§34-11-7. Issuance of certificate; seal.

(a) The board shall issue a certificate of licensure upon payment of a licensure fee as provided for in this chapter to any applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met all the requirements of this chapter. In the case of a professional engineer, the certificate shall authorize the practice of engineering. In the case of a professional land surveyor, the certificate shall authorize the practice of land surveying. Certificates of licensure shall show the name of the licensee, shall have a license number, and shall be signed by the chair and the secretary of the board under the seal of the board.

(b) The issuance of a certificate of licensure by the board shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a professional engineer, or of a professional land surveyor unless the certificate is revoked, suspended, surrendered, lapsed, or expired.

(c) Each professional engineer should upon licensure obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board, bearing the licensee's name, licensure number, and the legend, "licensed professional engineer." Previously purchased seals bearing the terminology "registered" vs. "licensed" may continue to be used until replacement is required. Engineering drawings, plans, specifications, plats, and reports issued by a licensee or by qualified persons under the direction of the licensee and for which the licensee assumes full responsibility shall be certified pursuant to this chapter. It shall be unlawful for anyone to use an expired, suspended, surrendered, lapsed, or revoked certificate or seal or facsimile thereof.

(d) Each professional land surveyor should upon licensure obtain a seal of the design authorized by the board, bearing the licensee's name, licensure number, and the legend, "licensed professional land surveyor." Previously purchased seals bearing the terminology "registered" vs. "licensed" may continue to be used until replacement is required. Land plats, legal descriptions of lands, and land surveying reports issued by a licensee or by qualified persons under the direction of the licensee and for which the licensee assumes full responsibility shall be certified pursuant to this chapter. It shall be unlawful for anyone to use an expired, suspended, surrendered, lapsed, or revoked certificate or seal or facsimile thereof.

(e) Whenever the seal is applied, the document must be signed by the licensee thereby certifying that he or she is competent in the subject matter and is responsible for the work product. A digital signature may be used in lieu of a handwritten signature.

(Acts 1961, Ex. Sess., No. 79, p. 1976, §15; Acts 1984, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 84-792, p. 182, §1; Acts 1997, No. 97-683, p. 1332, §1; Act 2004-501, p. 954, §1; Act 2009-642, p. 1975, §1.)