When permits are required for a project, we all know that the plans are required to be stamped by a professional engineer. We’ve all experienced when a jurisdiction requires “wet stamped” plans versus an “electronic stamp”, but what about when the jurisdiction requires a “digital seal”? That’s the same thing as an electronic stamp, right? Well usually it’s not.
What’s an electronic stamp?
An electronic stamp is just a digital version of the wet stamp, like below. The engineer will place it on the plans, with an electronic signature and date. This, though, is very different from a digital seal.
What’s a digital seal?
Jurisdictions that require a digital seal are typically asking for a digital certificate that contains some verification of the identity of the person digitally sealing the documents. Using this certificate creates digital security to the document it is applied to. So, if the document is manipulated in any way, the document and digital seal then become invalid, which can be seen by the person reviewing the document.
A digital seal is usually required alongside the electronic stamp, along with an electronic signature and date.
When is a digital seal required?
It’s all up to the jurisdiction. Ask your contact at the city what requirements they have for stamping. Some states, like Florida, are making the digital seal a requirement for many of their jurisdictions.
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