Washington D.C. Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Washington D.C..
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Washington D.C. for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
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- Washington D.C. Architecture Company Licenses
- Washington D.C. Individual Architecture Licenses
Company Licenses
Washington D.C. Architecture Company Licenses
District of Columbia Professional Design Firm License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $65 application fee + $120 license fee |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic and Foreign Applicants:
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| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
| Due: | By April 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewals may be submitted as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date. |
Amendment
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | A licensed professional design firm shall notify the Board within 30 days after the |
Reinstatement
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
Individual Licenses
Washington D.C. Individual Architecture Licenses
District of Columbia Architect License
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in District of Columbia for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $65 application fee + $120 license fee |
| Notes: |
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Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in District of Columbia.
| Agency Fee: | $65 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in District of Columbia and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
| Due: | By April 30 of even-numbered years. |
| Notes: | The District of Columbia Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture mandates a total of 24 professional development units of continuing education to renew your license. Note: This requirement applies to all applicants for the renewal of or a license to practice architecture, except those applicants seeking the first renewal of a license granted by examination. A renewal applicant must submit proof via course certificates or transcripts of having completed 24 hours of credit in approved continuing education programs in health, safety, and welfare subjects during the term of the license (May 1, 2018 – April 30, 2020). To qualify for approval by the Board, a continuing education program must be prepared, offered, administered, or accepted by an entity approved by the American Institute of Architects or accepted by an entity approved by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. |
District of Columbia Interior Designer License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $65 application fee + $110 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $120 |
| Due: | By October 31 of even-numbered years. |
District of Columbia Landscape Architect License
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $65 application fee + $155 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $155 |
| Due: | By April 30 of odd-numbered years. |
Learn about architecture licensing in other states:
ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.
AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.
BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.
COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.
Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.
Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.
State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.
National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.
The American Institute of
Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.
The Association of Collegiate
Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.
