Texas engineers seals and stamps must be approved by the state. Like all states and the District of Columbia, Texas requires embossed seals, rubber stamps, or electronic seals that meet specific requirements.
The individual engineer’s name and license number are added later. The individual Texas engineer could create seals and stamps that follow the guidelines contained here, but most rubber stamp companies can provide custom stamps at a reasonable cost. Regardless of source, certain state design requirements must be met.
Texas State Design Requirements
All states have specific design and content requirements for their engineering seals, and all of the requirements are quite similar. Texas engineers seals and stamps must:
- Include the words “Registered Professional Engineer” or “Licensed Professional Engineer”
- Be either 1 5/8” or 2” in diameter
- Not include the abbreviation ‘PE’ after the individual’s name. This is sometimes requested when someone orders a stamp, but is not permitted.
- Use the term “Registered Professional Engineer” if the individual was licensed before September 1, 1997, otherwise use “Licensed”.
- Include the engineer’s name and license number
All licensed Texas engineers are required to obtain the board-approved seals or stamps right after being licensed. This is a logical requirement, around the country.
Texas State Use Requirements
As with all states, Texas has a number of rules defining how engineers stamps and seals may be used, or not used. While there exceptions, spelled out in detailed regulations on the State Board’s web pages, several firm rules do exist. These rules are fairly common around the country.
All plans documents, specifications, reports, and plats prepared by the engineer need to be stamped or sealed. Engineers may only stamp their own work either done by them or closely supervised by them. The stamp or seal states
that the engineer applying the seal takes full responsibility for the work.
Electronic documents need to have an equivalent electronic seal affixed. Again, these could be ordered, or custom designed. The electronic seal must be custom designed to include the information and meet the other requirements of the stamp. The engineer should also have a digital signature and date file to apply to cover pages and title pages in electronic files.
Texas does not require the engineer seals and stamps to be used if the project in question is to be used or completed in another state or country.
In common with most states, Texas does not allow the engineer to affix their own seals or stamps to others’ engineering work. Of course, the license has to be current or the seals are not valid. Also, and in common with other states, Texas engineers are required to maintain control of their seals, stamps and electronic files, so they can’t be misused.
Overall, the State Board in Texas has fewer and looser regulations for engineers seals and stamps than many other states.
Get the Right Seals and Stamps
All engineers working in Texas should have a few different tools on hand for affixing the required seals or stamps. An embosser, a rubber stamp, and an approved electronic seal should be enough.
If you are a Texas engineer who needs seals and stamps, take a look at Acorn Sales’ customizable stamps and seals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Texas engineer seal requirements for a professional engineer stamp?
Texas engineer seals and stamps must include the words “Registered Professional Engineer” or “Licensed Professional Engineer,” the engineer’s name, and the license number. The seal must be either 1 5/8 inches or 2 inches in diameter, and it cannot use “PE” after the engineer’s name. Engineers licensed before September 1, 1997 should use “Registered Professional Engineer,” while those licensed later should use “Licensed Professional Engineer.”
When is a Texas PE stamp required on engineering documents?
In Texas, plans, specifications, reports, and plats prepared by the engineer generally must be stamped or sealed when they are part of the engineer’s professional work. The seal shows that the engineer takes responsibility for the work and that it was prepared by them or under their close supervision.
Can Texas engineers use an electronic seal instead of a rubber stamp or embossing seal?
Yes. Texas allows electronic seals as long as they meet the state’s design and content requirements. The electronic seal should be custom designed to include the required information, and engineers should also use a digital signature and date on electronic documents when required.
Can a Texas engineer stamp work that was prepared by someone else?
No. Texas engineers may only stamp their own work or work that was done under their direct or close supervision. An engineer should not affix their seal to another person’s engineering work, since the seal indicates full professional responsibility.
Do Texas engineer seal requirements apply to projects used in another state or country?
Not always. According to the article, Texas does not require the engineer seal or stamp if the project will be used or completed in another state or country. However, engineers should still confirm the requirements of the other jurisdiction before proceeding.
What should Texas engineers do to keep seals and stamps compliant and secure?
Texas engineers should keep their license current, use board-approved seals and stamps, and maintain control over physical and electronic seal files to prevent misuse. It’s also a good idea to have an embosser, rubber stamp, and approved electronic seal available so documents can be sealed properly in different formats.
