PE stamp in Arkansas: the Fire Prevention Code and a seal on every page

When an Arkansas PE stamp is required

The Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors licenses engineers. Its seal rule, 17 CAR § 285-602, requires each page of each final engineering document, including drawings, plus the cover sheet of specifications and the signature page of reports, to be dated, signed, and sealed by the responsible licensee when issued. The seal is affixed only to documents the licensee prepared or supervised, and only while the license is current. By sealing, the licensee accepts full responsibility for the work.

Typical triggers include commercial structure, tenant work that alters a load path, non-prescriptive residential structural work, and commercial MEP and fire protection. Northeast Arkansas lies near the New Madrid seismic zone, so seismic design can govern lateral systems and foundations there. AllInStamp matches an Arkansas-licensed PE and verifies the license before sealing.

The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and local building officials

Arkansas’s building code is part of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (AFPC), adopted by the State Fire Marshal. The 2021 edition, effective January 1, 2023, is made up of the 2021 IFC, the 2021 IBC as Volume II, and the 2021 IRC, each with Arkansas amendments. Counties, cities, and other political subdivisions may adopt and enforce only the AFPC, although they may add more stringent provisions to it. Where a jurisdiction has established a building department and building official, that office administers and enforces Volume II.

Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, and other cities with building departments take plan review locally. The State Fire Marshal’s Office reviews plans for state building projects and assists local jurisdictions with plan reviews and inspections when asked. Name the receiving office in the quote, and say whether the project is a state building project, since that changes who reviews it.

The seal under 17 CAR § 285-602

The engineer’s seal carries the licensee’s name, license number, and the legend “Licensed Professional Engineer,” matching the certificate of licensure. It is 1-1/4 to 2 inches in diameter with a milled edge. A rubber stamp is allowed if it has a milled edge or two concentric circles matching the milling. Seals acquired under earlier rules need not be replaced. A firm with a certificate of authorization also has a firm seal with its name and COA number, applied at least to the plan cover sheet and the cover or seals page of specifications and reports.

Documents may be sealed and signed electronically. A digital signature must be unique to and under the sole control of the signer, capable of verification, and invalidated if any data on the document is altered. A document sealed but not signed may be sent electronically only if an original signature and date over the seal is kept on a copy in the office of record, and the file states that it was originally issued and sealed by the named licensee and is not a signed and sealed document. Record or as-built drawings are sealed only when a contract requires it, with a stated disclaimer.

How to get an Arkansas set sealed

Upload the PDF plan set and calculations, name the city or county, and note the AFPC edition and any local amendments the reviewer applies. Leave room on every final drawing sheet for the seal, signature, and date, because the Arkansas rule calls for them on each page rather than only the cover. Out-of-state drawings can be reviewed. The seal is applied only by an Arkansas licensee who prepared or supervised the work.

Start a new quote with Arkansas prefilled. Intake typically responds within 24–48 hours. Stamp turnaround then follows page count and whether rush service is selected.

FAQ

Does Arkansas have a statewide building code?

Yes. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, adopted by the State Fire Marshal, includes the building and residential codes. The 2021 edition, based on the 2021 IBC and IRC, took effect January 1, 2023. Local jurisdictions may adopt only the AFPC, with more stringent amendments if they choose.

Does every sheet of an Arkansas drawing set need a seal?

Yes. 17 CAR § 285-602 requires each page of final engineering drawings to be dated, signed, and sealed by the responsible licensee, along with the specification cover sheet and the signature page of reports.

Can a PE licensed in another state stamp Arkansas drawings?

No. Arkansas engineering documents are sealed by an Arkansas licensee. Engineers licensed elsewhere apply for comity licensure, and Arkansas law provides a temporary permit for applicants whose comity application is pending. AllInStamp routes Arkansas jobs to Arkansas licensees.