In Arizona, every professional engineer is required to have a rubber stamp that they acquire at their own expense, in order to conform to the rules and requirements set forth by the state governing board.
In many states, engineers have the option of using a rubber stamp or a seal. In others, a seal is essential. Arizona is different from most states, in that the seal is optional, but the rubber stamp is absolutely required.
The Requirements
The Arizona PE embossing stamp must be exactly an inch and a half in diameter. The stamp contains two circles. In the space between them, at the top of the ring, you must include your professional designation. Registered Professional Engineer, along with the branch of engineering in which you are registered. At the bottom of the ring, “Arizona USA” appears. The center of the stamp contains the registrant’s name and number, and the words “date signed.”
You can include an embossing seal only if you’re using it in conjunction with the rubber stamp, and you can include an optional expiry date under the seal. All the other requirements are hard and fast, and absolutely MUST be included.
The Law
Now, having explained the Arizona PE embossing stamp, and having stated that the use of the stamp is required, we must qualify that by telling you that the Engineering Board in the State of Arizona can also, at its discretion, mandate the use of a seal in certain instances. These seals are prescribed for registrants that the Board deems required to use them. Any plans, reports, specifications, or plats that you prepare will be issued under your seal if the Board requires you to use a seal. If your certificate has been revoked, or has expired, it is illegal for you to use the seal. Further, no non-registrant can use a registrant’s seal. If the Board requires you to use a seal, then any document that you or your employees prepare are entirely your responsibility.
You can order an Arizona PE embossing stamp or seal, through any vendor that has been approved by the Board of Engineers for the State of Arizona, and once you receive it, you must file an imprint of that stamp with your original signature superimposed. If your stamp does not meet Board requirements, you will be required to acquire another stamp that does before you submit any work using your seal. If you are registered in more than one branch of engineering, you may be required to obtain a stamp for each branch.
Security Issues
Because your Arizona PE embossing stamp is your guarantee that the documents you file have been prepared by you, or under your direct supervision, it is vital that you keep the stamp in a safe location. If it is stolen or lost, you must immediately contact the Board so that you don’t incur liability because of the fraudulent misuse of your stamp or seal.
Products Available
Acorn Sales Company Incorporated can assist you with obtaining all the products you need to be fully compliant with the requirements of the state of Arizona, including:
- Slim pre-inked stamps
- Self-inking stamps
- Regular hand rubber stamps
- Max light pre-inked stamps
Further information that will help you to be compliant with Arizona law is available at the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Arizona PE embossing stamp requirements for engineers?
Arizona requires licensed professional engineers to use a rubber stamp at their own expense, and the stamp must be 1.5 inches in diameter. It must include two circles, your designation “Registered Professional Engineer,” your engineering branch, “Arizona USA,” your name, your registration number, and the words “date signed.” If you use an embossing seal, it must be used along with the required rubber stamp.
Is a seal required in Arizona, or is the PE stamp enough?
In Arizona, the rubber stamp is required, while the seal is generally optional. However, the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration can require a seal in certain situations. If the Board requires a seal for your work, any plans, reports, specifications, or plats must be issued under that seal.
Where can I order a compliant Arizona PE stamp or embossing seal?
You can order an Arizona PE embossing stamp or seal from any vendor approved by the Arizona Board of Engineers. After you receive it, you must file an imprint of the stamp with your original signature superimposed. If the stamp does not meet Board requirements, you may need to replace it before submitting any work.
What happens if my Arizona PE stamp does not meet state requirements?
If your stamp does not follow Arizona Board requirements, it may be considered noncompliant and you may be required to purchase a new one. Using an incorrect stamp can delay project submittals and create compliance issues, especially if your documents are being reviewed by the Board or by a client requiring a valid seal.
What should I do if my Arizona engineering stamp is lost or stolen?
If your Arizona PE stamp is lost or stolen, you should contact the Board immediately. This helps protect you from liability if someone uses your stamp or seal fraudulently. Because the stamp represents your professional responsibility, keeping it secure is critical.
Can I use the same Arizona PE stamp for more than one engineering discipline?
If you are registered in more than one branch of engineering, you may be required to obtain a separate stamp for each branch. This helps ensure each stamp accurately reflects the specific discipline you are licensed in and keeps you compliant with Arizona Board rules.
