Washington PE Stamp Overview
PE stamps in Washington State are regulated by the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) to ensure the authenticity and accountability of engineering work. In this blog post, we will summarize the key requirements for Washington State PE stamps and provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant regulations and guidelines.
Washington State Code Reference: The requirements for Washington State PE stamps are outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), specifically in Chapter 196-23 – Stamping and Seals.
Stamp Size and Design – The Washington State PE stamp must meet the following size and design requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | The seal shall be 1-3/4 inches in diameter or, if a rubber stamp is used, it shall be 1-1/2 inches in diameter. |
| Design | The seal shall bear the licensee’s name, license number, and the words “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of Washington.” |
| Border | The seal shall have a circular border with two concentric circles. The outer circle shall have a diameter of 1-3/4 inches or, if a rubber stamp is used, 1-1/2 inches. |
| Lettering | The licensee’s name and license number shall be placed within the inner circle. The words “Registered Professional Engineer” and “State of Washington” 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 Washington State, provided they meet the requirements set forth by the BRPELS. 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 Washington State PE license through comity or reciprocity to practice engineering in Washington State and use the Washington State PE stamp on their documents. The BRPELS has specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking to obtain a Washington State 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 BRPELS 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 BRPELS, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the PE license.
- Retention of Sealed Documents: Washington State 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 BRPELS upon request and may be used in the event of a complaint or disciplinary action against the licensee.
- Professional Conduct: Washington State 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 Washington State PE laws and regulations to the BRPELS.
By adhering to these requirements and staying informed about any updates or changes to the Washington State PE stamp regulations, professional engineers can ensure compliance with state laws and maintain the integrity of their professional work. Regular review of the relevant WAC sections and the BRPELS website is essential for staying current with the latest requirements and guidelines.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website of the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors at https://brpels.wa.gov/.