When Document Authenticity Counts: Professional Seals and Professional Stamps

Many professionals - such as engineers, realthey are licensed or registered by a particular
estate appraisers, interior designers, landstate. In some instances, architects are required
surveyors and architects - are required to sign,to have a seal for the architecture firm as well as
stamp and/or seal documents to show they werefor the individual architect.Requirements for
produced by a registered or licensed professionalStamps and Seals Vary by State
in that field. The purpose of a seal or stamp is toLicensing or registration is performed by individual
ensure that the professional is licensed to practicestates because different states have different
that profession in a particular state under its lawslaws and educational requirements for practicing a
and regulations.Typically a seal or stamp is affixedprofession. Subsequently, each state has different
to documents which are prepared under theregulations for what is to be displayed on a
professional's direct supervision and for whichprofessional seal or stamp - and these regulations
they are responsible. Below are a few examplesvary between professions in the same state. For
of when a professional seal or professional stampinstance Iowa's architecture seal must have a
is used:Engineer Stamps and Sealsdiameter of 1 3/4 inches, include the name of the
Most states require that an engineer be licensedarchitect and the words "Registered Architect"
or registered and each registration or license isalong with their Iowa registration number and the
valid only in the state in which it is granted. Byword "Iowa". In South Carolina, an architect seal is
stamping or sealing a document (e.g., drawings,also circular and 1 3/4 inches in diameter. South
calculations, plans, etc.) a professional engineer isCarolina also specifies that the outer circle contain
taking responsibility for the information in thethe words "State of South Carolina" at the top
document and is certifying that he or she isand "Registered Architect" at the bottom with the
licensed in the state.Land Surveyor Stamps andname of the architect, their business location, and
Sealstheir registration number in the center. Thankfully,
Documents produced by a surveyor may bemost states provide examples of how a seal or
used by title companies, land owners and lendingstamp should look.When purchasing a professional
institutions to determine property boundaries. Aseal or professional stamp it is important that the
professional surveyor's stamp or seal shows thatseal or stamp meets the guidelines set forth by
they are registered in a particular state and thatyour state for your profession. Some retailers
the plans follow that state's regulations andkeep up with each state's requirements so that
laws.Architect Stamps and Sealsprofessionals order the correct item needed.
To work as an architect, these professionals areWorking with one of these retailers can ensure
required to obtain specialized education and workthe right information is included in the correct
experience to become licensed. They stamp orlayout for the stamp or seal.
seal all drawings, plans and other specs to show