Policy statement 492 - Use of electronic signatures and seals

Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on March 12, 2020
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on May 11, 2020
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 11, 2020

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the use of electronic signatures and seals of licensed professional engineers or surveyors for sealing drawings where state law permits, provided adequate security measures are in place to protect the integrity of both the documents and the signature and seals. ASCE does not support regulations that mandate the use of electronic signatures and seals as the sole means for endorsing final documents.

Issue

Electronic signatures and seals are a legal means of signing documents, indicating that they have been prepared by a licensed professional engineer. The potential for the intentional or unintentional misuse of signed documents, including the signature and seal and the signature itself must be controlled through the use of appropriate technologies that prevent the unauthorized transfer or reuse of electronic signatures and seals. Unauthorized use of electronic signatures and seals is strictly prohibited and subject to legal penalties.

Rationale

Licensed Professional Engineers and Surveyors need to be protected against the illegal and unauthorized use of their signature and seals.

ASCE Policy Statement 492
First Approved in 2002