Indiana Architecture License Overview

Understand the filing process for Indiana architect license renewal. Learn how Harbor Compliance reduces your compliance workload by simplifying licensing.

Indiana Architect License Renewal Explained

The state of Indiana requires architects to maintain a valid license to practice legally. While architecture firms do not need to apply for or renew licensure, at least one of the firm’s officers, directors, or partners must be licensed architects. That said, architects practicing in firms must renew their licenses periodically to prevent expiration or inactivity, which can lead to additional costs.

This article discusses the Indiana architect license renewal requirements and processes to maintain compliance with the state. We’ll also cover how Harbor Compliance makes licensing less complex by managing the entire process.

Indiana Architect License Requirements and Application Process

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) regulates architecture licensing in Indiana to ensure that individuals meet the required qualifications and standards for practicing architecture in the state. Depending on the applicant’s licensure status and education and experience records, there are three pathways to architect licensure in Indiana:

1. Registration by examination—You’re required to complete the application to register by examination if you’ve graduated with a NAAB-accredited degree, completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), and passed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
2. Registration by reciprocity with NCARB—When you’re already licensed in another state and hold an NCARB record, you need to register by reciprocity and have your NCARB file sent to the licensing agency, including all necessary transcripts, training records, references, and work verification.
3. Registration by reciprocity without NCARB—For architects licensed in another state who do not have an NCARB record, there’s an option to register by reciprocity. However, this process requires the manual submission of supporting documents to verify education, experience, and licensure.

Indiana Architect License Renewal Process

The state of Indiana requires architects to renew their licenses at a set interval. There are four pathways to license renewal, depending on the current status of your license:

1. Active renewal
2. Inactive renewal
3. Retired license
4. Reinstatement

Renewal of an Active License

If your architecture license is currently active, you must renew it biennially by December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal notices are sent 90 days before expiration via email (if an email address is on file) or mailed to the address on record with the Board.

All Indiana-licensed architects must complete the Continuing Education (CE) requirement as part of the renewal process. During each biennial renewal period, licensees are required to earn 24 hours of continuing education, with at least 16 hours focusing on technical and professional topics that ensure the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. First-time registrants are exempt from CE requirements for their initial renewal.

Once you’ve fulfilled the requirements, follow these steps for renewal:

1. Access the renewal application online.
2. Complete the CE requirements for renewal.
3. Pay the $120 renewal fee and submit the form.

Renewal of an Inactive License

In case of license inactivity, you have two options—renewing your license to “inactive” status or renewing it to “active” status.

If your license is in an inactive state, and you wish to renew it as “inactive,” follow these steps:

1. Select “Yes” when asked if you want to put your license in inactive status.
2. Pay a renewal fee of $120 every two years to maintain inactive status.

In this case, you don’t need to complete the CE requirements while your license is inactive.

On the other hand, if you wish to renew your license by setting it from “inactive” to “active,” follow these steps:

1. Send an email to the Board at pla10@pla.in.gov to request a change to active status.
2. Include your license number and certificates verifying that you’ve completed 24 hours of CE in the last two years.

Reactivation of a Retired License

Architects who intend to retire and withdraw from active practice must submit a verified statement of intention to retire to the Board via email at pla10@pla.in.gov.

However, if you wish to reactivate a retired license that expired less than five years ago, you must file a verified statement indicating your intent to return to practice.

To reactivate a license that expired more than five years ago, you must complete remediation or additional training as required by the Board, along with the statement indicating your return. The duration and type of training are based on the period of inactivity.

Reinstatement of License

If you hold a license that expired three or more years ago, you must reinstate it to continue your practice. Follow these steps to reinstate your license:

1. Access the reinstatement application online.
2. Upload the following required documents:
   1. Employment history since license expiration
   2. Projects worked on and any use of your stamp/seal in Indiana
   3. Confirmation of compliance with relevant state laws
   4. Verification of an active license in another state (if applicable)
   5. Proof of 24 hours of CE completed within the past two years
3. Submit the application, along with the renewal fee.

The Consequences of Not Meeting Indiana’s Architecture Licensing and Renewal Requirements

Indiana has specific documentation requirements for licensing applications, including NAAB-accredited transcripts, NCARB files, IDP reports, and employment verifications. Missing any detail can cause delays or rejections. You may even need to restart the whole application process from scratch, which can affect your timelines if you’re on a tight schedule or have upcoming projects that depend on your licensure status.

Additionally, the state offers multiple pathways for licensure and renewal, each with unique requirements and fees, which can be difficult to manage as an individual practitioner.

Outsourcing your licensing to a reliable service provider, such as Harbor Compliance, can significantly eliminate your burden and offer peace of mind to focus on your practice.

Trust Harbor Compliance for Seamless Architecture Licensing

Managing professional licensing for architecture, engineering, and construction firms and individual practitioners can be complex, but Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions simplify the process. From handling application preparation to tracking renewal deadlines, we take care of the time-consuming details, allowing you to focus on advancing your business.

Our cutting-edge License Manager module—available as part of our Software Suite—helps you securely organize license information, stay on top of deadlines, and maintain compliance effortlessly.

We offer flexible service models to meet your specific needs:

1. Self-managed—Use our powerful software to independently track and manage your licenses with ease.
2. Fully managed—Rely on our experienced team to oversee the entire licensing process, including filings and renewals.
3. Hybrid—You can opt for a combination of professional support for certain tasks and access to our powerful software.

How To Order Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions

Wondering where and how to get started with our service? Reach out to learn more about our solutions by following these steps:

1. Visit the Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
2. Select Contact Us.
3. Input your personal and business details.
4. Submit the form.

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

In addition to architect license application and renewal, Harbor Compliance offers a wide range of services to help you stay on top of the legal obligations in your state. Check out our additional services in the table below:

Ready to simplify licensing? Use our free Harbor Compliance Score™ to check if your architecture firm meets Indiana’s licensing requirements. If you find any issues, you can reach out to us to discuss the best solutions for your needs. You can also schedule a demo and explore our Software Suite to see firsthand how its modules can support your licensing needs.

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• Indiana Architecture Company Licenses
• Indiana Individual Architecture Licenses

Learn about architecture licensing in other states: