Wet Stamp Services
Licensed architect and professional engineer review for documents that require an original signature and physical professional seal.
What this service covers
A wet stamp is an original professional seal and signature placed on a physical document after a licensed architect or professional engineer has reviewed and accepted responsibility for the work. It is not a shortcut for unreviewed plans. The professional must have enough project information to evaluate the design, require corrections where necessary, and seal only work within the professional's discipline and licensing authority.
When an authority, lender, owner, or project record requires an original signed professional seal rather than a digital certification, PermitCare coordinates document review by the appropriate licensed architect or professional engineer and supplies wet-stamped originals for approved scopes.
When You Need One
- The permitting authority specifically requires an original signed and sealed paper set
- A lender, owner, landlord, manufacturer, or project record requires physical originals
- Digitally sealed documents are not accepted for the specific filing or closeout process
- Existing drawings need professional review before they can be certified
- A review comment asks for a licensed architect or engineer to take responsibility for part of the design
What PermitCare Handles
- Discipline and jurisdiction screening to confirm the correct licensed professional
- Substantive review of the plans, calculations, details, and project conditions
- A written correction list when documents are not ready to be sealed
- Original professional seals and signatures on approved documents
- Continuity for technical questions or plan-review comments related to the sealed work
Documents Usually Required
Exact requirements are set by the jurisdiction you file in. This is the package most submissions are built from.
- The complete drawing set in a clear, printable format
- Project address, jurisdiction, scope, and intended use of the sealed documents
- Calculations, product data, surveys, and existing-condition information relevant to the design
- The authority's request or comment identifying what must be sealed
- Editable source files when corrections are likely to be required
Common Questions
Can you wet stamp drawings immediately?
Only after the appropriate licensed professional has completed a real review and is satisfied with the documents. Timing depends on the scope, quality of the existing set, calculations, and whether corrections are needed.
Is a wet stamp different from a digital professional seal?
The professional responsibility is the same. The difference is the document format and signature method. Many online systems accept compliant digital seals, while some paper filings and third parties still request originals.
Can an engineer stamp architectural drawings?
Only work within the professional's licensed discipline and legal scope should be sealed. Some projects need an architect, some need one or more engineering disciplines, and many need coordinated seals from both.
Does a professional stamp guarantee permit approval?
No. A seal confirms professional responsibility for the design; the jurisdiction still reviews the project for code, zoning, documentation, and process compliance.
Related permit services
Permit problems usually cross more than one discipline. These services are commonly coordinated with this scope.
Ready to get started?
Share the address and scope. We'll identify the likely permit path and next step.