Land surveyors in Idaho need to make sure they understand all of the rules and regulations, as well as the changes to them, to avoid stiff fines. Using an Idaho land surveyor seal is an integral part of doing business in the state, and making sure to follow all usage requirements is more important than ever – especially since the most recent changes include adding fines of up to $5,000. Keep reading to find out what your seal should look like and how it should be used.
Size and Design Standards
Idaho land surveyor seals must adhere to specific design guidelines as well. Like other states, the seal must contain two concentric circles, with the outer one making up the edge of the seal.
The second circle is smaller, and leaves a space between it and the larger one. In this space, the words “Professional Land Surveyor” must appear in the top arc, while the surveyor’s name appears in the bottom portion. Inside the smaller circle, the word “Licensed” is situated at the top of the arc, and the words “State of Idaho” appears along the bottom arc. The license number is centered in a straight line between these sets of words. For those who have dual licensing, the Idaho land surveyor seal will also include the professional engineer designation.Your Idaho land surveyor seal must be 1 9/16” in diameter. Both rubber stamps (which require ink) and embossing seals are acceptable for use providing they meet this size requirement. Additionally, digital images of the seal are accepted as well. Any seals that were previously approved before July 1, 2008 are considered acceptable and valid.
Proper Use of Idaho Land Surveyor Seals
The use of an Idaho land surveyor seal indicates that the information contained in the documents is accurate, correct, and meets code as well as other requirements. Due to this, you must ensure that you are the one who prepared the report, plat, specifications, drawings, or other document, or that you directly oversaw the preparation of them by an employee directly under your supervision. It is unlawful for any person to use their Idaho land surveyor seal on any documents on which he or she did not work.
Each time a seal is affixed, licensed surveyors are required to include both their signature and the date the Idaho land surveyor seal was added to the documents. You must also make sure that any official documents are sealed, regardless of whether the client requests it.
There are many rules and regulations governing the use of an Idaho land surveyor seal. If you have questions or need additional information, the Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors website provides a wealth of information, including links to the statutes and other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Idaho land surveyor seal requirements?
Idaho land surveyor seal requirements include two concentric circles, the wording “Professional Land Surveyor” on the outer arc, the surveyor’s name on the lower outer arc, “Licensed” on the top of the inner arc, “State of Idaho” on the bottom inner arc, and the license number centered inside the seal. If the surveyor is dual licensed, the professional engineer designation must also be included.
How large should an Idaho PLS stamp or seal be?
An Idaho PLS stamp or seal must be 1 9/16 inches in diameter. This size requirement applies to rubber stamps, embossing seals, and accepted digital seal images. Using a seal that does not meet the required size can lead to compliance issues.
Are digital and embossing seals allowed in Idaho?
Yes. Idaho accepts rubber stamps with ink, embossing seals, and digital seal images, as long as they meet the state’s design and size requirements. Surveyors should make sure the seal format they use is valid and produces a clear, compliant impression on official documents.
When is an Idaho land surveyor seal required on documents?
An Idaho land surveyor seal must be placed on official documents such as reports, plats, specifications, drawings, and similar work products prepared by the surveyor or prepared under the surveyor’s direct supervision. Sealing is required even if the client does not specifically request it.
What information must accompany an Idaho surveyor seal?
Each time the Idaho land surveyor seal is affixed, the surveyor must also include their signature and the date the seal was applied. These details are part of proper sealing procedure and help show accountability for the document.
What are the penalties for using an Idaho land surveyor seal incorrectly?
Misusing an Idaho land surveyor seal can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to $5,000. Incorrect use can include sealing documents you did not prepare or directly supervise, using a noncompliant seal design, or failing to include the required signature and date.
