There’s a notary myth that rolls around in forums and on social media from time to time about notary stamp ink color.   It goes something like this: the majority of notaries believe that seal ink must be black.   Many believe colors may be blue or black.  The truth is that only one-fourth of the 50 states have laws that require notaries to select a certain color.  All of the other states can choose from any color of ink that can be reproduced darkly on a copier or when scanned.  

Notaries who are not restricted to a certain color may select from blue, purple, red, blue, or green in addition to black or blue.  If you are not sure what color you can use, click this link and look at stamps for your state.  If you can lawfully enjoy a different shade of ink other than black in your notary seal and you are able to have more than one seal, you will be able to select from an array of colors and color combinations.  

Blue ink is a pleasant color and widely popular.

 When your notary seal is blue, the document can not be mistaken for copy, even if the signer has used a black pen to sign documents. Blue is considered a standard, acceptable for signatures and notary seals.  If your state allows it, and you want to venture out into adding a little color to your notary seal arsenal, blue is a great way to start.

Purple ink is the perfect color for spring. 

When a notary’s stamp produces a purple seal, the signer will do a double take.  The color purple is known to represent royalty, dignity, and importance.  Seals in purple are practically majestic!  Shades of purple warm my heart; it reminds me of spring wild flowers and dyed pastel Easter eggs. 

Utah notaries are to be envied; their notary laws require them to use purple ink in their notary stamps. 

Purple ink notary seals are as appropriate to use as blue ink on any type of notarized document, as long as a notary recipient or client does not state otherwise.  (Notaries are always responsible for knowing what their laws require and what their loan signing clients stipulate for each assignment.)

Green ink is a great color for summer and fall. 

Green is the easiest color to look at.  A green seal may send a positive message of “Go! You’ve got the green light.”  It can also represent nature and growth.  Some like the color because it triggers the thought of money and reaching out for opportunities. Green is a popular notary seal color with my notary clients during fall holidays.  I would not use green on loan documents; there is no law against it, but it is not commonly done, in my observation.

Red is a passionate and dramatic color, a favorite around certain holidays.

I personally use my red seal the most during February (for Valentine’s Day) and December (for Christmas), but only for mobile notary clients or co-workers who are not signing loan documents.  Many of my notary clients are college students who have been saddled with traffic stops.  They like the red ink on their documents.   In any event, red ink demands that people notice. It is a memorable attention-getter.  And, it is just plain fun.

Notably, a red notary stamp would be lawful to use when notarizing loan documents in my state, but I do not do it because red ink is not commonly used by title companies and lenders, and when in doubt, my standard is “What would a loan officer or escrow officer do?”

Black ink has its beauty and appeal, too! 

If you must use black ink by law on the inside, you can still enjoy color!  Cover the outside of your notary stamp in Apple Green, Flame Red, Fuchsia, Pink, Mango, Mint, Sky Blue, Gray, or White.  And, of course, a black case is also available.  Offering different colors may make your notary appointment more fun for you and your client.

My favorite color is Mango.  I am debating if the Mango stamp looks like a Monarch Butterfly or a frozen adult drink!

Next year when my commission renews, I will replace my stamps, of course.   I will choose Apple Green for my green notary stamp, Flame Red for my red notary stamp, and White for the outside of my purple notary seal.

Why have multiple seals and colors?

Why would I even suggest that a notary might want to invest in more than one notary stamp just based on color?  This may sound silly, but it makes me a bit more memorable to general notary clients. No other notary offers to let people to pick a notary stamp color! 

Secondly, it seems to make some of my signers just a little bit happier.  For many people, this may be the only choice they get to make all day long just because they like one thing more than another.

Finally, I realize that the citizen I have just helped actually enjoys seeing the uncommon color of ink on his or her document.  I know this because each one will glance at the seal a couple of times before putting it away.  It is worth the small investment of extra tools for my bag.