diff --git a/code/modules/paperwork/pen.dm b/code/modules/paperwork/pen.dm
index 7bd70a6bfe3..c97e55fcf1d 100644
--- a/code/modules/paperwork/pen.dm
+++ b/code/modules/paperwork/pen.dm
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 	name = "pen"
 	icon = 'icons/obj/bureaucracy.dmi'
 	icon_state = "pen"
+	item_state = "pen"
 	flags = FPRINT | TABLEPASS
 	slot_flags = SLOT_BELT | SLOT_EARS
 	throwforce = 0