Paper Jam Panic? How to Troubleshoot Your Printer Like a Pro
Because the only thing worse than a paper jam is a paper jam 5 minutes before FedEx cutoff.

If you’re a notary signing agent, your printer is your partner. And like any partner, it has moods.

Whether it’s chewing up loan docs, refusing to print legal size, or throwing an error code that looks like ancient Greek, you need to know how to troubleshoot it fast — because signings don’t wait.

Here’s how to fix common printer problems like a pro — before your panic level hits “reprint the whole package.”

Problem 1: The Dreaded Paper Jam
Symptoms:

Printer sounds like it’s printing... but nothing comes out
Error message: “Paper Jam” or “Paper Feed Error”

✅ How to fix it:

Power off the printer completely
Open all access doors — not just the front tray
Gently pull out any stuck pages (don’t tear!)
Check the back panel and remove the rear tray (if available)
Use a flashlight to check for tiny pieces of torn paper
Reload the paper properly and power it back on
🛡 Pro tip: Use clean, dry, fanned-out paper — and never overfill trays.

 Problem 2: Legal Size Paper Won’t Print
Symptoms:

Legal docs shrink to letter size
Only half the document prints
Pages cut off or error messages about size

✅ How to fix it:

In Adobe Acrobat, go to Print > Page Setup
Check “Choose paper source by PDF page size”
Confirm you have the correct tray loaded with legal-size paper
Set paper size defaults in your printer preferences (Windows or Mac)
Ensure dual tray settings are activated (if applicable)
🛠 Still stuck? Try printing one page at a time to isolate the issue.

Problem 3: Printer Won’t Connect or Respond
Symptoms:

Job gets stuck in the queue
Printer is offline or not found
Nothing happens when you hit print

✅ How to fix it:

Unplug the printer, count to 10, plug it back in
Restart your computer
Delete stuck jobs in your print queue
Reconnect your Wi-Fi or USB
Update your drivers (yes, they matter)
Run your printer’s built-in diagnostic tool

🚨 Emergency trick: If all else fails, email the doc to yourself and print from another device (or backup printer).

Problem 4: Smudged or Faded Print
Symptoms:

Ink looks light or streaky
Toner is flaking or rubbing off
Pages aren’t clear or legible

✅ How to fix it:

Remove and gently shake the toner (redistributes powder)
Clean your printer’s rollers or fuser (check manual)
Replace toner if it’s low or past shelf life
Run the printer’s cleaning cycle
Make sure you’re using laser-compatible paper — not slick or coated sheets

Problem 5: Repeated Errors or Messy Output
If your printer:

Pulls multiple pages
Skips pages
Constantly jams
Prints crooked…
✅ Clean your paper rollers and feed tray with a dry cloth or lightly damp wipe
✅ Replace worn rollers if they’re glazed or slipping
✅ Use fresh paper — moisture ruins print quality

Pro Notary Printer Tips:
Keep backup toner on hand at all times
Store paper in a dry, flat place
Clean your printer monthly
Practice printing a mixed-size test doc regularly
Consider having a second printer for emergencies (refurbs work great!)
Your Printer Is a Key Employee — Treat It Like One
Loan signings don’t care if your printer’s “having a moment.” But your clients will — especially if the docs are late or wrong.

At Notary Academy, we don’t just teach signing techniques — we teach the tools that make or break your day.

🖨 Because in this business, it’s not just about what you know — it’s about what you can print, fast and flawlessly.