Posted by BobtheElder on 7/26/13 7:20pm
Msg #478179

Does anyone use black ink for signings...

Had one today that had two different instruction sheets, one said use black ink, the other said to use blue... of course nobody answered the phone to tell me which so I used blue (which is the only color of pen I carry these days anyway...) just wondered if there is anybody out there that really uses black ink???

Reply by Buddy Young on 7/26/13 7:23pm
Msg #478180

Wells Fargo HELOC require black ink, however they won't kick it back if you use blue. For everything elce I use blue.

Reply by MW/VA on 7/26/13 7:28pm
Msg #478181

I've used blue ink almost exclusively for several years.

I can't even remember the last time I got a request for black ink.

Reply by Alz on 7/26/13 8:08pm
Msg #478184

Only when it is stated or required n/m

Reply by PegiT_MN on 7/26/13 9:09pm
Msg #478191

Most of my lenders don't care what color I use and I prefer to use blue cuz I'm kinda old school about that........everyone knows it's an original. A few lenders specifically request signings to be in blue ink. Citi, PHH, and Morgan Stanley, however, request black ink.......not sure if they would kick it out if we used blue......have never used blue with any of them.

Reply by pan/nd on 7/26/13 9:14pm
Msg #478194

I've used blue on Citi loans for years with nary a problem n/m

Reply by L. Knox Wimberly on 7/26/13 10:04pm
Msg #478197

I just about always use blue....unless it's a WI property.

Reply by rolomia on 7/27/13 5:48am
Msg #478213

I keep a checklist in my Notary Instruction Manual that reminds me to get written clarification of ink color from the TC BEFORE proceeding to signing. The lender usually leaves it up to the TC, anyway. And, every Circuit Court Clerk that I've spoken to has affirmed that ink color matters not to them. Besides, SS didn't write the title or lender docs. Thus, they have no real say in the matter. I use blue ink for 90% of orders. Unfortunately, I don't believe laws will ever be written to address this issue since it will likely be perceived as too trivial, though a law requiring blue ink might help to reduce fraud, potentially making our jobs just 1% easier. JMHO

Reply by Yoli/CA on 7/27/13 9:48am
Msg #478221

My default is blue ink but will use black upon request.

Had a Bank of America refi through FASS yesterday. The instructions clearly state their default is black ink but may request blue. Not otherwise stated, so went with black.

Reply by 101livescan on 7/27/13 11:32am
Msg #478231

Hardly ever. Mostly blue. WF HELOC's tell you on page 16 to use black.

I've had a NE title company ask for black on BofA, but mostly we sign in BLUE in CA. I like that you can tell where the borrower signed in BLUE.

Reply by Karla/OR on 7/27/13 1:58pm
Msg #478238

Most notary instruction I receive specify either blue or black ink. Some say use black as the "Default" unless another color is specified. I do as I'm told.

However, I too prefer to use blue.

Reply by Darlin_AL on 7/27/13 5:32pm
Msg #478261

Blue is easiest for me to catch missing entries; New Day requires black via AMC.

Reply by jnew on 7/28/13 12:06am
Msg #478292

Wisconsin requires any text (meaning all writing other than a signature or initial) to be in black or red ink on documents submitted for recording. No other colors are acceptable. It is written in the statute, but a document executed in another state might be excepted from the color requirement. We had documents rejected because of blue initials after the law was passed and finally convinced the Register of Deeds that an initial is shorthand for a signature, so that blue would be accepted. This is only a problem when the document calls for a date and the signer signs and dates in blue and the ROD can reject the document because the date can not be in blue. Also, I am glad I had the opportunity to use the words "accepted" and "excepted" in the same post. LOL

Reply by droman_IL on 7/28/13 7:51pm
Msg #478347

I always use black ink, unless instructions say blue. n/m

Reply by Lisa Cirillo on 7/29/13 1:32pm
Msg #478377

In New York we are mandated to use black ink. I know it's been a dispute on this forum for a while. I called the SOS and they told me "black ink" only in New York.

Reply by JanelWI on 7/30/13 8:25am
Msg #478478

It is my understanding from our recording offices that black ink is the primary ink color in WI for legal documents. However, they will accept blue signatures as long as all the notarial wording or printing is in black. So that means the signing agent needs two pens, unless you prep the notary blocks beforehand.

So, for WI I use black, and for most signings I use black and always check with the title company or signing service if a specific ink color is not highlighted. If the instructions say blue or black, I default to black, our state requirement. I always make sure I am reviewing the state in which the documents will be recorded and question the ink color, if it is not WI.