In Indiana, land surveyor seals have specific guidelines that ensure proper usage and appearance. Due to the potential fines and punishments that can be applied, it is vitally important that you make sure your seal and its usage follows all regulations. Below you will find out what your Indiana land surveyor seal should look like and how it should be used.
Seal Requirements
While there are no exact size guidelines, your Indiana land surveyor seal can’t be smaller than 1 5/8” or larger than 1 7/8” in diameter. The seal requires two concentric circles, with the outer one featuring a milled edge. The space between the larger outer circle and the smaller inner one must contain your name as it appears on your license along the top arc, with the words “Land Surveyor” along the bottom arc.
Inside the smaller inner circle, the word “Registered” appears along the top edge with “Indiana” along the bottom one. Between these
two words, the prefix “No.” and the license number are on a horizontal line, under which the words “State of” should also be included.Those using an Indiana land surveyor seal are permitted to use an embosser, a rubber stamp, or an electronically applied seal.
Usage
There are also specific usage requirements for an Indiana land surveyor seal. It must be used on all reports, specifications, drawings, plats, and other related documents. Use of the seal is only permitted during the period in which the license is considered valid and current.
Each Indiana land surveyor seal is only permitted for use on documents that you create, or those of which you oversee the creation. In cases where you are overseeing the preparation of the documents, the person must be a direct subordinate that is regularly under your employ.
When using your Indiana land surveyor seal, your signature and the date it was applied must be adjacent to the seal, without covering any portion of it. So long as the seal is applied, it is not necessary for it to be applied directly beside specific sections of the documents, providing it is certified properly.
It is considered unlawful for you to use your Indiana land surveyor seal on any documents that you did not prepare or oversee in an effort to hide the actual author of the information.
When you use your Indiana land surveyor seal, you need to keep in mind that it signifies that all information provided in the document has been verified and was found to be correct and in compliance with applicable codes. Due to this, it is important that you take the time to verify every document before affixing your seal to ensure you are not liable for any mistakes that may be included in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Indiana land surveyor seal requirements for size and layout?
Your Indiana land surveyor seal must be between 1 5/8 inches and 1 7/8 inches in diameter. It must include two concentric circles, with a milled outer edge. The outer ring should show your name as it appears on your license along the top and “Land Surveyor” along the bottom. The inner circle must include “Registered” at the top, “Indiana” at the bottom, and “No.” plus your license number on a horizontal line, with “State of” also included.
Can I use an electronic Indiana land surveyor seal instead of an embossing seal?
Yes. Indiana allows a land surveyor seal to be used as an embosser, a rubber stamp, or an electronically applied seal. The key is that whichever format you use must still meet all Indiana Professional Surveyor Stamp Specifications and be used in compliance with state rules.
On what documents must an Indiana land surveyor seal be used?
The seal must be used on reports, specifications, drawings, plats, and other related documents. If you are certifying survey work in Indiana, the seal should be applied to the documents that you created or directly supervised, especially when the work is part of a filing or approval process.
Can I use my Indiana surveyor seal on work prepared by someone else?
No, not unless you prepared it or directly supervised its preparation. Indiana rules allow seal use only on documents you created or those prepared under your oversight by a direct subordinate regularly under your employ. Using your seal on unrelated work can be considered unlawful and may hide the true author of the document.
Does my signature and date need to be near the Indiana land surveyor seal?
Yes. Your signature and the date the seal was applied must be adjacent to the seal and must not cover any part of it. This helps verify that the document was properly certified and that your seal was applied intentionally and in accordance with Indiana surveyor seal requirements.
What happens if I use an incorrect or noncompliant Indiana professional surveyor seal?
Using a noncompliant seal or applying your seal incorrectly can lead to project delays, rejected filings, fines, or other penalties. Because the seal certifies that the information has been reviewed and is accurate, it is important to verify every document before sealing it to protect both your license and your project approvals.
