More often than not, higher-level engineering positions require that individuals obtain government certification as licensed professional engineers. The State of South Dakota is no different in that requirement.
Regulations by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation were put in place to define the proper use and display of the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp. Professional engineer seals and stamps such as the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp are used to certify that the individual is qualified and has the authority to take legal responsibility for engineering projects. Rules may also require that professionally licensed and certified engineers must carry out engineering drawings, repair, analysis, and supervision of engineering work and affix their South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp --especially in times when public welfare or property is at risk.
State of South Dakota Specifications
Each state has slightly different requirements for their seals and stamps. The South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp requirements include the notice that all licensed professional engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects must procure and utilize appropriate seals. According to South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp must contain the following information:
- Licensee’s name and number
- An accurate title, e.g. Architect, Land Surveyor, Professional Engineer
- 2” diameter outer circle
- 1-1/4” diameter inner circle
- “Licensed” or “Registered” language
Electronic seals (eSeals) as well as embossed seals and rubber stamps are all sufficient to represent a licensee’s status as a South Dakota professional engineer.
Seal Usage Requirements
When there are multiple pages of a document or specification, acceptable use of the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp states that the seal be applied to the first page or cover sheet for a specification book as long as the pages are numbered. However, individual sheets of drawings or plans must each be sealed singularly by your South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp. Please note that the use of the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp by petroleum release assessors and interns is strictly prohibited, so protect your seal or stamp from theft or loss.
Safe Handling of Electronic Seals
There are specific rules limiting use of electronic seals (eSeals) in the State of South Dakota. Language detailing the original issuance of the seals, signatures and dates must be added to all electronically-submitted or transferred files and digital representations of physical files are not accepted as certified documents in the State of South Dakota. Instead, documents meant to be sealed and signed must have some measure of electronic authentication attached to or associated with the documents.
Finding the Best Supplier
Acorn Sales Company Incorporated offers a guarantee that any recently-purchased South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp will mesh with current South Dakota state licensing and regulation standards or it will be replaced free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the South Dakota engineer seal stamp requirements?
A South Dakota engineer seal stamp must include the licensee’s name and number, an accurate professional title, a 2-inch outer circle, a 1-1/4-inch inner circle, and the words “Licensed” or “Registered.” Licensed professional engineers, land surveyors, and landscape architects are required to use the proper seal format under South Dakota rules.
Are electronic engineer seals (eSeals) allowed in South Dakota?
Yes, electronic seals are allowed in South Dakota, along with embossed seals and rubber stamps. However, the seal must be used in a way that complies with state rules, including proper authentication and required original issuance details, signatures, and dates on electronically submitted documents.
Can I just scan my paper seal and use it on digital files?
No, a simple digital image or scanned copy of a physical seal is not considered a certified document in South Dakota. The state requires some form of electronic authentication attached to or associated with the file if it is being sealed electronically.
Do I need to seal every page of an engineering plan set in South Dakota?
If you are sealing a specification book or multiple-page document, the South Dakota engineer seal stamp may be applied to the first page or cover sheet as long as the pages are numbered. But individual sheets of drawings or plans must each be sealed separately.
Who is allowed to use a South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp?
Only properly licensed professional engineers may use the South Dakota engineer’s seal stamp for engineering work. The post also notes that petroleum release assessors and interns are strictly prohibited from using the seal.
What should I look for when buying a South Dakota PE seal for digital or paper use?
Look for a seal that meets South Dakota’s current licensing and formatting requirements, including correct size, title, name, and license number. If you are purchasing from a supplier, choose one that guarantees compliance with state standards or offers a replacement if the seal does not meet South Dakota requirements.
