Some states have extremely strict requirements For the dimensions of embossing seals or stamps for various professions. Alaska is an exception, there is actually no size specified for an Alaska PE embossing seal or stamp, although the typical size used is around two inches in diameter.
Alaska does not differ from other states, though, in that professional engineers must use a seal or stamp, and they must acquire it at their own expense. And of course there are rules with which you must comply.
The Requirements
You must use your Alaska PE embossing seal or stamp each and every time that you sign or submit a document. The date must be included. The documents, plans or drawings can be signed and sealed either manually or using electronic means. The date has to be inserted either within the seal or within two inches of it. You can use an electronic image of your signature, provided that you retain an original copy of the material and that it can be accessed for reference later on. The documents must bear either an original hand signature or be embedded with software that will remove or modify the image of the signature in the event that the document is modified.
Your stamp or seal must state your discipline as follows:
- CE before the number of Civil Engineering
- ME before the number for Mechanical Engineering
- EC before the number for Chemical Engineering
- EE before the number for Electrical Engineering
- EP before the number for Petroleum Engineering
- SE before the number for Structural Engineering
- EN before the number for Mining Engineering
Any time that you sign and seal a document, either manually or electronically, you must include the date and time within two inches of the seal.
Your Alaska PE embossing seal or stamp is affixed to any documents, plans, plats, or surveys that are completed by you, or completed under your direct supervision. If your license has been suspended or revoked for any reason, you may not seal documents until you are reinstated.
Safeguard Your Seal
Because your seal is your guarantee that any work you submit is up to acceptable standards, has been prepared or personally supervised by you, and meets the requirements set out by the Board of Engineering in the State of Alaska, it is important that you keep your Alaska PE embossing seal or stamp in a secure location. If it should be lost or stolen, you must immediately report its disappearance to the Board. If your seal ends up being used on documents that you did not prepare, for work that you did not do or supervise, you can be held liable for any damage that occurs up to the point that you reported the seal missing.
Recommended Products
At Acorn Sales Company Incorporated, we offer our clients the following products so that they can be assured of being in compliance with the stamping and sealing requirements of the State of Alaska:
- Desk seal embosser
- Any rubber stamp or embossing seal
- Soft seal embosser
- Long reach seal embosser
- Slim pre-inked stamp
- Self-inking stamp
- Regular hand rubber tamp
- Max light pre-inked stamp
- Handheld seal embosser
- Extended long reach seal embosser
For further information on the stamping and sealing requirements for engineers in Alaska, you can visit the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development website. This website even has downloadable seals to make the process even easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should an Alaska PE embossing seal or stamp be?
Alaska does not specify an exact size for a PE embossing seal or stamp. Most engineers use a seal that is about two inches in diameter, which is a common and practical choice for clear, professional impressions.
Do Alaska engineers have to use a seal on every document?
Yes. Licensed professional engineers in Alaska must use their seal or stamp every time they sign or submit a document. This applies to plans, drawings, plats, surveys, and other official engineering documents.
Which details must appear on an Alaska Professional Engineer Stamp??
Your Alaska PE stamp or seal must identify your discipline, such as CE for Civil Engineering, ME for Mechanical Engineering, EE for Electrical Engineering, or the other required discipline codes. The date must also be included, either within the seal or within two inches of it.
Can an Alaska PE seal be used electronically?
Yes. Alaska allows documents to be signed and sealed either manually or electronically. If you use an electronic signature, you must retain an original copy of the material and ensure the document is protected so the signature is removed or modified if the file is changed.
What should I do if my Alaska PE embossing seal is lost or stolen?
You should report the missing seal immediately to the Alaska Board of Engineering. Because your seal represents your professional responsibility, you may be held liable if it is used on documents that you did not prepare or supervise before you report it missing.
What type of seal or stamp is best for Alaska PE compliance?
A desk seal embosser, handheld seal embosser, soft seal embosser, self-inking stamp, pre-inked stamp, or rubber stamp can all be suitable depending on your workflow. The best choice is one that produces a clear impression and helps you meet Alaska’s signing and sealing requirements consistently.
