What should the notary's signature on the certificate be done with?

The notary's signature on the certificate should be performed in permanent black ink. This is crucial because using permanent ink ensures that the signature stands the test of time and cannot be easily altered or erased. Permanent black ink provides a clear, professional appearance which is essential for legal documents. The use of this type of ink helps maintain the integrity of notarized documents, as they may need to be presented in various legal situations where authenticity is critical.

Pencil is not suitable because it can smudge, fade, or be erased, compromising the document's reliability. Colored inks can also pose problems, as they may not photograph or photocopy well, leading to issues when the document is reproduced. While digital signatures are becoming more accepted in many contexts, the traditional requirement for physical documents like notarized certificates typically still emphasizes the use of permanent black ink to ensure clarity and permanence.