Washington state professional engineers (PE's) use embosser seals and stamps approved by the state. This is a common practice in states and the District of Columbia. The specific rules and requirements for Washington PE embosser seals are pretty common to different states.
The individual engineer could design a seal similar to others or order a custom seal that meets state requirements. In either case, the Washington PE embosser seal or stamp has to meet state requirements.
Washington Professional Engineer's Embosser Seal Design
All newly licensed Washington engineers must obtain a PE stamp or PE embosser, or both. The state has a number of design rules, some illustrated in the graphic above. The other requirements are as follows:
- The seal must be between 1 5/8” and 2” in diameter. Seals are normally 2” in diameter. Smaller sizes are acceptable but must remain fully legible.
- The words “registered professional engineer” must appear.
- The seal may not contain the engineer’s discipline, unless the individual is a structural engineer. If the user is a structural engineer, the state’s approved format for listing this must be used. Consult the Washington State website for an example of correct design for the PE embosser seal or stamp.
- Name, as shown on the engineer’s wall certificate, and license number must be used.
- The expiration date of the license must be included in one of three approved date formats – Expires 00/00/00, Expires 00/00/__ (year left blank) or Expires (entire date left blank). The blanks can be filled in by hand.
Rubber stamps or embossers are allowed. This is a fairly common rule across the country. Unlike many states, Washington has special requirements for licensed designers of wastewater treatment facilities; the title On-site Wastewater Treatment System Licensed Designer must be included. How that can be made to fit is the individual engineer’s problem.
Land surveyors also have their own stamp requirements. In addition to the general requirements for engineers that stamp must contain the words “Registered Professional Land Surveyor”. If you are a licensed engineer and land surveyor, you must have a stamp for each discipline.
Using the Washington PE Embosser and Seal
The state has a number of rules governing how the seal or stamp must be used, or not used:
- The engineer’s name and the date must be written in ink across the seal. Simply stamping the document is not enough.
- Follow Board guidelines for signing electronic documents. Basically, a scanned version of the engineer’s seal may be used where a physical stamp would be called for on a physical document. The Washington Board of Engineers has complete guidelines.
Unlike many states, Washington does not seem to have specific rules for how the PE embosser seal or stamp is to be applied. Many states require a seal on the first page of the document or on the original cover page. Presumably, the logical place to affix the seal will be obvious.
Getting the Right Washington PE Embosser, Seal and Stamp
All engineers working in Washington State should have on hand a PE embosser and rubber stamp.
If you are a Washington PE, order embossing seals or stamps from Acorn Sales. Land surveyor seals and stamps are available as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Washington PE seal requirements for a professional engineer embossing seal?
A Washington Professional Engineer seal or stamp must include the words “registered professional engineer,” the engineer’s name as shown on the wall certificate, the license number, and the license expiration date in an approved format. If the engineer is a structural engineer, the discipline may be included only in the state-approved format.
What size should a Washington Engineer Embossing Seal be?
The seal must be between 1 5/8 inches and 2 inches in diameter, and 2 inches is the most common size. Smaller seals are allowed as long as all required information remains clear and legible.
Can Washington PE seals be embossers or rubber stamps?
Yes. Washington allows both embossers and rubber stamps, and many engineers order both for convenience. Either option must still meet all state formatting and content requirements.
Do I need to sign and date a document after using a Washington PE seal?
Yes. In Washington, the engineer’s name and the date must be written in ink across the seal. Simply stamping or embossing the document is not enough on its own.
How do Washington PE seal rules apply to electronic documents?
Washington allows electronic use of seals when the document is signed according to Board guidelines. In many cases, a scanned version of the engineer’s seal may be used where a physical seal would normally be required, but the document still must follow state signing requirements.
Are there special seal requirements for Washington land surveyors or wastewater designers?
Yes. Land surveyors must use a separate stamp that includes “Registered Professional Land Surveyor.” Licensed designers of wastewater treatment facilities also have a special title requirement that must appear on their seal or stamp.
