Every engineer in the state of Indiana is required by law to obtain and use an Indiana professional engineer embossing seal or stamp. It must conform to the rules and regulations that are mandated by the state, and adhere to certain dimensions.
The Requirements
In Indiana, you can use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp. Whichever you choose, it must have a diameter of not less than 1 1/58 inches. It can be a seal with a milled edge, with two concentric circles, the outer and inner of which correspond with the edges of the milling. Your name and registration number must correspond with the name and certificate number on your registration certificate, but you do not have to include the letters “PE.” You can also apply the seal electronically.
Using the Seal
In Indiana, you must apply your seal to any documents or instruments that you file. If your registration has been suspended or revoked, you may not use the seal until you are reinstated. Further, your Indiana professional engineer embossing seal or stamp can only be used on documents that you have actually prepared yourself, or that have been prepared under your direct supervision.
Any time that you use your seal or rubber stamp, it must be accompanied by your signature and the date, adjacent to but not across the seal. Your signature must be legible. This doesn’t mean that you have to write out your name – that’s not a signature. It simply means that all elements of your signature must be visible.
Any drawings, plans or specifications that are being submitted to the building commissioner for the State of Indiana, or to any other government agency, must bear your Indiana professional embossing seal or stamp. This applies whether you are directly responsible for the work being submitted, or whether it is being done under your supervision. If you are only responsible for part of the work, you still have to affix your seal along with your signature and the date on any pages where your work appears.
This means that you are accepting full responsibility for the work represented on those pages.
If you are including pre-designed products or equipment that are deemed to be generally acceptable for the intended use, and that meet the accepted standards, or are guaranteed by reputable manufacturers, or in no way affect the project’s structural safety, those pages do not have to be signed, sealed and dated.
Guard Your Seal
Obviously, your seal is your guarantee that you have done your due diligence, and that all your drawings, plans, reports and other documents represent the manner in which you plan to carry out the project. For that reason, we urge you to safeguard your Indiana professional engineer embossing seal or stamp. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, when something just has to be submitted on time, well-meaning employees may use your seal, thinking that it’s what you’d want them to do. The problem with that is that if anything goes wrong, the responsibility is yours.
Additionally, although not often, unscrupulous people may even steal your seal, and affix it to substandard work. Again, you will be liable.
If your seal ever goes missing, report it to the Board immediately. You can’t be held responsible for anything that happens after you report the misappropriation.
Products to Keep You in Compliance
Acorn Sales Company Incorporated has all the products you need to keep you fully compliant with Indiana state law, including a full range of embossers and stamps.
For more information on how to be compliant with Indiana law, visit the Indiana Board of Engineers website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Indiana professional engineer embossing seal requirements?
Indiana requires every licensed professional engineer to use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp that meets state rules. The seal or stamp must be at least 1 5/8 inches in diameter, and it must include your name and registration number as shown on your certificate. The letters “PE” are not required.
Can I use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana allows licensed engineers to use either an embossing seal or a rubber stamp, as long as the seal meets the state’s size and formatting requirements. You may also use an electronic seal if it complies with Indiana regulations.
When do I have to use my Indiana PE seal or stamp?
You must affix your Indiana PE seal or stamp to documents and instruments that you file, including drawings, plans, and specifications submitted to the State of Indiana or another government agency. If you are responsible for only part of the work, you must seal the pages where your work appears.
Do I need to sign and date documents with my Indiana engineer seal?
Yes. Every time you use your seal or stamp, it must be accompanied by your signature and the date, placed adjacent to the seal. Your signature must be legible, but you do not need to print your full name.
Can I seal work that I did not personally prepare?
Only if the work was prepared under your direct supervision. Indiana requires that your seal be used only on documents you actually prepared yourself or supervised directly. This means you are accepting responsibility for the work represented on those pages.
What should I do if my Indiana professional engineer seal is lost or stolen?
If your seal goes missing, report it to the Indiana Board immediately. Once you report the loss or misappropriation, you are not responsible for anything that happens after that point. It is important to protect your seal because misuse can create liability for you.
