New York PE Stamp Overview
PE stamps in New York are regulated by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, and the New York State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geology to ensure the authenticity and accountability of engineering work. In this blog post, we will summarize the key requirements for New York PE stamps and provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant regulations and guidelines.
New York Code Reference: The requirements for New York PE stamps are outlined in the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations (NYCRR). The specific sections that cover PE stamps are:
- 8 NYCRR §68.13: Use of the professional seal
- New York Education Law, Article 145, §7209(1)(c): Seals
Stamp Size and Design – The New York PE stamp must meet the following size and design requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | The seal shall be 1-3/4 inches in diameter. |
| Design | The seal shall bear the licensee’s name, license number, and the words “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of New York.” |
| Border | The seal 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 “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of New York” shall be placed between the inner and outer circles. |
Other Important Information:
- Signing and Sealing: All final engineering documents must be signed, dated, and sealed by the licensee in responsible charge of the work. The signature and date shall be placed adjacent to the seal. The purpose of the seal 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 seals is permitted in New York, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions. The electronic seal and signature must be unique to the licensee, verifiable, and under the sole control of the licensee. The use of electronic seals and signatures does not negate the requirements for proper signing and sealing of engineering documents.
- Out-of-State Licensees: Professional engineers licensed in other states must obtain a New York PE license through endorsement to practice engineering in New York and use the New York PE stamp on their documents. The New York State Education Department has specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking to obtain a New York 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 New York State Education Department 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 seal are accurate, complete, and comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. Misuse of the stamp, such as sealing documents not prepared by the licensee or under their direct supervision, may result in disciplinary action by the New York State Education Department, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the PE license.
- Retention of Sealed Documents: New York regulations require that licensees maintain a record of all documents bearing their seal for a minimum of six years following the date of sealing. These records must be made available to the New York State Education Department upon request and may be used in the event of a complaint or disciplinary action against the licensee.
- Professional Conduct: New York 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 New York PE laws and regulations to the New York State Education Department.
By adhering to these requirements and staying informed about any updates or changes to the New York PE stamp regulations, professional engineers can ensure compliance with state laws and maintain the integrity of their professional work. Regular review of the relevant NYCRR sections, New York Education Law, and the New York State Education Department website is essential for staying current with the latest requirements and guidelines.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/pels/.