Once your documents have been proofread, you will execute them. This means you will be signing or autographing your name, typically in front of a notary or recording secretary. As you do so, remember these things:
- When you use script (cursive), this is your autograph. When you print, this is your signature.
- Always precede your autograph/signature with By: and end with (c), even if it is already typed on the page. (Once you are an ASN, this will be your new autograph with any interaction with the sea, too!).
- Script: Cursive writing in proper case (John Mark Doe).
- Print: Printed in proper case (John Mark Doe).
- Notaries/Recording Secretaries use script in blue in on all documents.
- All thumbprints are in red ink. This does not need to be done in front of the notary. Make sure your thumbprint
touches the end of your autograph.
- Married women use “nee” on the documents that refer back to conception or birth (noted below as appropriate). Example: Jane Mary Doe (nee Smith) (c).
- Note regarding raised seals: The Declaration of Political Status and Repudiation and the Common Carry Declaration both require raised seals in order to be valid.
Here are descriptions and examples of how to autograph/sign each document:
1779 Declaration
Print full name in upper/lower case in blue ink.
Use nee if appropriate.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (nee Smith) (c)
Witness Testimonies
Witnesses use script autograph in blue ink.
Anything handwritten should also be in blue ink.
Example: Mary Doe
Cancellation of All Powers of Attorney
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Common Carry Declaration
Script name in blue ink.
Must be embossed with a raised seal.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Declaration of Political Status
Script name in blue ink. Use nee if appropriate.
Must be embossed with a raised seal.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (nee Smith) (c)
Deed of Reconveyance (born in America)
Script full name in upper/lower case in red ink. Use nee if appropriate.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (nee Smith) (c)
Deed of Reconveyance (not born in America)
Script full name in upper/lower case in blue ink. Use nee if appropriate.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (nee Smith) (c)
Certificate of Assumed Name
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Acts of Expatriation
The number of these documents vary depending on your situation. Script name in blue ink.
Be sure autograph matches name on document.
Example: By: Mary Doe (c)
Example: By: Mary J. Doe (c)
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
DNA Paramount Claim
Script name in blue ink. Use nee if appropriate.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (nee Smith) (c)
Fee Schedule
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Marriage Revocation of 3rd Party Gov’t Licenses
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Baby Deed
Script full name in upper/lower case in red ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Mandatory Notice FSIA
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)
Notices & Letters
Script name in blue ink.
Example: By: Mary Jane Doe (c)