The California engineer embossers seal may be an electronic image, stamp, or seal. It is affixed to professional documents to ensure the engineers and their employees are following proper regulations. Furthermore, once the California engineer embossers seal is attached to a report, the engineer takes full responsibility for what is inside the report.
Specifications for a Valid Seal
There are a few specifications and requirements when it comes to the California engineer embossers seal. Under Section 6764 of the Code, the minimum size is 1 and ½ inches in diameter, while the maximum size is 2 inches in diameter. The top border of the California engineer embossers seal must state professional engineer, registered professional engineer, or licensed professional engineer. In addition, abbreviation of the discipline must be used before the license number. These should be in accordance to the following:
- C for Civil Engineering
- E for Electrical Engineering
- M for Mechanical Discipline
- S for Structural Engineering
At the very bottom of the border of the seal, the words “State of California” must be present. The licensee’s name should be located in the center of the seal and must be the same as it appears on the certificate given by the Board. The license number, or certificate of authority, should be located in the center of the seal as well. The expiration date on the seal is optional
and a blank line may also be used if the engineer so prefers.
How You Can Use Your California Seal
The California engineer embossers seal must leave an opaque and permanent impression, a permanent ink representation, or an electronically generated representation on the documents it is affixed to. An electronic signature may be used on the documents.
In California, it is prohibited to preprint blank forms with the signature or seal already attacked to the documents. Furthermore, the use of decals for the California engineer embossers seal or the use of a rubber stamp for the signature is also prohibited.
According to the requirements of the Professional Engineers Act, all documents must be signed and sealed with the California engineer embossers seal so the work can be attributed to the licensee in charge. In the case of two licensees working on the same project, each must use their own California engineer embossers seal and place a note dictating which licensee is responsible for which part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the California engineer embosser seal requirements for a valid seal?
A valid California engineer embosser seal must be between 1.5 inches and 2 inches in diameter. It must include the title “professional engineer,” “registered professional engineer,” or “licensed professional engineer” on the top border, the discipline abbreviation before the license number, and “State of California” on the bottom border. The engineer’s name and license number must appear in the center and match the Board’s records.
What information must appear on a California PE embosser seal?
A California PE embosser seal should show the licensee’s full name exactly as it appears on the Board certificate, the license number or certificate of authority, the discipline abbreviation such as C, E, M, or S, and “State of California.” The expiration date is optional, and a blank line may also be included if desired.
Can a California engineer seal be electronic instead of embossed?
Yes. In California, the engineer seal may be an electronic image, stamp, or seal. It may also appear as an electronically generated representation on documents. An electronic signature may be used as well, as long as the seal and signature comply with the applicable Professional Engineers Act requirements.
What types of seal use are not allowed in California?
California prohibits preprinted blank forms that already have the seal or signature attached. It also prohibits decals for the engineer seal and rubber stamps for the signature. The seal must be applied properly to the document after the engineer has reviewed and approved the work.
Does a California engineer embosser seal mean the engineer is responsible for the document?
Yes. Once the California engineer embosser seal is attached to a report or document, the engineer accepts full responsibility for the contents. This is why it is important to seal only documents that the engineer has personally prepared, reviewed, or supervised in accordance with California law.
If two engineers work on the same project, how should the California engineer seal be used?
If two licensed engineers share responsibility on the same project, each engineer must use their own California engineer embosser seal. They should also include a note identifying which licensee is responsible for which portion of the work. This helps ensure clear accountability and compliance with California engineering seal requirements.
