Stamp Requirements
Effective January 1, 1991, architects are required to stamp (and sign) plans, specifications, and other instruments of service as evidence of their responsibility for those documents (Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.1(a)).
The law specifies that the architect’s stamp contain the following:
- The legend "State of California"
- The term "Licensed Architect"
- The architect’s name (as licensed with the Board)
- The architect’s license number and
- A means for noting the renewal date of the license*
*The renewal date may be handwritten or typeset. The typeset version will require replacement every two years (BPC section 5536.1(a)).
The stamp must be of a 1" minimum–2" maximum diameter circular shape. The design of the circle may include solid lines (thin or thick) or broken lines, such as dashes or dots. Other possibilities include a rope or beaded effect or words forming the circle. Embellishments (stars, graphic designs) are also acceptable as long as the stamp is legible. The stamp shall not be of the embossing type. Provided below are basic examples of recommended formats for a California architect’s stamp. Stamps can be ordered from any source—stationary stores, business supply houses, rubber stamp manufacturers, and print shops (California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 136).
You may download a version of the stamp by right clicking and "save picture as" on one of the images below.
