If you are a licensed professional land surveyor in Delaware, there are many rules and requirements that come with the designation. One of the most important of these is obtaining and using a Delaware land surveyor stamp. As the use of this type of seal is highly regulated, you need to make sure you understand as much as possible about it to ensure proper compliance.
What Is a Delaware Land Surveyor Stamp?
A Delaware land surveyor stamp is a seal that must be used on all plats, reports, specifications, drawings, and other documents. Each time you use your seal, you are asserting that the documents meet the minimum requirements that are listed in the Standards for Land Surveyors. The Delaware land surveyor stamp also denotes that you were responsible for creating the documents, or you directly supervised those involved in creating them, and that you are verifying the accuracy of the information.
Seal Requirements
Delaware land surveyor stamps must meet specific guidelines in order for it to be considered valid. The stamp must have a diameter of 1 ½”. The seal is made up of two concentric circles with information placed in designated areas. The larger outer circle makes up the edge of the seal and surrounds all information contained on it. The inner circle is separated from the larger one by a space that must include the surveyor’s name across the arc at the top, along with the designation “Professional Land Surveyor” along the bottom arc. Inside the inner circle of the Delaware land surveyor stamp, the word “Registered” appears at the top with “Delaware” at the bottom. Centered in the remaining space, the prefix “No.” is followed by the license number.
Using a Delaware Seal
There are also regulations that must be followed when using a Delaware land surveyor stamp. This state requires an embossing seal that results in a raised seal on the pages, as well as a rubber stamp. If the embossing stamp can’t be used, surveyors are required to use a rubber stamp and red ink. Each time the seal is used, it must be accompanied by the licensee’s signature and the date.
A Delaware land surveyor stamp can also be used electronically if used with an accepted digital signature. If stamped documents are sent
electronically, the seal must be removed. Additionally, the documents will need an explanation that the original documents included the seal, signature and date, and that they may be scanned or photocopied. Surveyors must keep the original documents containing the Delaware land surveyor stamp on file.If you have any additional questions concerning your Delaware land surveyor stamp, make sure to visit the Land Surveyor Licensure page on the State of Delaware website. You will also find a wealth of additional information concerning your requirements as a registered land surveyor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which requirements apply to a Delaware land surveyor stamp?
A Delaware land surveyor stamp must comply with the state’s Standards for Land Surveyors. It must be a 1 ½-inch seal with two concentric circles, the surveyor’s name on the top arc, “Professional Land Surveyor” on the bottom arc, “Registered” at the top inside the inner circle, “Delaware” at the bottom, and “No.” followed by the license number in the center.
Does a Delaware land surveyor stamp need to be embossed?
Yes. Delaware requires an embossing seal that creates a raised impression on the document. If an embossing seal cannot be used, a rubber stamp with red ink is required instead.
Which documents must a Delaware licensed land surveyor stamp?
A Delaware land surveyor stamp must be used on plats, reports, specifications, drawings, and other survey-related documents. Using the seal confirms the surveyor created the documents or directly supervised their creation and is verifying their accuracy.
Can I use a Delaware land surveyor stamp electronically?
Yes, a Delaware land surveyor stamp can be used electronically if it is paired with an accepted digital signature. If documents are sent electronically, the seal must be removed from the transmitted version, and the original signed and sealed documents must be kept on file.
Should a Delaware surveyor seal be accompanied by a signature when used?
Each use of the Delaware surveyor seal must include the licensee’s signature and the date. This helps validate the document and shows when the survey was completed and certified.
How serious are the consequences if my Delaware land surveyor stamp is non-compliant?
If the stamp does not meet Delaware’s legal requirements, the document may be rejected, which can delay approvals, property transactions, and closings. Even small errors in the seal format or use can create compliance issues, so it is important to verify the stamp carefully before submission.
