

So, just to be on the safe side, you probably should use black ink whenever filling out or signing legal and/or official documents, unless told otherwise. I think this is true more of the older and less expensive copiers and scanners, but those are probably more common anyway. Black ink just scans better than blue, which tends to show up very light. The main reason has to do with copying and digitizing documents. (Chinese officials are so strict about black ink, they will reject documents submitted in blue.) Blue or Black Ink for Legal and Official Documents?īlack ink is recommended for legal and official documents. That definitely had never occurred to me. “It’s easier to assume that the document is ‘original’ if it is signed in blue ink.” Wong, CDE, a certified and court-qualified forensic handwriting expert. “Blue ink is preferred because when black ink is used, someone at the bank or credit card company may not be able to tell whether they are looking at a photocopy of a signature or an originally inked signature,” says Cina L. Investopedia writer Gina Roberts-Grey reports that applications and checks signed in black may trigger fraud alerts. Blue or Black Ink for Credit Card Applications?īlue ink may also be the better choice for credit card applications and other financial papers. It is important to note that they state a ballpoint pen as a gel pen or rollerball may smear, if you would like to know more about the differences between these pens then check out our guide ballpoint, rollerball or gel pen which is best for you?. Sign on the ‘holder’s signature’ line using a black ballpoint pen. Not only must the passport application be completed in black ink but when you finally receive your shiny new passport UK.gov advises that you must The application form clearly states:Ĭomplete your paper form in CAPITAL LETTERS and BLACK BIRO only. In the UK the recommended way to apply for a new passport is online, however, you can still fill out a paper application and post it. It is clearly stated as one of the instructions that a black ink pen is required.” “A common mistake is using a blue ink pen instead of black ink to complete the form. The U.S National Passport Services clearly that when filling out the Passport application form DS-82 When filling out your passport application black ink is mandatory.

Blue or Black Ink for Passport / Visa Applications? After all, you don’t want to set off on the wrong foot by showing that you have a lack of attention to detail or worse still have your application rejected just because you used the wrong ink color. If you are going to use blue ink for your job application form, then read the form carefully to make sure that it does not state to fill out the form in black ink only. For example, if you’re applying for a job at this security firm, you’re instructed at the top of every page to stick to black ink. However, most application forms require you to fill out the form in black ink. Blue or Black Ink for job Applications?īlue ink stands out more as it contrasts with the printed black ink of the application form. 11 Which Ink Colour Improves Creativity.10 What color Pen is Best for Studying and Note-Taking?.

9 What Color Pen is Best for Memory Recall?.8 Should I Write my Signature in Black or Blue ink?.7 When Voting Does It Matter Which Color Ink Pen I Use?.

