Vermont engineers use stamps and seals approved by the state. This is a common practice in states and the District of Columbia. The specific rules and requirements for Vermont engineers are covered in this article. Vermont has many rules in common with other states, and some requirements that are different from most states.
A Vermont engineer stamp or seal design like this can be custom made according to the rules below. But many ready-made seals and stamps (plugging the engineer's name, license number, and discipline into the appropriate spots) exist and are not that expensive.
Vermont Engineers Stamps and Seal Design Requirements
Vermont has requirements for engineer stamps and seals that are common to many states, and some more specific rules as well. You can design a Vermont engineer’s seal or stamp that meets those requirements, or order one from a number of companies. All Vermont engineers stamps and seals must have the following elements and meet these requirements:
- A diameter of not more than 1.5” is required.
- The engineer’s discipline must be displayed below the license number – Civil for a civil engineer for example. Consult the state of Vermont engineering page for acceptable abbreviations. Only words like “Electronic” or “Civil” or “Structural” are permitted, to avoid any potential confusion: Is a C.E a civil engineer or a chemical engineer, for example?
- The words “Licensed Professional Engineer” must be used. “Registered” used to be acceptable, but is no longer.
- Lettering must be a minimum of 1/10” high.
As with most or all states, Vermont allows an electronic seal.
Correct Use of Vermont Engineers Stamps and Seals
In Vermont, the seal or stamp must be affixed to most engineering documents: specifications, plans, and plats. All those documents must be signed and dated over the seal. A signature must also be affixed over the electronic seal. Seals may not be placed over another person’s work. This act is a breach of professional conduct and can incur a fine and/or jail time.
As with most states, Vermont requires that engineers only place their stamps or seals on their own work to certify they really were fully in charge of doing the work. A digital file, like a scanned image, will suffice for the electronic signature. You can also use software to digitally sign documents over the electronic seal.
Engineers who obtained their seals before the discipline was required to be identified do not need to buy new stamps and seals to comply with state regulations. They have been ‘grandfathered’ in. The other rules for Vermont engineers’ seals and stamps apply.
Land surveyors in Vermont are subject to the rules and design requirements listed above, with a few exceptions. The seal must contain the words “State of Vermont, Licensed Land Surveyor” in addition to the individual’s name and license number. An example of the graphic may be found on Vermont’s state website.
Get the Right Seals and Stamps
All professional engineers working in Vermont should have on hand a few different tools for affixing the required seals or stamps. An embosser, a rubber stamp, and an approved electronic seal should be enough. Unlike physical seals and stamps, it is possible to copy and paste an electronic seal, though probably a violation of state regulations or professional ethics. At the very least, doing so creates extra work because the seal needs to be customized for each individual.
Vermont engineers who need seals or stamps can save time, money, and trouble by ordering seals and stamps from Acorn Sales, which can also supply a land surveyor seal or stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Vermont Professional Engineer seal requirements?
Vermont engineer seals and stamps must be no more than 1.5" in diameter, include the engineer’s discipline below the license number, use the words “Licensed Professional Engineer,” and have lettering that is at least 1/10" high. The seal may be physical or electronic, as long as it meets Vermont’s design rules.
What documents must a Vermont engineer stamp and sign?
In Vermont, engineers must affix their seal or stamp to most engineering documents, including plans, specifications, and plats. The document must also be signed and dated over the seal to show that the engineer is taking responsibility for the work.
Can Vermont engineers use an electronic seal?
Yes. Vermont allows electronic seals. A digital file or scanned signature can be used with the electronic seal, and software can be used to digitally sign the document over the seal, as long as the final result complies with state rules.
Can I stamp work that was prepared by someone else?
No. Vermont engineers may only place their seal on their own work or work they were fully in charge of. Stamping another person’s work is considered a breach of professional conduct and can result in fines or even jail time.
Do Vermont engineer stamps need to show the discipline abbreviation?
Yes. The engineer’s discipline must appear below the license number, and Vermont requires clear discipline wording to avoid confusion. Acceptable terms include words like Civil, Structural, or Electronic, rather than ambiguous abbreviations.
Do Vermont land surveyors use the same seal rules as engineers?
Mostly, but with one important difference. Vermont land surveyor seals must include the words “State of Vermont, Licensed Land Surveyor” along with the individual’s name and license number. Other general seal design and usage requirements still apply.
