According to Minn. Stat., § Section 326.12, Subdivision 2, it is mandatory to certify and sign plan, reports, plats, specs, and other documents for architects in the state of Minnesota. This helps to ensure that the architects are taking responsibility for the plans and reports they create and that they have responsibility over. The Minnesota architects stamps and seals need to adhere to certain specifications to be valid in the state. However, there is some latitude when it comes to certain elements of the Minnesota architects stamps and seals.
Minnesota Architect Seal Design Requirements
First, there is no specific seal size required for Minnesota architects stamps and seals. They can be of different sizes, so long as it has all of the correct verbiage, as well a place for a signature. The size of the letters, along with the spacing, can vary to meet the individual needs of the architect.
The state board requires that the Minnesota architects stamps and seals includes the following words and information to be valid:
"I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Architect under the laws of the state of Minnesota."
Below this phrase on the Minnesota architects stamps and seals will be a line for the architect's printed name, which can be added directly to the seal.
Below the printed name is a space for the architect's signature. After using the seal on a document, he or she will sign their name in this space. Below that is a space for the date and to the right of the date is the architect's license number. When using the Minnesota architects stamps and seals, it is required to have all of this information according to the law.
Laws Surrounding Minnesota Architect Seals
The law allows the architect the ability to imprint with the Minnesota architects stamps and seals the certification onto the tracings and to affix the signature. The use of these Minnesota architects stamps and seals help to eliminate having additional signatures.
In addition to the preceding seal, there is also an embossing seal that can be used. However, the use of this particular seal is extremely rare, and most architects will have little need for it. This version of the Minnesota architects stamps and seal is circular and does not have the same verbiage as above. Instead, it features the name of the architect at the top of the seal, followed by the term "Licensed Architect". Below that is the license number and then the phrase "State of Minnesota".
The Minnesota architects stamps and seals need to be purchased by the architect from third party vendors. They must make sure that the seals adhere to the aforementioned specifications in order to be valid and usable according to the State Board of Minnesota. You can learn more about the board by visiting the Minnesota Board of Architects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Minnesota architect stamp and seal requirements for plan certification?
Minnesota requires architects to certify and sign plans, specifications, reports, plats, and related documents in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 326.12, Subdivision 2. A compliant Minnesota architect stamp and seal must include the required certification language, the architect’s printed name, a signature line, the date, and the architect’s license number.
What information must be included on a Minnesota architect seal?
A valid Minnesota architect seal should include the certification statement: “I hereby certify that this plan, specification, or report was prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Architect under the laws of the state of Minnesota.” It must also provide space for the architect’s printed name, signature, date, and license number.
Is there a specific size requirement for Minnesota architect stamps and seals?
No, Minnesota does not require a specific seal size. The stamp or seal can vary in size as long as it includes all required wording and information and has enough space for the architect’s signature and other required fields.
Do Minnesota architect stamps need to be signed and dated?
Yes. After the seal is applied, the architect must sign the document in the designated space and include the date and license number. These elements are part of what makes the seal compliant and valid for use in Minnesota.
Are embossing seals allowed for architects in Minnesota?
Yes, embossing seals are allowed, but they are rarely used. The embossing version has different formatting and typically includes the architect’s name, the words “Licensed Architect,” the license number, and “State of Minnesota.” Most architects rely on the standard stamp seal instead.
Where can I buy a Minnesota architect stamp that meets state requirements?
Minnesota architect stamps and seals must be purchased from third-party vendors. Before ordering, architects should confirm that the stamp includes all required wording and formatting so it meets Minnesota Board of Architects requirements and can be used without compliance issues.
