PE stamp in Utah: the State Construction Code and the signed seal face

When a Utah PE stamp is required

The Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), in the Department of Commerce, licenses Professional Engineers and Professional Structural Engineers under Title 58, Chapter 22. Under R156-22-601, all final plans, specifications, reports, drawings, and similar documents prepared by the licensee or under the licensee’s supervision are sealed. DOPL states that engineering may not be practiced independently in Utah without a Utah license, and that it does not issue temporary licenses. The project address controls the license.

Utah Code 58-22-102 defines structural engineering for significant structures as the practice of a Professional Structural Engineer. That definition covers high-occupancy buildings that are a substantial hazard to human life, essential facilities such as hospitals and fire stations above set sizes, and buildings needing special consideration, including occupied buildings five stories or more and buildings over 200,000 gross square feet. AllInStamp verifies the Utah license, and the SE license when needed, before sealing.

The State Construction Code and local building officials

The Legislature adopts the State Construction Code in Title 15A by statute, with statewide amendments in Chapter 3 and local amendments in Chapter 4. Under H.B. 65 (2026), the 2024 International Building Code, including Appendices C and J, and the 2024 International Existing Building Code are the construction standards effective July 1, 2026. Cities and counties enforce that code through their own building officials, so a Salt Lake City filing follows the same base code as a St. George filing, with any local amendment the statute lists.

The Utah Wildland Urban Interface Code is adopted at the state level as a code a local agency may choose to adopt by ordinance, so foothill and canyon sites may carry added requirements. The Wasatch Front is a high-seismic region and mountain sites carry heavy snow. Put the seismic design category, ground snow load, and soil criteria on the structural notes. Name the receiving department and the date the application will be filed so the sheets cite the right edition.

The seal under R156-22-601

Each seal is circular with a minimum diameter of 1-1/2 inches. It shows the licensee’s name, license number, “State of Utah,” and “Professional Engineer” or “Professional Structural Engineer,” as appropriate. Each seal imprint is signed and dated with the signature and date appearing across the face of the seal, not beside it. At a minimum, the original set carries the original seal imprint, signature, and date on the cover or title sheet. Sheets after the cover of a specification do not need to be sealed.

The seal may be a wet stamp, embossed, or electronically produced, and electronically generated signatures are acceptable. The rule makes the licensee responsible for adequate security when documents with electronic seals and signatures are submitted, but it does not name a certificate technology. Copies of the sealed original are permitted when the seal, signature, and date remain clearly recognizable. An engineer intern may not use a seal.

How to get a Utah set sealed

Upload the PDF plan set and calculations, name the city or county, and note whether the application is filed under the 2024 code cycle. Include the seismic, snow, and geotechnical criteria the design used. For a tall, large, or high-occupancy building, give the height, story count, floor area, and occupancy so intake can route the job to a Utah Professional Structural Engineer. Out-of-state drawings can be reviewed, and the seal is applied only by a Utah licensee who supervised the work.

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

FAQ

Where does the signature go on a Utah seal?

Across the face of the seal imprint, together with the date. R156-22-601 requires both to appear across the seal, and the original cover or title sheet carries the original seal, signature, and date.

Which building code edition applies in Utah?

The Legislature adopts the State Construction Code by statute. H.B. 65 (2026) made the 2024 IBC the base building code effective July 1, 2026, with the statewide and local amendments listed in Title 15A.

Can a PE licensed in another state stamp Utah drawings?

No. Utah requires a Utah license to practice engineering and does not issue temporary licenses. Engineers licensed in an equivalent jurisdiction for at least one year can apply to DOPL for licensure by endorsement. AllInStamp routes Utah jobs to Utah licensees.