In South Dakota, architectural seals require a bit more information than in a lot of other states. As a result, the size requirements for the seal itself are a bit larger than average. However, it is not just the size of the seal itself that takes up a bit of the page when it comes to South Dakota architectural seals, the rules and regulations regarding how they can be used are quite verbose. The following though is a summary on the basic requirements for what South Dakota architectural seals must have to be considered valid. They can be produced via rubber stamp, embossed sticker, computer generation, or facsimile.
- The seal must be comprised of two concentric circles with the outer circle having a 2-inch diameter and the inner circle having a 1 and ¼-inch diameter.
- The word “Registered” or “Licensed” may appear as a prefix to the occupational title that is to be written between the inner and outer circle, along with “Professional Architect”.
- In the center of the seal, at the top, the words, “Reg. No.” should appear, beneath which the architect's number should be listed, followed by their name.
- “South Dakota” must be at the bottom of the inner circle.
Laws Regarding Use of South Dakota Architectural Seals
Any professional who has had sufficient educational training, passed all applicable tests, paid all applicable fees, and who is by all rights an architect by trade may be granted permission to have a seal and practice their trade in the state with one exception. Any person who works as a petroleum release assessor, remediation, or even interning in those fields may not obtain or even make use of any seal involving construction in South Dakota. Beyond the restriction on petroleum workers, general rules apply for using South Dakota architectural seals. Only the architect that owns the seal may use it on their work or the work they supervised. They must seal and sign off on all their work, which means placing the seal with their signature adjacent in a legible manner on every page of their original and copied work. In South Dakota, this also includes tracings, final drafts, specification reports, calculations, surveys, and anything else the architect had a direct hand in which they had to approve.
The use of Digital South Dakota Architectural Seals
In this modern age, the ability to use digital media is paramount! Digital documents may signed and sealed electronically so long as the seal still meets all the standard guidelines for South Dakota architectural seals and can be verified as being valid. The signature portion must also verifiable and unique. Both must be in the sole possession and use of the architect, and the document or file containing the signed and sealed item must have a failsafe that causes it to be invalidated should it be tampered with after it has been signed and given South Dakota architectural seals.
Where to Obtain South Dakota Architectural Seals
There are no limits as to where you may obtain your specific seal from. If you use a digital seal, you may make your own from scratch, so long as it is used with a secure program. For more traditional seals, such as a good old-fashioned rubber stamp seal or embosser, you can try a place like Acorn Sales. They have a solid selection of products that include a line of South Dakota architectural seals and embossing products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the South Dakota architectural seal requirements?
South Dakota architectural seals must use two concentric circles, with an outer circle diameter of 2 inches and an inner circle diameter of 1 1/4 inches. The seal should include “Registered” or “Licensed” before the title “Professional Architect,” plus “Reg. No.,” the architect’s number, the architect’s name, and “South Dakota” at the bottom of the inner circle.
Who can use a South Dakota architect stamp or seal?
Only the licensed architect who owns the seal may use it, and only on their own work or work they directly supervised. In South Dakota, the architect must also sign the documents adjacent to the seal in a legible manner.
What documents need a South Dakota architectural seal and signature?
South Dakota architects must seal and sign original and copied work, including drawings, tracings, final drafts, specification reports, calculations, surveys, and other documents they directly prepared or approved.
Are digital South Dakota architectural seals allowed?
Yes, digital seals are allowed in South Dakota as long as they meet all seal requirements, can be verified as valid, and include a unique, verifiable digital signature. The file must also be secure enough to be invalidated if it is altered after signing and sealing.
Can a South Dakota architectural seal be a rubber stamp, embossing seal, or facsimile?
Yes, South Dakota allows architectural seals to be produced as a rubber stamp, embossed sticker, computer-generated seal, or facsimile, as long as they meet the state’s size and content requirements.
Where can I buy a South Dakota architectural seal?
You can obtain a South Dakota architectural seal from many suppliers, and there are no restrictions on where you purchase it. If you need a traditional seal, such as a rubber stamp or embosser, vendors like Acorn Sales offer South Dakota architect seal options.
