How to Remove Pen Ink From a Passport

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Passports are very delicate. They can take a long time to obtain or replace, so they must be treated with care. Unfortunately, sometimes a mistake may be made in the process of signing your name. You might accidentally smudge it, or sign it illegibly. Thankfully it is possible to remove the ink and correct any mishaps with the help of a few household materials.

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Baking soda

  • Rubbing alcohol

  • Cloth

  • Dish

  • Whisk or fork

  • Cotton ball

Video of the Day

Step 1

Get to the stain as soon as possible. Combine 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. Mix them together with a whisk or fork until a paste-like consistency is achieved.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Apply a small amount of the paste to the tip of a cloth or paper towel.

Advertisement

Step 3

Lightly apply the paste to the pen ink in a circular manner. Rub it in, as gently as possible. Using too much force could damage the passport.

Advertisement

Step 4

Allow the passport to dry for a minimum of 45 minutes.

Advertisement

Step 5

If the ink is still visible after the paste has dried, use a cotton ball to apply 1 drop of rubbing alcohol to the area. Leave the passport to dry completely before writing on it with ink again.

Advertisement

references