IdenTrust As civil engineering embraces digital transformation, many U.S. states are revising regulations to accommodate the submission of digital plans and documents. This shift not only modernizes the profession but also enhances security, efficiency, and collaboration across jurisdictions. By implementing unified approaches and standards, states are paving the way for a future where submitting electronic documents is not only possible but preferred.
The Shift Toward Digital Submissions
In the past, submitting engineering plans and documents required physical copies with wet signatures and embossed seals. This traditional approach was time-consuming and fraught with logistical challenges, such as delays in delivery, costs associated with printing, and the potential for tampering or loss.
Recognizing these inefficiencies, many states have updated their regulations to allow or require the use of digital signatures and seals on electronic documents. These digital tools utilize cryptographic technology to authenticate the engineer’s identity and ensure the document’s integrity.
States such as Florida, Texas, and California have been leaders in adopting digital solutions, setting clear standards for the use of digital certificates. These tools have become vital for engineers seeking to meet regulatory requirements while taking advantage of the efficiency and security offered by electronic submissions.
Organizations such as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) are working to establish guidelines that promote consistency in digital submission practices. This alignment benefits engineers working on projects that span state lines, reducing the burden of navigating disparate regulations.
IdenTrustBenefits for Engineers and Agencies
- Faster Approvals: Digital submissions eliminate the delays associated with mailing physical documents, allowing agencies to review and approve plans more quickly. This efficiency is especially critical for time-sensitive projects.
- Reduced Costs: By removing the need for printing, shipping, and storing physical documents, engineers and agencies alike can save significant resources.
- Environmental Sustainability: Digital processes align with sustainability goals by reducing paper consumption and the carbon footprint associated with document transportation.
- Universal Accessibility: Digital documents can be easily accessed, shared, and stored, facilitating better communication and collaboration among project stakeholders.
Meeting Third-Party Validation Criteria in Submissions
Recently, engineers have reported running into the requirement of “third-party validation” in digital submissions. Third-party validation is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Obtain a Digital Certificate: Engineers get an X.509 certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) like IdenTrust, linking their verified identity to their digital signature.
- Sign and Seal Documents: The certificate is used to electronically sign and seal plans, creating a tamper-evident digital seal.
- Validation by Authorities: When submitted, the state or federal regulatory body accepting the document verifies the signature through the CA to confirm the signer’s identity and the document’s integrity.
IdenTrust’s X.509 certificates are cross-certified with the Federal Bridge, ensuring that they are accepted by both U.S. municipalities, state, and federal agencies. We offer both Basic and Medium Assurance certificates for digital signing and Medium Assurance certificates require in-person identity proofing. Once a certificate is issued, engineers can use it to sign and seal an unlimited number of plans and documents regardless of jurisdiction.
IdenTrustMoving Toward a Unified Future
As more states adopt and align digital submission standards, the civil engineering profession will continue to benefit from streamlined processes and enhanced security. By embracing secure, standardized digital solutions, states are not only modernizing their regulatory frameworks but also supporting engineers in delivering projects more effectively.
For more information about digital certificates for signing and sealing, contact an IdenTrust professional here or at (801) 384-3514.
