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Notary Stamp Ink Color: Black or Blue?

by the American Association of Notaries

If your state does not address which color ink to use when notarizing documents, ordering a notary stamp with a blue ink color is best. Given the improved quality of copy machines these days, it is difficult to distinguish between originals and copies. A blue ink notary stamp impression usually shows lighter prints than the original print on a black-and-white copier.


However, some states do specify in their laws what notary stamp ink color to use when notarizing documents. For example, notaries in Tennessee are required to use any ink except black or yellow. Florida, Oregon, Missouri, and Illinois require notaries to use notary stamps or notary seals with black ink only. In Utah, a notary stamp ink color cannot be black; it must be purple.

Notarizing documents using an ink color that is not allowed by your state notary laws may jeopardize your commission and subject you to disciplinary action. In addition, it may cause delays and hardship for the document signer.

The American Association of Notaries (AAN) can accommodate notaries with a choice of ink colors on almost any notary stamp or notary seal available on the AAN website. The choices are black, blue, purple, green, and red. The AAN recommends that you choose a notary stamp ink color that reproduces clearly when documents are photocopied.

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Legal Disclaimer: The American Association of Notaries seeks to provide timely articles for notaries to assist them with information for managing their notary businesses, enhancing their notary education, and securing their notary stamp and notary supplies. Every effort is made to provide accurate and complete information in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. However, we make no warrant, expressed or implied, and we do not represent, undertake, or guarantee that the information in the newsletter is correct, accurate, complete, or non-misleading. Information in this article is not intended as legal advice. We are not attorneys. We do not pretend to be attorneys. Though we will sometimes provide information regarding notaries' best practices, federal laws and statutes, and the laws and statutes of each state, we have gathered this information from a variety of sources and do not warrant its accuracy. In no event shall the American Association of Notaries, its employees, or contractors be liable to you for any claims, penalties, loss, damage, or expenses, howsoever arising, including, and without limitation, direct or indirect loss or consequential loss out of or in connection with the use of the information contained in the American Association of Notaries newsletters. It is your responsibility to know the appropriate notary laws governing your state. Notaries are advised to seek the advice of their states' notary authorities or attorneys in their state if they have legal questions. If a section of this disclaimer is determined by any court or other competent authority to be unlawful and/or unenforceable, the other sections of this disclaimer continue in effect.

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