Who Can Use An Official Idaho State Engineer Seal?
Under Title 54 of the Idaho Statutes, the state clarifies when and who can use an Idaho engineer seal and embosser. The Idaho engineer seal and embosser can be used by two different groups of people. The first group of people are engineers. Under Title 54, the state defines engineers as people who “by reason of their special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences, and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design, acquired by professional education and engineering experience.”
The second group of people that the state allows to use an Idaho engineer seal and embosser are engineering interns. The state defines these people as those individuals who have “qualified for, taken, and passed an examination in the fundamentals of engineering subjects.”
This code further defines engineers and interns as those people who are working on public or private utilities, building, equipment processes, or machines where there could potentially be concerns about public welfare. Therefore, engineers are required to help safeguard life, property, or health.
There Are Fewer Times You're Required to Use Your Idaho Seal Than in Other States
Idaho law, under Title 54, is also much more liberal than similar laws found in other states about when the Idaho engineer seal and embosser must be affixed. Engineers only need to use the Idaho engineer seal and embosser on final products, as long as preliminary products are clearly marked with words such as draft, not for construction, or preliminary.
How Is It Used?
Title 54 also states how the Idaho seal or embosser must look like on a final product such as land surveys, plats, design information, calculations, plans reports, and drawings. When the final product is submitted, the engineer or the engineer intern must clearly stamp each page of a paper document in such a way that it can be clearly copied if desired. The engineer or intern must then write their signature and date across the Idaho engineer seal and embosser. This must be done regardless of whether the document is for a private client or the government.
Since Idaho will accept an Idaho engineer seal and embosser that is electronically generated, engineers should consider ordering their supplies from Acorn, because they get these electronic files in DXF, JPG & TIF files complimentary. Furthermore, Acorn ensures that the Idaho engineer seal and embosser can be easily copied by providing plenty of reach so the Idaho seal and embosser does not end up on the edge of the paper. Finally, the seal is high quality helping ensure that the engineer or intern can easily write across the top of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is allowed to use an Idaho Engineer Seal and Embosser?
In Idaho, both licensed professional engineers and engineering interns who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam may use an Idaho engineer seal and embosser. The state uses the seal to identify who prepared the engineering work and to confirm that the person has the required qualifications under Title 54 of Idaho law.
When is an Idaho Engineer Seal required on documents?
Idaho law generally requires the engineer seal and embosser on final engineering documents, not on every draft. Final products such as plans, calculations, reports, surveys, plats, and drawings should be sealed and signed before submission. Preliminary documents should be clearly marked “draft,” “preliminary,” or “not for construction” if they are not final.
What types of engineering documents should be sealed in Idaho?
Common documents that may need an Idaho engineer seal include design plans, calculations, reports, drawings, plats, and land surveys. Any final engineering document that may affect public safety, property, or health should be reviewed carefully to determine whether sealing is required under Idaho law.
How should an Idaho Engineer Seal be applied to a paper document?
For paper documents, the seal should be placed so it can be clearly copied, then signed and dated across the seal by the engineer or engineering intern. The seal should appear on each page that is part of the final submitted document, and it must be legible and properly positioned to meet Idaho requirements.
Are electronic Idaho engineer seals accepted?
Yes, Idaho accepts electronically generated engineer seals and embossers. This makes it easier for engineers to submit digital files while still meeting legal sealing requirements. When choosing an electronic seal, it should be created in a format that reproduces clearly on final documents and can be signed and dated appropriately.
Why does the Idaho Engineer Seal matter for legal responsibility and public safety?
The Idaho engineer seal helps show who is responsible for the engineering work and confirms that the document was prepared by a qualified professional. It also supports public safety by making it clear that the work has been reviewed and approved by someone authorized under Idaho law. For clients, a properly sealed document can also help avoid issues with compliance, plan approval, and contract validity.
