Every engineer in the state of West Virginia is required to acquire an embosser stamp or seal, at their own expense, in order to work in West Virginia. And this seal has to conform to the rules and regulations that are set out by the state. This is to ensure that engineers are taking responsibility for the work that they are doing.
About the Stamp
You can use either a West Virginia PE embosser stamp for engineers or a seal. Whichever you choose to use has to comply with all the regulations outlined by the governing board. This means that the seal or stamp must be no smaller than 1/58" and no larger than 2". Your seal must include your name, or the name of your company as it is registered, along with the permit or registration number for your city and state. It must also include the phrase “professional engineer" along the bottom ring of the design and "State of West Virginia", centered just beneath the license number, towards the center.
How to Use the West Virginia PE Embosser Stamp or Seal
This seal or stamp is required on all plans, drawings, reports, specifications, calculations, and designs. Your signature must appear adjacent to the seal or stamp. The seal or stamp and signature are used only when the work is done under your complete direction and control. If the work is done by a registrant in another state, under a temporary permit, then that registrant must use the seal from their state of registration, and affix the temporary permit number along with their signature to anything submitted.
In instances where you are responsible for checking an out-of-state registrant’s work, you have to have total control and dominion over the design. This means that you must possess the signed and sealed reproducible drawings, along with signed and sealed design calculations showing any changes.
If the designer is an intern operating under your authority, then the board will issue an enrollment card stating that the intern has been recorded and enrolled in the board office. This does not entitle the holder to operate as a professional engineer, and it against the law for that registrant to affix their signature to any document.
Safeguarding Your Stamp or Seal
Your West Virginia PE embosser stamp or seal is intended for your use alone. If someone else should decide to use the stamp or seal without your knowledge, you could be held liable for any problems with the work performed under your seal, even though it was without your knowledge and approval. For this reason, we suggest that you keep your seal in a safe place. If it should be lost or stolen, you must immediately notify the Board. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for any work done under that seal between the time you noticed it was missing, and the time you reported it missing.
Products Available
Acorn Sales Company Incorporated offers products for professional engineers that will help them meet their legal requirements under West Virginia state law, including:
- Soft seal embosser
- Slim pre-inked stamp
- Max light pre-inked stamp
- Self-inking stamp
- Regular hand rubber stamp
- Handheld seal embosser
- Long reach seal embosser
- Desk seal embosser
- Rubber stamp or embossing seal
More information is available at the West Virginia Board of Engineers website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the West Virginia PE embosser stamp requirements?
A West Virginia Professional Engineer seal or embosser must comply with state board rules. It must be between 1/58" and 2" in size and include your name or registered company name, your permit or registration number, the phrase “professional engineer” around the bottom ring, and “State of West Virginia” centered beneath the license number.
Do I need both a PE stamp and an embosser in West Virginia?
West Virginia allows engineers to use either a seal or a stamp, as long as it meets state regulations. Many engineers choose to use both an embosser and an ink stamp for cleaner presentation, better document visibility, and easier approval on plans, drawings, reports, and calculations.
When is a West Virginia PE seal required on documents?
A West Virginia PE seal or stamp is required on plans, drawings, reports, specifications, calculations, and designs when the work is done under your complete direction and control. Your signature must appear adjacent to the seal or stamp.
Can I use my West Virginia PE stamp on work done by another engineer?
If you are responsible for checking an out-of-state registrant’s work, you must have total control and dominion over the design, including signed and sealed reproducible drawings and calculations showing changes. If an engineer is working under a temporary permit, they must use the seal from their home state, include the temporary permit number, and sign the submission.
What should I do if my West Virginia PE embosser stamp is lost or stolen?
You should keep your seal in a secure place because you may be held liable for any work done under it. If your stamp or embosser is lost or stolen, notify the West Virginia Board immediately to help protect yourself from liability for unauthorized use.
Where can I buy a West Virginia Professional Engineer stamp or embosser?
You can purchase a West Virginia PE embosser stamp, self-inking stamp, pre-inked stamp, or seal embosser from suppliers that make products designed to meet state requirements. Choosing the right format can help streamline document approvals while maintaining a professional presentation.
