Minnesota PE Stamp Overview
PE stamps in Minnesota are regulated by the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID) to ensure the authenticity and accountability of engineering work. In this blog post, we will summarize the key requirements for Minnesota PE stamps and provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant regulations and guidelines.
Minnesota Code Reference: The requirements for Minnesota PE stamps are outlined in the Minnesota Administrative Rules. The specific sections that cover PE stamps are:
- Minnesota Rules 1800.4200: Certification and Signature on Plans
- Minnesota Rules 1800.4300: Stamps
Stamp Size and Design – The Minnesota PE stamp must meet the following size and design requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | The stamp shall be 1-3/4 inches in diameter. |
| Design | The stamp shall bear the licensee’s name, license number, and the words “Licensed Professional Engineer” and “State of Minnesota.” |
| Border | The stamp shall have two concentric circles with the outer circle having a diameter of 1-3/4 inches. |
| Lettering | The licensee’s name and license number shall be placed within the inner circle. The words “Licensed Professional Engineer” and “State of Minnesota” shall be placed between the inner and outer circles. |
Other Important Information:
- Signing and Stamping: All final engineering documents must be signed, dated, and stamped by the licensee in responsible charge of the work. The signature and date shall be placed adjacent to the stamp. The purpose of the stamp is to certify that the work has been performed by the licensee or under their direct supervision.
- Electronic Signatures: The use of electronic signatures and digital stamps is permitted in Minnesota, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the AELSLAGID. The electronic stamp and signature must be unique to the licensee, verifiable, and under the sole control of the licensee. The use of electronic stamps and signatures does not negate the requirements for proper signing and stamping of engineering documents.
- Out-of-State Licensees: Professional engineers licensed in other states must obtain a Minnesota PE license through comity or reciprocity to practice engineering in Minnesota and use the Minnesota PE stamp on their documents. The AELSLAGID has specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking to obtain a Minnesota PE license, including education, experience, and examination requirements.
- Stamp Ownership: The PE stamp is the property of the licensee and must be under their control at all times. It is the licensee’s responsibility to prevent unauthorized use of their stamp and to report any lost or stolen stamps to the AELSLAGID immediately.
- Stamp Usage: The PE stamp should only be used on documents that have been prepared by the licensee or under their direct supervision. The licensee is responsible for ensuring that all documents bearing their stamp are accurate, complete, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Misuse of the stamp, such as stamping documents not prepared by the licensee or under their direct supervision, may result in disciplinary action by the AELSLAGID, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the PE license.
- Retention of Stamped Documents: Minnesota regulations require that licensees maintain a record of all documents bearing their stamp for a minimum of ten years following the date of stamping. These records must be made available to the AELSLAGID upon request and may be used in the event of a complaint or disciplinary action against the licensee.
- Professional Conduct: Minnesota PEs are expected to adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. This includes maintaining competency in their field of practice, avoiding conflicts of interest, and promptly reporting any violations of the Minnesota PE laws and regulations to the AELSLAGID.
By adhering to these requirements and staying informed about any updates or changes to the Minnesota PE stamp regulations, professional engineers can ensure compliance with state laws and maintain the integrity of their professional work. Regular review of the relevant Minnesota Administrative Rules sections and the AELSLAGID website is essential for staying current with the latest requirements and guidelines.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design at https://mn.gov/aelslagid/.