents. We understand their reasons because we also avoid the germs of strangers. Or maybe they just want to use their « lucky pencil. » Usually, I can allow signers to use their own pen – as long as it`s a blue ink pen. In many cases, you will 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. In some countries, they are so strict about these guidelines that they will completely reject any government correspondence submitted in the wrong color. Many estate planning documents are filed at the courthouse. The courthouse wants the original document. In a more romantic sense, what can make you feel more dignified and complete than creating something permanent with a tool that feels worthy of action? A thin stainless steel pen that sits comfortably in the palm of your hand makes the extent of the situation all the more important.

Modern Fuel`s luxurious writing instruments come with luxurious black ink, making any legal document even more important. Red ink, on the other hand, often elicits a negative reaction – perhaps we can attribute some of it to the pens our teachers used to grade our papers. Red is not often used to sign documents, but not for the reason you suspect. Red as well as colors such as green or purple do not necessarily make sense on photocopied documents. Scanners can`t always capture these colors, so the signatures appear very bright or aren`t displayed at all. To avoid these possibilities, it is better to opt for the safest choice – black or blue ink. Roses are red, violets are blue, we use blue ink, and you should too. For many years, I have advised my family, friends and clients to ALWAYS use blue ink data, initials and signatures to confirm the original document from copies. In my opinion, it is not wise to use black ink for legally binding official documents. In the days before color photocopiers, blue or black ink was preferred because the other colors were not dark enough to reproduce. Although copy technology has improved in recent years, some colors should not be used as a security measure on legal documents. Many document scanners are unable to detect unusual colors such as orange or green, and this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.

However, avoid colors other than black or blue, as the copy can wash out lighter ink colors. Some government agencies require black ink, while others require blue ink. Some reasons are: black ink, which is compatible with older scanning technologies. or. Blue ink is more different from black text. In any case, follow the instructions on government, commercial or financial forms for the required ink color. Without specific instructions, the choice is yours. Some legal documents and financial records may require blue ink. This includes documents such as credit card applications. This is because using black (or any other color) can trigger indicators for fraudulent checks or credit card applications, as they can`t tell if they are original documents rather than a photocopy. Most often, blue or black ink is used to sign documents. While both are acceptable, many people consider blue to be the optimal choice.

The reason for this is that the color between the walls of the black text on the document stands out, while being dark enough to be read. Blue ink also indicates that the document is an original and not a copy. Many believe that the workaround for fraud is simply to sign « Deposits Only » on the back of the check. But Gallagher says the tactics are far from foolproof. If your spouse gets angry, he could still push the legal problem and pretend that you stole the money. « 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 signature that was originally colored, » says Cina L. Wong, CDE, a court-certified and qualified court-certified court writing expert. « It`s easier to assume that the document is `original` if it`s signed in blue ink. » Signing your name on a document or notice seems like a pretty simple process.