Georgia Architecture License Overview

Learn how to file for a Georgia architect license and discover how Harbor Compliance reduces your licensing workload, saving your company time and money.

Georgia Architect License Registration Explained

To legally practice architecture in Georgia, obtaining and maintaining an architecture license is mandatory. While the state does not require architectural firms to hold a separate license, individual practitioners must be licensed to comply with state laws. Moreover, the Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers issues strict guidelines to ensure only qualified individuals are licensed.

In this guide, we’ve outlined the process of obtaining, reinstating, or reactivating a Georgia architect license. We’ll also explain how Harbor Compliance assists with the entire licensing process—from preparing applications to tracking renewals—and reduces your firm’s compliance workload.

How To Apply for a Georgia Architecture License

Architecture firms are not required to hold licensure in the state, provided they comply with the Georgia Code (Title 43). As per the code, at least one of the directors, partners, or members must be a registered architect in Georgia. This person is responsible for overseeing the firm’s architecture work and handling any construction contracts and architectural plans. However, this requirement can vary depending on the entity type.

For example, Professional Corporations (PCs) require all shareholders to be licensed to practice architecture, and at least one board member and the president must be a licensed architect. However, corporations, LLCs, and partnerships can bypass the licensure requirement for a director, partner, or member if an employee who is a Georgia-licensed architect holds an ownership interest in the firm (this must be designated in writing) and occupies a position of authority that allows them to direct the firm’s architectural services.

The Georgia architecture licensing process varies depending on the type of application you’re submitting. Typically, you need to choose from the following five types of applications:

1. License registration for first-time architects
2. Endorsement for those licensed in another jurisdiction
3. Reinstatement for expired licenses
4. Reactivation for inactive licenses

License Registration for First-Time Architects

If you’re applying for an architecture license for the first time and have passed the exams and graduated with an architecture degree, you can apply for licensure by examination.

Before starting the application process, you need to gather the following documents and details to file for licensure:

• NCARB record number
• Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• NAAB Accredited Degree
• IDP Assessment Reports
• A secure and verifiable document regarding your U.S. citizenship status
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• All parts of the NCARB exams complete
• Social Security number (SSN)

Once you’ve ticked all the items from the checklist, you can proceed with the filing process by following these steps:

1. Download the architecture licensure application form.
2. Enter your personal details, such as name, date of birth, email address, physical and mailing addresses, telephone number, and SSN.
3. Answer 'yes' or 'no' whether you’ve ever been:
   1. Convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
   2. Had your license revoked
   3. Denied the issuance, renewal, or pursuit of licensure
4. Attach certified copies supporting the above claims.
5. Sign an applicant affidavit.
6. Include a $50 registration fee and a $10 processing fee and mail the application to the Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers. Alternatively, if submitting online, include a $5 online processing fee.

Note that the application needs to be notarized.

Architect Endorsement

If you’re licensed as an architect in another jurisdiction and wish to practice in Georgia, you need to apply for licensure by endorsement.

Make sure to complete the following checklist:

• Verification of license from your home state
• Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
  • NCARB Council Record
• A secure and verifiable document regarding your U.S. citizenship status
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• SSN
• A National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ certificate

After completing the checklist, follow these steps:

1. Download the application form for architectural registration by reciprocity.
2. Enter your personal details, such as name, date of birth, email address, physical and mailing addresses, telephone number, and SSN.
3. Input your registration history with details like:
   1. Jurisdiction of original architectural registration
   2. Registration number
   3. Date of registration
   4. License expiration date
4. Answer a series of background questions in 'yes' or 'no' format:
   1. Are you currently under investigation by any occupational licensing board?
   2. Have you ever been disciplined by any occupational licensing board?
   3. Have you entered a negotiated settlement about professional registration laws?
   4. Are there any felony/criminal charges pending against you?
5. Sign an applicant affidavit.
6. Include a $50 registration and a $10 processing fee and mail the application or submit online with a $5 processing fee.

Note that the application needs to be notarized.

Registered Architect Reinstatement

If you’ve previously held an architect license in Georgia that has now expired, you must submit a reinstatement application. The reinstatement fee varies based on how long it has been since your last renewal.

If submitted in the same calendar year the license expires, pay a $150 application fee and a $10 processing fee. If submitted after December 31 of the expiration year, pay those fees plus an additional $250 reinstatement fee for each calendar year (or part of a year) since expiration.

Make sure to gather these requirements before applying:

• Proof of Continuing Education
• Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• A secure and verifiable document regarding your U.S. citizenship status
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• SSN

Once you’ve gone through the checklist and have all the required documents ready, proceed with the application for reinstatement by:

1. Downloading the architect reinstatement application form.
2. Entering your personal details, such as name, date of birth, email address, physical and mailing addresses, phone number, and SSN.
3. Providing your license number and the date it expired.
4. Answering 'yes' or 'no' if you’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since the last renewal date.
5. Inputting responses to additional questions:
   1. Professional activities conducted since the last renewal
   2. Your reason for failing to renew
6. Signing an applicant affidavit.
7. Attaching the required fees and mailing or submitting online.

Note that the application needs to be notarized.

Registered Architect Reactivation

The reactivation application applies to an inactive license, meaning the license is still valid but not active for professional practice. This process is typically used when a licensee has voluntarily paused their practice and now wishes to resume.

Verify your license status is “inactive” before applying. If your status is “lapsed,” apply for reinstatement.

Before applying, complete these prerequisites:

• A background consent form to authorize the secretary of state to conduct an inquiry to assess your criminal records
• Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
  • Court Documents
  • Letter of Explanation
  • Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
• Proof of Continuing Education
• A secure and verifiable document regarding your U.S. citizenship status
• Affidavit of Citizenship
• SSN

Once done, apply for licensure reactivation by:

1. Downloading the application for reactivation.
2. Entering your personal details, such as name, date of birth, email address, addresses, telephone, and SSN.
3. Providing your license number and the date it became inactive.
4. Answering 'yes' or 'no' if you’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since the last renewal date.
5. Signing an applicant affidavit.
6. Including a $300 registration fee and mailing or submitting online.

Note that you must notarize the application before mailing or submitting online.

Architect License Renewal

If you already have an architecture license in Georgia, you need to keep it up to date by renewing it every two years. Submit a renewal application before June 30 of odd-numbered years to avoid late fees.

Follow these steps to renew your license:

1. Log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing website.
2. Click on License Renewal and enter your login details.
3. Fill out your personal and business information.
4. Submit the application by paying a $90 fee, plus a $5 online processing fee.

Challenges With Georgia Architect License Registration

The Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers has stringent regulations when it comes to reviewing licensure applications. Missing even a single document can result in a deficiency letter, requiring you to submit the missing items. If you fail to resolve deficiencies within 60 days, the board will withdraw your application, and you’ll have to restart the process all over again.

Moreover, you cannot legally practice architecture in Georgia unless you hold an active license in the state.

Managing these challenges becomes significantly easier with a professional service provider who handles the licensing process. Outsourcing licensure to a trusted service provider like Harbor Compliance allows you to stay on top of all the state’s legal requirements and save time and energy to focus on your architecture business.

Make Obtaining Licenses Seamless With Harbor Compliance

At Harbor Compliance, we help firms in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry simplify licensing with tailored solutions. Our Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions handle everything from applications to renewals so you can focus on growing your business.

With our License Manager (available separately as part of our Software Suite), you can securely store license details, track deadlines, and stay ahead of compliance requirements. Choose the service option that fits your needs:

1. Self-managed—Use our software to manage licenses independently.
2. Fully managed—Let our team handle the entire process, from filings to renewals.
3. Hybrid—Combine expert support with software access for internal management.

• Jump To:
• Georgia Architecture Company Licenses
• Georgia Individual Architecture Licenses

Learn about architecture licensing in other states: