In Connecticut, every professional engineer is required to have a Connecticut PE seal embosser or rubber stamp, which is acquired at the engineer’s expense. The seal needs to conform fully to every rule and regulation that is set out by the licensing board in the state of Connecticut.
The Requirements
The seal must be 1 ½ inches in diameter. A rubber stamp that is of the exact same design and size as the Connecticut PE seal embosser will also suffice. If you are licensed as a land surveyor as well as a professional engineer, you must have separate seals for each license.
Using the Seal
The regulations require that you apply your seal to each and every map, drawing, plan, survey, sketch, specification, or other documents that pertain to any project that you, as a licensee, submit to your client. If documents are bound together, then you need only apply the seal to a single sheet, unless you are submitting plans for building permits along with appurtenant structures. In that case, you must apply the seal to each individual sheet.
You must not affix your seal to any map, plan, sketch, drawing, survey, specification, or any
other document that you have not prepared personally, or that has not been prepared under your direct supervisory control. You may, however, sign and seal documents that you did not prepare, or that were not prepared under your supervision provided that you retain, for a minimum of six years, a comprehensive evaluation, in writing, of the professional services that are represented in the documents. This includes, but is not limited to, specifications, drawings, reports, calculations, designs, and references to the standards and codes that apply to the project. This evaluation must provide clear identification of the project and any documents that relate to it, the date on which the evaluation was done, and your seal and signature. It must also include the name of the organization or individual for whom you did the evaluation.If you are also operating as a land surveyor, you must also provide a written statement to the effect that any map or survey that bears your signature and seal is substantially correct in accordance with the degree of accuracy thereon. Accuracy is classified in accordance with the recommended code of practice for accuracy regarding maps and surveys as approved by the board.
Your Responsibility as the Holder of a Seal
As the holder of an official seal and/or a stamp, you are responsible for its use. If you should happen to lose your Connecticut PE seal embosser or rubber stamp, you must immediately report that loss to the Department of Consumer Protection and the Board of Examiners. Preferably you will do so immediately, but you absolutely have to do it no later than fifteen days after you discover the loss, or you could be subjected to disciplinary action.
To have a lost seal or stamp replaced, you will need to submit a petition to have a new license issued along with the loss report. If anyone misuses the lost stamp or seal, you will be responsible for that misuse up until the time when you report the loss.
Products Available
Acorn Sales Company Incorporated has all the products you need to be compliant with the regulations for the use of seals and rubber stamps for engineers in the state of Connecticut, including:
- Desk seal embosser
- Long reach seal embosser
- Soft seal embosser
- Any rubber stamp or embossing seal
- Self-inking stamp
- Slim pre-inked stamp
- MaxLight pre-inked stamp
- Regular hand rubber stamp
You can find more information at the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Connecticut Professional Engineer seal requirements?
Every Connecticut Professional Engineer must use a seal embosser or rubber stamp that fully complies with state licensing board rules. The seal must be 1 ½ inches in diameter, and a rubber stamp of the exact same design and size is also acceptable. If you are licensed as both a professional engineer and a land surveyor, you must have separate seals for each license.
When is a Connecticut PE seal required on documents?
A Connecticut PE seal must be applied to each map, drawing, plan, survey, sketch, specification, or other project document you submit to a client. If documents are bound together, sealing one sheet may be enough, but building permit plans and appurtenant structures typically require a seal on each individual sheet.
Can a Connecticut PE sign and seal documents they did not prepare?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. You may sign and seal documents you did not personally prepare if they were prepared under your direct supervisory control, or if you complete and retain a written evaluation of the professional services for at least six years. That evaluation should clearly identify the project, related documents, the date, your signature and seal, and the client or organization involved.
What happens if I lose my Connecticut PE seal embosser or rubber stamp?
If your seal or stamp is lost, you must report it immediately to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the Board of Examiners. The report must be made no later than 15 days after discovery of the loss. Until you report it, you are responsible for any misuse of the seal. To replace it, you will need to submit a petition for a new license along with the loss report.
What is the penalty for noncompliance with Connecticut PE seal regulations?
Failing to follow Connecticut PE seal regulations can lead to disciplinary action from the state. This includes issues such as using the wrong seal size, sealing documents improperly, or not reporting a lost seal promptly. Following the Connecticut Professional Engineer seal requirements helps protect your license and your practice.
Where can I buy a Connecticut PE seal embosser or rubber stamp that meets state rules?
You can purchase a Connecticut PE seal embosser or rubber stamp from suppliers that provide compliant engineering seals. Look for options such as desk seal embossers, long reach seal embossers, soft seal embossers, self-inking stamps, slim pre-inked stamps, MaxLight pre-inked stamps, and regular hand rubber stamps, as long as the product matches Connecticut’s required seal design and size.
