How to Verify a Licensed Professional Engineer

How to Verify a Licensed Professional Engineer

Before hiring a professional engineer, it is important to verify that the engineer is properly licensed for the state and discipline required for your project.

Professional engineer licenses are issued by state licensing boards. Because licensing is state-specific, an engineer must generally be licensed in the state where the engineering work is performed or submitted.

To verify a licensed professional engineer: identify the state where your project is located, visit the state engineering licensing board website, search by the engineer's name or license number, confirm license status, check expiration date, confirm discipline or area of practice when available, verify whether disciplinary actions are listed, and confirm the engineer can provide a seal if needed.

You should also ask the engineer directly for their license number, company name, project experience, insurance information, and whether they have handled similar work.

Verification is especially important when you need stamped drawings, engineering reports, structural inspections, civil plans, electrical designs, or permit documents.

A valid PE license helps protect project owners by confirming the engineer has met state requirements and is authorized to take responsibility for certain engineering work.

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