Written by Acorn Sales Company, manufacturing stamps and seals since 1964 · Reviewed by Holly R, VP of Sales and Marketing at Acorn Sales, against the Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors and 59 Okla. Stat. § 475.15(C) on 21 September 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
Most states give a diameter or a range. Oklahoma names two off-the-shelf products and lets you choose. OAC 245:15-17-1(c) accepts “The seals commercially designated as 1 7/8″ seal, with an inner circle of 1 1/8″ diameter and an outer circle of 1 3/4″ diameter, or the 1 5/8″ seal, with an inner circle of 1 1/16″ diameter and an outer circle of 1 9/16″ diameter,” as shown in Appendix A of the chapter. The rule also allows reproduction at a different size provided the seal remains completely legible.
The text orientation is fixed too. Your name and license number go in the inner circle. The lettering sits in the ring between the circles, with “Oklahoma” at the bottom reading counter clockwise and “Licensed Professional Surveyor” at the top reading clockwise. The name and number must correspond to your Certificate of Licensure. Legacy seals reading Registered Professional Land Surveyor, Registered Land Surveyor or Professional Land Surveyor remain usable under 245:15-17-1(e), and a Surveyor Intern may not have a seal at all.
The certificate of authorization number is not on anybody’s seal. It is printed text on the sheet, and 245:15-17-2(j) requires it along with the firm name and contact information.
Oklahoma land surveyor seal requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Oklahoma rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seal required | Yes | 59 Okla. Stat. § 475.15(C) |
| Required elements | Your name as shown on your Certificate of Licensure, Your license number, The word Oklahoma, The words Licensed Professional Surveyor and Two concentric circles | Okla. Admin. Code 245:15-17-1(c) |
| Size and shape | Either a one and seven-eighths inch seal or a one and five-eighths inch seal, both named in the rule. | Okla. Admin. Code 245:15-17-1(c) and Appendix A to ch. 15 |
| Device allowed | OAC 245:15-17-1(b) requires a seal “of a type which will make an image on the surface of original documents and duplications of original documents,” and states that “The use of a rubber stamp or electronic digitization which produces an accurate and legible image of the seal is permissible.” A rubber stamp is the safe buy. | Okla. Admin. Code 245:15-17-1(b), 245:15-17-2(b) |
| Signature and date | 59 O.S. § 475.15(C) requires that “Whenever the seal is applied, the signature of the licensee and date of signature shall be placed adjacent to or across the seal.” Oklahoma does not insist on a wet original. | 59 Okla. Stat. § 475.15(C) |
| What must be sealed | All final surveying documents presented to a client or public agency, including surveys, plats, drawings, plans, reports, specifications, design information and calculations. | Okla. Admin. Code 245:15-17-2(a), (c), (i) |
| Electronic seal | Oklahoma names no certificate authority and no specific technology. | Okla. Admin. Code 245:15-17-2(g) |
| Renewal and lapse | 59 O.S. § 475.15(C) provides that it “shall be unlawful for a licensee to affix, or permit his or her seal or signature to be affixed, to any document after the expiration or revocation of a license.” The license number is the licensee’s own serial number under § 475.15(A) and does not change on renewal, so a compliant Oklahoma seal survives renewal. | 59 Okla. Stat. § 475.15(A), (C), (D) |
| Firm requirements | The firm number goes on the document. | 59 Okla. Stat. § 475.21 |
| Regulator | The Oklahoma State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors | Okla. Admin. Code title 245, ch. 15, subch. 17, rules 245:15-17-1 and 245:15-17-2 with Appendix A, from the rule HTML published by the Board |
Is a seal required in Oklahoma?
The statute is permissive about owning a seal and mandatory about using one. 59 O.S. § 475.15(C) says each licensee “may obtain a seal, the design and use of which is described in Board rules,” then requires that “Documents must be sealed and signed in accordance with the Board rules whenever presented to a client, a user or any public or governmental agency.” The rule closes it: OAC 245:15-17-2(a) requires the seal, signature and date of signing on all final engineering and surveying specifications, reports, drawings, plans, design information, calculations, surveys and plats presented to a client or any public agency. A surveyor who issues final work cannot function without one.
What must appear on the seal
- Your name as shown on your Certificate of Licensure
- Your license number
- The word Oklahoma
- The words Licensed Professional Surveyor
- Two concentric circles
Oklahoma fixes the layout, not just the content. OAC 245:15-17-1(c) puts the name and license number in the inner circle and the lettering in the ring between the circles, with “Oklahoma” at the bottom reading counter clockwise and “Licensed Professional Surveyor” at the top reading clockwise. The name and number must correspond to the Certificate of Licensure. Under 245:15-17-1(d) a licensee who practices under a name other than the full legal name may register that name with the board and have the seal inscribed with it, in which case the signature must match the seal. Legacy seals reading Registered Professional Land Surveyor, Registered Land Surveyor or Professional Land Surveyor remain usable under 245:15-17-1(e). A Surveyor Intern may not have a seal at all.
Size and shape
Either a one and seven-eighths inch seal or a one and five-eighths inch seal, both named in the rule. OAC 245:15-17-1(c) accepts “The seals commercially designated as 1 7/8″ seal, with an inner circle of 1 1/8″ diameter and an outer circle of 1 3/4″ diameter, or the 1 5/8″ seal, with an inner circle of 1 1/16″ diameter and an outer circle of 1 9/16″ diameter,” as shown in Appendix A of the chapter. The rule also allows reproduction at a different size provided the seal remains completely legible.
Embosser, rubber stamp or digital
OAC 245:15-17-1(b) requires a seal “of a type which will make an image on the surface of original documents and duplications of original documents,” and states that “The use of a rubber stamp or electronic digitization which produces an accurate and legible image of the seal is permissible.” A rubber stamp is the safe buy. An embosser used alone fails the reproduction test in 245:15-17-2(b), which requires the seal and signature to be placed so that they reproduce when copies are made; the rule does not otherwise address embossers, so it neither forbids owning one nor permits one as the legal seal.
Signing and dating
59 O.S. § 475.15(C) requires that “Whenever the seal is applied, the signature of the licensee and date of signature shall be placed adjacent to or across the seal.” Oklahoma does not insist on a wet original. OAC 245:15-17-2(g) permits an electronic or digital signature that is unique to the person, capable of verification and under that person’s sole responsibility and control; subparagraph (A) allows a scanned image or other reproduction of an original signature, but only “if accompanied by an original handwritten date”; subparagraph (B) allows a true electronic or digital signature with an attached authentication process, which needs no handwritten date but must be dated.
Two named commercial sizes, and the firm number is text on the sheet
Most states give a diameter or a range. Oklahoma names two off-the-shelf products for this board, the one and seven-eighths inch seal with a one and one-eighth inch inner circle and a one and three-quarter inch outer circle, and the one and five-eighths inch seal with a one and one-sixteenth inch inner circle and a one and nine-sixteenths inch outer circle, and points you at Appendix A for the artwork. You choose between them. The text orientation is also fixed: Oklahoma at the bottom reading counter clockwise, Licensed Professional Surveyor at the top reading clockwise.
Which documents must be sealed
All final surveying documents presented to a client or public agency, including surveys, plats, drawings, plans, reports, specifications, design information and calculations. On a multi-sheet document, OAC 245:15-17-2(c) requires the first or title page to be sealed and signed by the licensee in responsible charge and also requires each sheet to be sealed and signed by the licensee responsible for that sheet. Carve-outs: a working drawing or preliminary document needs no seal if it carries in large bold letters a statement to the effect of “PRELIMINARY, NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, RECORDING PURPOSES, OR IMPLEMENTATION”; a permit set may be sealed for review if clearly marked NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION; and under 245:15-17-2(i) record drawings reflecting changes observed during construction are deemed a drafting service and need no seal, signature or date.
Electronic and digital seals
Oklahoma names no certificate authority and no specific technology. OAC 245:15-17-2(g) states three tests for the signature, and (g)(B) adds that where an electronic authentication process is used the signature “shall be linked to a document in such a manner that the data in the document can be verified as being unaltered since the time that the digital signature was affixed.” 59 O.S. § 475.15(C) adds that digitally or electronically signed documents must be signed in a manner under the direct control and personal supervision of the professional.
Renewal, lapse and retirement
59 O.S. § 475.15(C) provides that it “shall be unlawful for a licensee to affix, or permit his or her seal or signature to be affixed, to any document after the expiration or revocation of a license.” The license number is the licensee’s own serial number under § 475.15(A) and does not change on renewal, so a compliant Oklahoma seal survives renewal. Nothing in the chapter requires a seal to be surrendered or destroyed. Section 475.15(D) separately requires a professional or firm to retain a copy of all technical submissions for at least ten years.
Firm requirements
The firm number goes on the document. Under 59 O.S. § 475.21(A) a firm practicing or offering to practice surveying must hold a certificate of authority from the board and must designate a licensed managing agent. OAC 245:15-17-2(j) then requires that in the case of a firm, each separate document, the first page of a bound document, and the portion of work for which each firm is responsible “shall also show the name of the firm, the firm’s Certificate of Authorization number and contact information for the firm.” A licensee not practicing through a firm must instead include at minimum an address and phone number under 245:15-17-2(c). The firm itself has no seal; the number is printed or typed text.
What to check before you order
Order one of the two seals the rule names: a one and seven-eighths inch seal with a one and one-eighth inch inner circle and a one and three-quarter inch outer circle, or a one and five-eighths inch seal with a one and one-sixteenth inch inner circle and a one and nine-sixteenths inch outer circle. Put your name as it appears on your Certificate of Licensure and your license number inside the inner circle, Oklahoma at the bottom of the ring reading counter clockwise, and Licensed Professional Surveyor at the top reading clockwise. Buy a rubber or self-inking stamp: the rule requires an image that reproduces on copies, and an embosser used alone fails that test. Seal and sign the first or title page and every sheet you are responsible for, with the date adjacent to or across the seal. If you practice through a firm, put the firm name, certificate of authorization number and contact details on the sheet as text.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a seal required for surveyors in Oklahoma?
The statute is permissive about owning one and mandatory about using one. 59 O.S. § 475.15(C) says each licensee “may obtain a seal, the design and use of which is described in Board rules,” then requires that “Documents must be sealed and signed in accordance with the Board rules whenever presented to a client, a user or any public or governmental agency.” OAC 245:15-17-2(a) closes it by requiring the seal, signature and date of signing on all final engineering and surveying specifications, reports, drawings, plans, design information, calculations, surveys and plats presented to a client or any public agency. A surveyor who issues final work cannot function without one.
What has to appear on an Oklahoma surveyor seal?
Five things under OAC 245:15-17-1(c): your name as shown on your Certificate of Licensure, your license number, the word Oklahoma, the words Licensed Professional Surveyor, and two concentric circles. The name and number sit inside the inner circle; Oklahoma reads counter clockwise at the bottom of the ring and Licensed Professional Surveyor reads clockwise at the top.
What size is an Oklahoma surveyor seal?
Either the 1 7/8 inch seal, with a 1 1/8 inch inner circle and a 1 3/4 inch outer circle, or the 1 5/8 inch seal, with a 1 1/16 inch inner circle and a 1 9/16 inch outer circle. Both are named in the rule and illustrated in Appendix A. Reproduction at a different size is allowed provided the seal remains completely legible.
Can I use a different name on my Oklahoma seal?
Only if you register it. Under 245:15-17-1(d) a licensee who practices under a name other than the full legal name may register that name with the board and have the seal inscribed with it, in which case the signature must match the seal.
Rubber stamp or embosser in Oklahoma?
A rubber stamp is the safe buy. OAC 245:15-17-1(b) requires a seal “of a type which will make an image on the surface of original documents and duplications of original documents,” and states that “The use of a rubber stamp or electronic digitization which produces an accurate and legible image of the seal is permissible.” An embosser used alone fails the reproduction test in 245:15-17-2(b), which requires the seal and signature to be placed so that they reproduce when copies are made. The rule does not otherwise address embossers, so it neither forbids owning one nor permits one as the legal seal.
Where do the signature and date go in Oklahoma?
59 O.S. § 475.15(C) requires that “Whenever the seal is applied, the signature of the licensee and date of signature shall be placed adjacent to or across the seal.” Oklahoma does not insist on a wet original. OAC 245:15-17-2(g) permits an electronic or digital signature that is unique to the person, capable of verification and under that person’s sole responsibility and control; subparagraph (A) allows a scanned image or other reproduction of an original signature but only “if accompanied by an original handwritten date”; subparagraph (B) allows a true electronic or digital signature with an attached authentication process, which needs no handwritten date but must be dated.
How do I seal a multi-sheet Oklahoma survey?
OAC 245:15-17-2(c) requires the first or title page to be sealed and signed by the licensee in responsible charge, and also requires each sheet to be sealed and signed by the licensee responsible for that sheet.
What Oklahoma work does not need a seal?
A working drawing or preliminary document needs none if it carries in large bold letters a statement to the effect of “PRELIMINARY, NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION, RECORDING PURPOSES, OR IMPLEMENTATION”. A permit set may be sealed for review if clearly marked NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION. And under 245:15-17-2(i) record drawings reflecting changes observed during construction are deemed a drafting service and need no seal, signature or date.
Does my Oklahoma seal survive renewal?
Yes. The license number is your own serial number under 59 O.S. § 475.15(A) and does not change on renewal, so a compliant seal keeps working. Section 475.15(C) provides that it “shall be unlawful for a licensee to affix, or permit his or her seal or signature to be affixed, to any document after the expiration or revocation of a license.” Nothing in the chapter requires a seal to be surrendered or destroyed. Section 475.15(D) separately requires a professional or firm to retain a copy of all technical submissions for at least ten years.
Where does the Oklahoma firm number go?
On the sheet as text, not on a stamp. Under 59 O.S. § 475.21(A) a firm practicing or offering to practice surveying must hold a certificate of authority and designate a licensed managing agent. OAC 245:15-17-2(j) then requires that in the case of a firm, each separate document, the first page of a bound document, and the portion of work for which each firm is responsible “shall also show the name of the firm, the firm’s Certificate of Authorization number and contact information for the firm.” A licensee not practicing through a firm must instead include at minimum an address and phone number under 245:15-17-2(c).
