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 Indiana Board of Registration for Architects and Landscape Architects and 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d), (e), (f), (g), (i) on 21 September 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
The signature goes directly adjacent to the seal, and the rule says not across it. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(h) requires the person’s original signature directly adjacent to the seal and “(not across the seal)”, or the signature may sit elsewhere on the sheet provided it is inscribed “This document is certified by _____”. That is the opposite of the across-the-seal habit most states teach, so leave clear space beside the impression rather than through it.
The size band is 1 5/8 to 1 7/8 inches outside diameter under 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d), which states it separately for this profession. The same band appears independently for Indiana architects, professional surveyors and licensed professional geologists, each in its own rule, but the artwork subsection (e) tells you to conform with is the landscape architect design printed at subsection (d), not the architect design at subsection (a). Ordering from an Indiana architect’s stamp is the wrong starting point.
One small allowance is worth knowing. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(f) requires the name and registration number on the seal to correspond to the name and certificate number on your certificate, and then permits a single abbreviation: “However, ‘LA’ may be excluded in the certificate number.” Architects may drop AR under subsection (c). Two letters, two subsections, and no license to invent a third.
Indiana landscape architect seal requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Indiana rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seal required | Yes | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d), (e), (f), (g), (i) |
| Required elements | Your name as on the certificate, Your registration number, with LA optionally excluded, The design shown in the rule and A milled edge, or two concentric circles | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d), (e), (f) |
| Size and shape | Not less than 1 5/8 inches and not more than 1 7/8 inches in outside diameter. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) states it separately for this profession: “The landscape architect seal shall not be less than one and five-eighths. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) |
| Device allowed | Four ways, listed in the rule. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) provides that the seal “may be embossed, electronically applied, rubber stamped, or otherwise permanently affixed to the document,” and requires it to conform with the design shown in subsection (d). | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) |
| Signature and date | Adjacent, not across, with a written alternative and no date rule. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(h) applies to both credentials in this rule: the seal shall include the person’s original signature directly adjacent to it and “(not across the seal)”, or the signature may sit elsewhere on the sheet provided it is inscribed “This document is certified by _____”. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(h) |
| What must be sealed | Where specifications, plans and drawings for landscape architectural work are required to be submitted for review by the appropriate governmental body, 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(i) requires the seal and signature on the title or cover page of the specifications and on each sheet of the drawings. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(i), (j), (k), (l) |
| Electronic seal | Permitted as a form of application, with no separate standard. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) lists electronically applied among the four ways the seal may be affixed, and article 1.1 carries no digital signature criteria, no certificate authority requirement and no legend to insert when a file is transmitted. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) |
| Renewal and lapse | 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(g) limits use of the seal to the time the registration is current and in good standing. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-5, 804 IAC 1.1-2-6, 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(g) |
| Firm requirements | Firm practice is regulated, but the firm does not get a seal. 804 IAC 1.1-2-8 governs firm, partnership or corporate practice, and 804 IAC 1.1-4-6(a) requires each office maintained for the preparation of drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work required by IC 25-4 to be performed by a registrant to have a registrant regularly employed in that office with direct knowledge and supervisory control of the work. | 804 IAC 1.1-2-8, 804 IAC 1.1-4-6 |
| Regulator | The Indiana Board of Registration for Architects and Landscape Architects | 804 IAC 1.1, Registration |
Is a seal required in Indiana?
Indiana licenses landscape architects through the architects’ board and puts their seal in the same rule, at its own subsections. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) fixes the landscape architect seal and (e) and (f) its media and inscription. Subsection (g) states when it may be used: only while the registration is current and in good standing, and only on documents and instruments created by the registrant, regularly employed subordinates, or subordinates under the registrant’s direct supervision. Subsection (i) is the filing trigger, requiring the landscape architect in responsible charge of landscape architectural work submitted for review by the appropriate governmental body to apply the seal and signature on the title or cover page of the specifications and each sheet of the drawings.
What must appear on the seal
- Your name as on the certificate
- Your registration number, with LA optionally excluded
- The design shown in the rule
- A milled edge, or two concentric circles
Two narrow choices, mirroring the architect provisions. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) allows either a milled edge as shown or two concentric circles with the outer and inner circles corresponding with the respective edgings of the milling. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(f) requires the name and registration number inscribed on the seal to correspond to the name and certificate number inscribed on the certificate, and then permits one abbreviation: “However, ‘LA’ may be excluded in the certificate number.” Note the letters differ by profession: architects may drop AR, landscape architects may drop LA. Nothing else is discretionary.
Size and shape
Not less than 1 5/8 inches and not more than 1 7/8 inches in outside diameter. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) states it separately for this profession: “The landscape architect seal shall not be less than one and five-eighths (1 5/8) inches or more than one and seven-eighths (1 7/8) inches in outside diameter, using the following design.” The same band appears independently at 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(a) for architects, at 865 IAC 1-7-1(a) for professional surveyors and at 305 IAC 1-4-1(a) for licensed professional geologists, each in its own title, and subsection (d) points at a landscape architect design that is not the architect design in subsection (a).
Embosser, rubber stamp or digital
Four ways, listed in the rule. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) provides that the seal “may be embossed, electronically applied, rubber stamped, or otherwise permanently affixed to the document,” and requires it to conform with the design shown in subsection (d). A rubber stamp is the safe buy, because 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(g) makes the registrant responsible for the seal being legible on the document however it is affixed, and Indiana landscape architectural sheets go to local governmental bodies as reproductions.
Signing and dating
Adjacent, not across, with a written alternative and no date rule. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(h) applies to both credentials in this rule: the seal shall include the person’s original signature directly adjacent to it and “(not across the seal)”, or the signature may sit elsewhere on the sheet provided it is inscribed “This document is certified by _____”. Nothing in the rule requires a date beside the seal, which differs from the Indiana surveyor rule at 865 IAC 1-7-2(b), where the date the seal is affixed is required alongside the signature.
Your board is the architects’ board, but your seal design is not the architect design
804 IAC 1.1-2-7 is a single rule that does two jobs. Subsections (a) to (c) specify the architect seal and print the architect design. Subsections (d) to (f) specify the landscape architect seal and print a different design. Subsections (g) to (l) are shared. The dimension is the same band in both halves, 1 5/8 to 1 7/8 inches outside diameter, but the artwork subsection (e) tells you to conform with is the one in subsection (d), not the one in subsection (a). Ordering from an Indiana architect’s stamp is the wrong starting point.
Which documents must be sealed
Where specifications, plans and drawings for landscape architectural work are required to be submitted for review by the appropriate governmental body, 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(i) requires the seal and signature on the title or cover page of the specifications and on each sheet of the drawings. Subsection (j) provides the partial responsibility route, applying the seal and signature and inserting “COVERING_____________DESIGN” to denote the part of the work. Subsection (k) makes the seal and signature signify acceptance of full responsibility except where another has assumed limited responsibility under subsections (g) through (j). Subsection (l) governs predesigned, preengineered and prefabricated items.
Electronic and digital seals
Permitted as a form of application, with no separate standard. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) lists electronically applied among the four ways the seal may be affixed, and article 1.1 carries no digital signature criteria, no certificate authority requirement and no legend to insert when a file is transmitted. Compare Indiana professional surveyors, whose title has a dedicated electronic transaction rule at 865 IAC 1-7-4 requiring the registrant to keep a permanent digital copy and to insert Not a Certified Document or Pro Forma Survey when transmitting without an electronic signature. Landscape architects get the permission without the machinery.
Renewal, lapse and retirement
804 IAC 1.1-2-7(g) limits use of the seal to the time the registration is current and in good standing. Registration and renewal sit at 804 IAC 1.1-2-5 and 804 IAC 1.1-2-6, and landscape architect experience requirements at 804 IAC 1.1-2-2. Because 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(f) keys the face to the certificate and no expiration date is an element, renewal does not make the device stale and the number does not change.
Firm requirements
Firm practice is regulated, but the firm does not get a seal. 804 IAC 1.1-2-8 governs firm, partnership or corporate practice, and 804 IAC 1.1-4-6(a) requires each office maintained for the preparation of drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work required by IC 25-4 to be performed by a registrant to have a registrant regularly employed in that office with direct knowledge and supervisory control of the work. No firm number belongs on the seal.
What to check before you order
Order a rubber stamp between 1 5/8 and 1 7/8 inches outside diameter, reproducing the landscape architect design printed at 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d), not the architect design in subsection (a). Choose a milled edge or two concentric circles matching the milling edges. The face carries your name and registration number exactly as inscribed on your certificate, and you may drop the LA prefix from the number. Leave clear space beside the seal, because your original signature goes directly adjacent to it and the rule expressly forbids signing across it; alternatively put the signature elsewhere on the sheet and inscribe This document is certified by, followed by your name. Embossed and electronically applied seals are lawful too, but the registrant is responsible for legibility on the document.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a seal required for landscape architects in Indiana?
Yes. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) fixes the landscape architect seal and (e) and (f) its media and inscription. Subsection (g) limits its use to the time the registration is current and in good standing, and to documents created by you, your regularly employed subordinates, or subordinates under your direct supervision. Subsection (i) is the filing trigger, requiring the landscape architect in responsible charge of landscape architectural work submitted for review by the appropriate governmental body to apply the seal and signature on the title or cover page of the specifications and on each sheet of the drawings. The governing statute is IC 25-4.
What has to appear on an Indiana landscape architect seal?
Your name as it appears on the certificate, your registration number, the design shown in the rule, and either a milled edge as shown or two concentric circles whose outer and inner circles correspond with the respective edgings of the milling. Subsection (f) allows LA to be excluded from the certificate number. Nothing else is discretionary.
What size is an Indiana landscape architect seal?
Not less than 1 5/8 inches and not more than 1 7/8 inches in outside diameter. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(d) states it for this profession: “The landscape architect seal shall not be less than one and five-eighths (1 5/8) inches or more than one and seven-eighths (1 7/8) inches in outside diameter, using the following design.” That same band appears independently for Indiana architects, professional surveyors and licensed professional geologists in their own titles, but the design it points at is the landscape architect design.
Embosser, stamp or electronic seal in Indiana?
All of those, and more. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e) provides that the seal “may be embossed, electronically applied, rubber stamped, or otherwise permanently affixed to the document,” and requires it to conform with the design shown in subsection (d). A rubber stamp is the practical buy, because subsection (g) makes you responsible for the seal being legible on the document however it is affixed, and Indiana landscape architectural sheets go to local governmental bodies as reproductions.
Does Indiana require a date beside the seal?
No. Nothing in 804 IAC 1.1-2-7 requires a date beside the seal, which differs from the Indiana surveyor rule at 865 IAC 1-7-2(b), where the date the seal is affixed is required alongside the signature.
Which Indiana documents have to be sealed?
Where specifications, plans and drawings for landscape architectural work are required to be submitted for review by the appropriate governmental body, 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(i) requires the seal and signature on the title or cover page of the specifications and on each sheet of the drawings. Subsection (j) provides the partial responsibility route, applying the seal and signature and inserting “COVERING_____________DESIGN” to denote the part of the work. Subsection (k) makes the seal and signature signify acceptance of full responsibility except where another has assumed limited responsibility under subsections (g) through (j), and subsection (l) governs predesigned, preengineered and prefabricated items.
Can I apply an Indiana landscape architect seal electronically?
Yes, as one of the four permitted ways of affixing it under 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(e). Article 1.1 carries no digital signature criteria, no certificate authority requirement and no legend to insert when a file is transmitted. Compare Indiana professional surveyors, whose title has a dedicated electronic transaction rule at 865 IAC 1-7-4 requiring a permanent digital copy and the insertion of Not a Certified Document or Pro Forma Survey when transmitting without an electronic signature. Landscape architects get the permission without the machinery.
Why is my board the architects board but my seal a different design?
Because 804 IAC 1.1-2-7 is a single rule doing two jobs. Subsections (a) to (c) specify the architect seal and print the architect design. Subsections (d) to (f) specify the landscape architect seal and print a different design. Subsections (g) to (l) are shared. The dimension band is the same in both halves, but the artwork is not.
Does renewal affect an Indiana landscape architect seal?
No. 804 IAC 1.1-2-7(g) limits use of the seal to the time the registration is current and in good standing, with registration and renewal at 804 IAC 1.1-2-5 and 1.1-2-6 and landscape architect experience requirements at 804 IAC 1.1-2-2. Because subsection (f) keys the face to the certificate and no expiration date is an element, renewal does not make the device stale and the number does not change.
Does an Indiana landscape architecture firm get its own seal?
No. 804 IAC 1.1-2-8 governs firm, partnership or corporate practice, and 804 IAC 1.1-4-6(a) requires each office maintained for the preparation of drawings, specifications, reports or other professional work required by IC 25-4 to be performed by a registrant to have a registrant regularly employed in that office with direct knowledge and supervisory control of the work. No firm number belongs on the seal.
