While it may be exciting to finally achieve licensing for land surveying in Michigan, there are certain requirements that must be met in order for you to begin practicing in your discipline. One of the most important of these is obtaining a Michigan land surveyor seal. Before you rush right out and purchase one, make sure you understand what it needs to look like, the size requirements and how it must be used. This will help you avoid the penalties and fines that accrue against those who use Michigan land surveyor seals improperly.
Size and Setup
As with many other states, there are specific size requirements for Michigan land surveyor seals. All seals are required to be no larger than 4.5 centimeters in diameter, and must be in the form of a rubber stamp or embossing seal. The embosser imprints the seal on the page, and the rubber stamp uses ink for transferring the image.
There are three setups that are acceptable for Michigan land surveyor seals. The most common option includes two concentric circles, with the larger one making up the outside edge
of the seal. The circles are aligned to provide a space between the two. The words “State of Michigan” appears in the top arc, and the words “Licensed Professional Surveyor” is in the bottom arc. Inside the smaller circle, the licensee’s name is entered on one line, followed by a space. The next two lines include the words “Professional” and “Surveyor” respectively. Just below these lines, the prefix “No.” is on one line, followed by the license number on the next one. This number can be either the entire 10 digits, or only the last 5 digits.The other two Michigan land surveyor seals are similar to the most common option. The differences are the substitution of the words “Registered” (rarely used) or “Licensed” in place of the word “Professional”.
Usage Requirements
There are also guidelines that must be followed when using your Michigan land surveyor seal. All plats, surveys, reports, specifications, and other documents must be sealed before they are submitted. However, you are only permitted to use your seal on documents prepared completely by you or someone whom you directly supervise. It is unlawful for your Michigan land surveyor seal to be affixed to any documents prepared by someone who does not meet these requirements.
When you choose to include your seal on a document, you are stating that you have verified all of the information in it. Your Michigan land surveyor seal is your certification that you have gone over the work and found it to comply with all applicable codes and requirements. This also means that you are accepting responsibility for the information and are liable for any issues or damages that may arise.
Your Michigan land surveyor seal is vital to your career. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations when using it to avoid penalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Michigan land surveyor seal size requirements?
Michigan land surveyor seals must be no larger than 4.5 centimeters in diameter. They must be either a rubber stamp or an embossing seal, and the seal design must follow the required format for Michigan licensing compliance.
Which details are required on a Michigan land surveyor seal??
A compliant Michigan land surveyor seal should include “State of Michigan” on the top arc, “Licensed Professional Surveyor” on the bottom arc, the licensee’s name, the title “Professional Surveyor,” and the license number. Depending on the seal type, the wording may use “Licensed” or “Registered” instead of “Professional.
Can I use my Michigan surveyor stamp on documents I did not prepare myself?
No. Your Michigan land surveyor seal can only be used on documents that were prepared entirely by you or by someone you directly supervise. Using it on work completed by an outside party can create compliance issues and potential penalties.
What types of documents require a Michigan land surveyor seal?
Plats, surveys, reports, specifications, and other professional documents must be sealed before submission if they fall under the seal requirements. If you are unsure whether a document needs a seal, it is best to confirm before filing to avoid delays or rejection.
Why does it matter if I use a Michigan land surveyor seal incorrectly?
Improper use of a Michigan surveyor stamp can lead to rejected filings, costly delays, penalties, and possible fines. Because the seal certifies your review and approval of the work, misuse can also create professional liability if errors are found later.
What is the difference between a rubber stamp and an embossing seal for Michigan land surveyor compliance?
Both a rubber stamp and an embossing seal are acceptable as long as they meet Michigan’s requirements. A rubber stamp uses ink to transfer the seal image, while an embosser creates a raised impression on the page. The key is that the seal remains legible and compliant in either format.
