The Laws Surrounding Your Illinois State Seal
Professional engineers must take personal responsibility for understanding the laws under Title 68 Chapter VII of Illinois Statues. These laws were enacted by Illinois representatives in 1989 and became effective shortly thereafter. In short, regardless of the role that the engineer plays within an engineering firm, each engineer must attach their personal Illinois engineer seals and stamps to all documents that they work on. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulations - Division of Professional Engineering is responsible for seeing that engineers carry out this part of their job. Additionally, when using their Illinois engineer seals and stamps, the engineer is responsible for placing their written signature next to the stamp. Under the signature, the engineer must also put the date of signing, and the date that their license needs renewal.
After receiving their license, the engineer using Illinois engineer seals and stamps may work in several different types of design firms. They may choose to work alone using their real name. The engineer may also choose to work as
a sole proprietorship, but use an assumed business name. Additionally, the engineer may choose to work with other individuals in limited liability partnerships and companies, limited partnerships, professional service corporations, or other corporations. The requirements to have each type of company recognized by the state were passed into law under the Professional Service Corporation Act. Nonetheless, the engineer must attach their own Illinois engineer seals and stamps to each project.What Stamping Your Engineer Seal Says
When an engineer affixes their Illinois engineer seals and stamps to documents, they are saying several things. Despite public opinion, using the Illinois engineer seals and stamps is not a warranty of correctness. It does, however, say that the engineer is certifying that all work is done either by them or under their direct supervision. It is also a sign to the public that the engineer considers the work up to professional standards.
Take Care and Be Responsible with Your Seal
The engineer should be extremely careful when affixing an Illinois engineer seal to any project. Therefore, Illinois engineer stamps and seals should look professional. Professional engineers can rest assured that they can use professional looking stamps and seals when they buy one from Acorn. Illinois engineer seals and stamps are made of the highest quality materials so that they provide professional looking results every time. When a buyer sees a professional looking stamp or seal, they rest assured that they are dealing with a person who respects their profession and delivers quality work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Illinois Professional Engineer seal requirements?
In Illinois, a Professional Engineer must affix their own seal and stamp to documents they personally prepared or directly supervised. The seal must be accompanied by the engineer’s written signature, the date of signing, and the date their license expires or needs renewal. These requirements are part of Illinois law and apply regardless of the firm or business structure the engineer works under.
Does stamping a plan with my Illinois PE seal make me personally liable?
Yes, using your Illinois PE seal can create personal responsibility for the work you are certifying. The seal is not a warranty of perfection, but it does mean you are certifying the work was completed by you or under your direct supervision and that it meets professional standards. Because of this, engineers should be careful about what they seal and stamp.
What does my engineer seal actually certify in Illinois?
When you stamp and sign a document with your Illinois engineer seal, you are certifying that the work was prepared by you or under your direct supervision. You are also telling the public that, in your professional judgment, the work meets applicable engineering standards. It does not guarantee the plans are flawless, but it does carry significant professional responsibility.
Can I use my Illinois engineer seal if I work for a corporation or LLC?
Yes, but your personal seal still must be attached to the work you are responsible for. Illinois engineers can work as sole proprietors, in partnerships, professional service corporations, LLCs, and other business structures, but the company’s structure does not replace the engineer’s individual responsibility. Each sealed project must still be tied to the licensed engineer who signed it.
What happens if I seal documents I did not directly supervise?
Sealing documents you did not prepare or directly supervise can create serious legal and professional risks. It may violate Illinois rules for Professional Engineers and could lead to discipline from the licensing board, insurance issues, and possible liability if something goes wrong. Engineers should only stamp work they can confidently stand behind.
How can I protect myself when using my Illinois PE stamp and seal?
Protect yourself by sealing only work you have reviewed carefully, maintaining clear documentation of your involvement, and making sure your seal, signature, date, and renewal information are properly applied. It also helps to use a professional-quality seal and stay current on Illinois Professional Engineer rules. Careful use of your stamp can reduce mistakes and help protect your license, practice, and reputation.
