PE stamp in Maryland: local enforcement and the professional certification

When a Maryland PE stamp is required

The Board for Professional Engineers, in the Maryland Department of Labor, licenses Professional Engineers. Engineering documents for the design, alteration, construction, or repair of a building or building system, where the skills of a professional engineer are required, are signed, sealed, and dated by the PE who prepared or approved them. The project address controls the license.

AllInStamp matches a Maryland-licensed PE and verifies the license before sealing. If the county has already issued a comment asking for a seal, upload that letter with the drawings.

Counties, Baltimore City, and the rehabilitation code

The Maryland Building Performance Standards incorporate the 2021 International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Energy Conservation Code, with state modifications in COMAR 09.12.51. Local jurisdictions enforce the standards and may adopt local amendments, including to Chapter 1 administration. They file those amendments with the Department. Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, and Howard each run their own portal against that baseline. Baltimore City administers its own building code office. Name the jurisdiction.

Repairs, alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy in existing buildings follow the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code, COMAR 09.12.58, rather than treating the whole building as new construction. Accessibility follows the Maryland Accessibility Code, which replaces Chapter 11 of the IBC unless the county has adopted Chapter 11 at a level that meets or exceeds that code. A structural seal does not replace either review. Say whether the job is new construction or work in an existing building.

Seal, digital signature, and the certification

The seal uses the Great Seal of Maryland at the center, surrounded by “State of Maryland” and “Professional Engineer,” plus the licensee’s name and license number. The diameter is not smaller than 1-5/8 inches and not larger than 2 inches. An impression seal, a rubber-stamp facsimile, or a digital seal is acceptable. The Board has allowed digital signatures since September 1, 2014. They are permitted. They are not mandatory.

Next to the seal, the sheet carries this certification: “Professional Certification. I hereby certify that these documents were prepared or approved by me, and that I am a duly licensed professional engineer under the laws of the State of Maryland, License No. ____, Expiration Date: ____.” The title block, certification, seal, and signature sit close together. Include the license expiration date so that block can be completed.

How to get a Maryland set sealed

Upload the PDF plan set and calculations, and note the county or Baltimore City and whether the Maryland Building Rehabilitation Code applies. Coastal and Chesapeake sites should show flood zone and design flood elevation on the structural notes. Out-of-state drawings can be reviewed. The seal is applied only by a Maryland licensee who prepared or approved the work.

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

FAQ

Does a Maryland PE seal need a written certification?

Yes. The Board requires the professional certification, with license number and expiration date, close to the title block, seal, and signature. The seal alone does not replace that statement.

Is Baltimore City on the same code as Montgomery County?

Both start from Maryland’s building standards, and Baltimore City runs its own code administration and checklist. Identify the jurisdiction in the quote so the set follows that office.

Can a PE licensed in another state stamp Maryland drawings?

No. Maryland documents that require a professional engineer are sealed by a PE licensed in Maryland. AllInStamp routes Maryland jobs to Maryland licensees.