Using an Engineer Seal is Required
Once an engineer receives their certificate of registration from the state of Georgia, they are required to obtain a seal. The Georgia engineer seal design has been authorized by the board and must meet certain specifications in order to follow state law. An embossing seal, rubber stamp, or electronic seal may be used. The total size must be 1 and ½ inches in diameter and in the shape of a circle. The inner circle must be one inch in diameter.
The Georgia engineer seal must have the registrant’s name, their certificate number, and the legend “Registered Professional Engineer” or “Registered Land Surveyor.” The legend information depends on the type of certificate achieved by the registrant.
Types of Acceptable Seal Stamps
There are three options when it comes to the type of Georgia engineer seal. The seal may be the crimp type, rubber stamp facsimile, or computer generated. The letters “PE” may be in front of the numbers, but it is not required. However, if PE is used in front of the number, the whole number needs to be underlined.
The Georgia engineer seal needs to be placed on plates, specifications, plans, and reports. If the registrant’s certificate has expired or has been taken away, it is unlawful for them to stamp or seal any document during the time of suspension.
Responsibility and Fraud
In order for the plans to have the registrant’s Georgia engineer seal on them, the person must have performed the work involved in that specific report. Furthermore, it is allowed for employees under the direct supervision of the registrant to prepare the report as long as the registrant has personally reviewed the work. A registrant who does not review the work of their employees on a daily basis, yet still places their seal on the documents, are said to have committed a fraudulent act of misconduct. If a registrant is not prepared to accept responsibility of the work inside of the document, the Georgia engineer seal should not be affixed to the report.
The Georgia engineer seal has certain requirements it needs to meet in order for it to be properly used on a professional document. Moreover, the registrant assumes all responsibility for the information contained within the document. The seal can be purchased through online retailers as long as they meet the state of Georgia’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Georgia engineer seal requirements?
A Georgia engineer seal must be circular, 1.5 inches in diameter, with an inner circle of 1 inch in diameter. It must include the registrant’s name, certificate number, and the appropriate legend such as “Registered Professional Engineer” or “Registered Land Surveyor.”
What types of Georgia PE seal stamps are allowed?
Georgia allows several seal types, including a crimp/embossing seal, a rubber stamp facsimile, and a computer-generated or electronic seal, as long as each meets Georgia board specifications.
Do I need to use my Georgia engineer seal on every document?
The seal should be placed on plates, specifications, plans, and reports when you are the responsible registrant for that work. If you did not perform or personally review the work, you should not seal it.
Can I use my Georgia engineer stamp if my license is expired or suspended?
No. If your certificate has expired, been suspended, or taken away, it is unlawful to stamp or seal any document during that time. You must wait until your license is active again.
Can employees prepare engineering documents under my seal in Georgia?
Yes, employees may prepare reports or plans under your direct supervision, but you must personally review the work before sealing it. If you do not properly review the work, sealing it may be considered fraudulent misconduct.
What happens if I use my Georgia engineer seal without taking responsibility for the work?
If you affix your seal to a document without accepting responsibility for the information in it, you may be violating Georgia law and professional ethics. The seal indicates that you have reviewed and stand behind the work.
