Texas Updates Professional Licensing Rules for AEC Firms Beginning in 2026 | Harbor Compliance BlogHarbor Compliance Blog

Texas is implementing changes to the licensing and renewal process for engineering and land surveying firms. These updates originate from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (TBPELS) and are expected to be implemented in 2026, following the adoption of the final rule.

For architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms, these changes impact the frequency of firm licenses being renewed and how renewal deadlines should be monitored. While the intent is to reduce administrative burden, firms will still need to stay organized to avoid lapses that could delay projects or affect the ability to operate in Texas.

Firm License Renewals

Beginning in 2026, Texas engineering and professional land surveying firms are expected to transition from annual renewals to a biennial (two-year) renewal cycle.

This change is driven by Senate Bill 681, which became effective on September 1, 2025. The law requires state licensing agencies, including TBPELS, to issue licenses and registrations for a term of at least two years. TBPELS has proposed updates to its rules to implement this change at the firm level.

What Texas Senate Bill 681 means for AEC firms:

Firm licenses will renew less frequently
Renewal dates may change as firms transition to the new cycle
Missing a renewal could result in an expired registration for a longer period than under the annual system

Effective Dates and Transition Timing

The current timeline for these changes is as follows:

September 1, 2025: Senate Bill 681 takes effect and authorizes biennial renewals.
Late 2025: TBPELS publishes proposed amendments to the Texas Administrative Code for public comment.
2026 (following final rule adoption): TBPELS begins implementing two-year renewal terms for firm registrations.

Firms should expect that:

Firm renewals processed in 2026 or later may be issued with a two-year expiration date
TBPELS will provide updated renewal notices and instructions as firms transition to the new cycle

Renewal Fees: What We Know So Far

At this time, TBPELS has not announced any changes to firm registration fees as part of the move to biennial renewals.

However, firms should be prepared for:

A single renewal fee covering a two-year period, rather than annual payments
Possible fee adjustments once final rules are adopted, if the Board determines changes are necessary

Until TBPELS publishes a final fee schedule, firms should continue to monitor official Board communications and budget conservatively.

Individual License Renewals

TBPELS is also updating renewal rules for individual Professional Engineers and Registered Professional Land Surveyors to align with the new two-year structure.

While individual licenses are separate from firm registrations, AEC firms rely on properly licensed professionals to maintain eligibility to offer services. Aligning individual and firm renewal cycles may support long-term planning, but it also underscores the importance of accurately tracking multiple renewal deadlines.

New Education Rules for Land Surveyors

For AEC firms that employ or plan to hire surveyors, another change takes effect soon.

Beginning January 1, 2026, TBPELS is updating education requirements for:

Surveyors-in-Training (SITs)
Registered Professional Land Surveyors (RPLSs)

These updates apply only to new applicants submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Current license holders are not affected. Firms involved in recruiting or workforce planning should account for these new requirements when hiring future surveying staff.

What AEC Firms Should Do Now

Although these updates are intended to streamline licensing, they still require preparation.

AEC firms should:

Review current Texas firm license expiration dates
Watch for renewal notices issued in 2026 and beyond
Confirm that responsible engineers and surveyors remain actively licensed
Update internal calendars and tracking systems to reflect a two-year renewal cycle

Taking action early helps reduce the risk of missed renewals, expired registrations, and project disruptions.

How Harbor Compliance Can Help

As licensing rules evolve, AEC firms need a reliable way to track firm registrations, individual licenses, and renewal deadlines, especially as Texas transitions to a two-year renewal cycle beginning in 2026.

Harbor Compliance supports engineering and land surveying firms by monitoring firm license requirements in Texas and across the country, helping ensure renewals are completed accurately and on time as new rules take effect. By centralizing license data, documents, and due dates, Harbor Compliance helps reduce the risk of missed renewals, expired registrations, and disruptions to ongoing project work.