50-State Engineering Licensing Compliance Guide
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Land Surveying Firm Licensing

A Survey of Licensing: The map below illustrates nationwide licensing requirements for land surveying firms

Click on the map or links below to read about detailed license requirements in that state.
11 States (and D.C.) Do Not Require Firm Licensure
35 States Require Firm Licensure
4 States Require Firm Registration or Other Prerequisites

Overview of Land Surveying Firm Licensing Requirements

Prior to providing land surveying services in a state, firms are required to meet a number of licensing and registration requirements. Although not every state issues a land surveying firm license, surveying businesses in non-licensure states must adhere to regulations dealing with entity structure, ownership, and individual licenses needed before taking on surveying projects.

In states where a firm license is required, firms must designate an employee as the surveyor in responsible charge of all surveying activities. The surveyor in charge is generally required to have an active professional surveyor license in the state where the firm license is being issued.

License application requirements vary by state, but many applications ask for:

  • Business entity information
  • A list of officers or owners of the firm
  • Surveyor-in-charge information
  • A certificate of authority (if a foreign entity)
  • A certificate of good standing from the secretary of state
  • Application fees

Firms operating in more than one location within the same state will likely also need to provide surveyor-in-charge and contact information for each of their branch office locations. In some states, each branch office must obtain its own firm registration or license.

Entities that offer engineering or geological services in addition to land surveying services will typically need a separate license for each professional service they provide. A few states do, however, issue design firm licenses that cover land surveying, a number of engineering disciplines, geology, and architecture under a single license.

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Multi-State Licensure

Surveying firms pursuing projects outside of their home state are typically met with a number of licensing-related challenges. Firms should expect to have to register with the board of surveyors, secretary of state, and sometimes the department of revenue before providing services in each new state.

Although the order of the licensing process varies, states often require firms to foreign qualify their business entity with the secretary of state before applying for a surveying firm license. Firms should also ensure that at least one employee is actively licensed and can act as the firm’s surveyor-in-charge in the state.

Before providing surveying services in a new state, firms should confer with the state’s tax authority and apply for any necessary tax-related registrations. Corporate income tax, withholding tax, and unemployment insurance tax registrations are commonly required when doing business in a new state.

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Maintaining Compliance

Once licensed, firms must work to maintain COAs, licenses of individual qualifiers, and good standing of their entity in each state.

License Renewals

After licenses and registrations are obtained, firms must file renewals to remain in good standing. Land surveying firm licenses typically renew on an annual or biennial basis, and firms may also need to submit annual reports to maintain their entity registration with the secretary of state.

In addition to these structured renewal events, firms must also report address, contact information, qualifying individual, and ownership changes as they occur. States typically require these types of changes to be reported within 10 or 20 days of their occurrence.

Firms should also track continuing education requirements to ensure that their qualifying individuals meet their individual license renewal requirements. Surveyors in charge who fail to meet renewal requirements will jeopardize the good standing of the firm license.

A loss of good standing with the board of surveyors or secretary of state typically results in the payment of penalty fees to reinstate, and registrations left delinquent for long enough can become dissolved entirely. Maintaining compliance in these areas is the key to avoiding unnecessary penalties and preventing costly delays caused by delinquent registrations.

Keeping up with each state’s requirements, tracking renewals, and submitting the applications on time are critical to avoiding penalties. Dedicated compliance software and services can help you keep track of varying jurisdiction requirements and relevant updates to state laws.

50-State Chart of Land Surveyor Firm License Requirements

See the table below for an overview of state requirements or click more info to view detailed licensing information in your state.

Alabama

Our Resources:

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Agency

Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$200

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Alaska

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Agency

Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$200 application fee + $300 registration fee

Form:

Certificate of Authorization for Corporate LLC, or LLP Practice

Filing Method:

Mail or fax.

License Renewal

Fee:

$300. Firms that obtained a license in the second half of the renewal period and are renewing for the first time pay a prorated fee of $150.

Form:

Biennial Certificate of Authorization Renewal for Corporate LLC or LLP Practice

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Arizona

Our Resources:

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Agency

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

Initial Application

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Branch Registration 

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Branch Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Due:

Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.


Agency

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

Initial Application

Fee:
  • $50
  • When paying for the initial registration through the online payment portal, use five zero's as the firm's registration number to complete the payment. A final registration number will be assigned after the application has been processed. 
Form:

Annual Firm Registration 

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Firm Registration (Renewal)

Due:

Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Arkansas

Our Resources:

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Agency

Arkansas State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$150

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Mail or online

Due:

Biennially by December 31. Licenses ending in even numbers must be renewed every even-numbered year, and licenses ending in odd numbers must be renewed every odd-numbered year.

California

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Agency

California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

License Renewal

Colorado

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Colorado

Land surveyor firms are not licensed at the state level in Colorado. Business entities are permitted to practice surveying provided that they comply with CO Stat. § 12-25-204.

Connecticut

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Agency

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Occupational and Professional Licensing Division

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$375

Due:

Annually


Agency

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Occupational and Professional Licensing Division

License Renewal

Fee:

$375

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by April 30.

Delaware

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Agency

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$207

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$207

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By June 30 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in District of Columbia

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

Florida

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Agency

Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers

Initial Application

Fee:

$255 by mail or $261.38 online

Form:

Land Surveying Certificate of Authorization Application

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

License Renewal

Fee:

$350 renewal fee and $5 unlicensed activity fee + $8.88 convenience fee

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By February 28 of odd-numbered years.

Georgia

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Agency

Georgia Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$0

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$100 renewal fee + $5 online filing fee

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

Hawaii

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii

Land Surveying firms are not licensed at the state level in Hawaii. Business entities are permitted to practice architecture provided that they comply with HAR § 16-115-4.

Idaho

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Agency

Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses - Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (IPELS)

Initial Application

Fee:

$200

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$120 renewal fee + $5.50 online filing fee

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually on the last day of the month that the COA was issued in.

Illinois

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Agency

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Initial Application

Fee:

$75

Form:

Professional Design Firm Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail your completed application, fee, and support documents to:


Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation,
Attn: Division of Professional Regulation, Design/PSS4
P.O. Box 7007
Springfield, Illinois 62791

License Renewal

Fee:

$75

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By April 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewals may be filed as early as 3 months prior to the expiration date.

Indiana

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Indiana

Indiana does not issue firm licenses at the state level and no longer requires professional corporations to obtain a certificate of registration before incorporating.

Iowa

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa

Firm licenses are not currently required, however, individual surveyors should register with the Bureau of Professional Licensing.

Kansas

Our Resources:

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Agency

Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$95

Form:

Paper Renewal Form for Business Entities

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:
  • Business Entities with names beginning with A-L renew by December 31 in even-numbered years; M-Z renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 60 days prior to the expiration date. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1 where no penalties are issued for late filing.

Kentucky

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Agency

Kentucky Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$100 for a land surveying firm permit or $150 for a land surveying and engineering firm permit.

Form:

Application for Business Entity Permit

License Renewal

Fee:

$100 for a land surveying firm permit or $150 for a land surveying and engineering firm permit.

Form:

Online

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Louisiana

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Agency

Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board

Initial Application

Fee:

$165 or $330 for both 

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$120

Form:

Online

Due:

Either March 31 or September 30 Biennially

Maine

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Maine

A firm, copartnership, corporation or joint stock association may engage in the practice of land surveying in Maine, provided that the practice is carried on only by land surveyors licensed in the State. See 32 M.R.S. § 1253. 

Maryland

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Agency

Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Board for Professional Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$135 (of which $35 is non-refundable application fee)

Filing Method:

File an application online then email a managing agent certification form to dlopllandsurveyors-dllr@maryland.gov.

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the registration date.

Massachusetts

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts

  •  
  • Although not requiring express licensure with the Board, a co- partnership, corporation or joint stock association may practice land surveying provided that the person in direct charge, control, and supervision of the practice is a land surveyor holding a Massachusetts certificate of registration and is an active participant in the contracting, reporting, publishing, scheduling, etc. of professional services being offered by the firm.
  • Surveyor firms may need to file a regulatory board certificate with the secretary of state prior to forming a professional entity.

Michigan

Our Resources:

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Agency

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Professional Licensing

Initial Application

Fee:

$0

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Minnesota

Our Resources:

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Agency

Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design (AELSLAGID)

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Form:

Professional Firm Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Professional Firm Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or Online

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Mississippi

Our Resources:

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Agency

Mississippi Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:
  • $100
  • The first renewal for firms whose registrations initially expired in an even-numbered year will be for one year and will be reduced to $50 in order to align their registration with the new biennial cycle
Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Missouri

Our Resources:

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Agency

Missouri Board For Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Professional Landscape Architects

License Renewal

Fee:

$50 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee

Filing Method:

Online

Due:
  • Licenses originally issued in even-numbered years expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year and licenses originally issued in odd-numbered years expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
  • Renewals may be filed as early as 3 months prior to the expiration date.

Montana

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Agency

Montana Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Certificate of Authority Renewal

Due:

Annually by October 1.

Nebraska

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Agency

Nebraska Board of Examiners For Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:
  • $25
  • Payments can be made online
Form:

Certificate of Authorization

Filing Method:

Email

License Renewal

Fee:
  • $25
  • Payments can be made online
Form:

Certificate of Authorization 

Filing Method:

Email

Due:

Annually by the date of issuance.


Agency

Nebraska Board of Examiners For Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$25

Form:There is no form, simply follow the instructions.

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:There is no form, simply follow the instructions.Due:

Annually

Nevada

Our Resources:

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Agency

Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$50

Form:

Firm Registration

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually within 30 days of the anniversary date of the original filing

New Hampshire

Our Resources:

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Agency

New Hampshire Board of Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of expiration.

New Jersey

Our Resources:

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Agency

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$120 if applying during the first year of the biennial license period or $60 if applying during the second year of the biennial licensing period.

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Application

Filing Method:

Mail to: 

STATE BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND LAND SURVEYORS
P.O. BOX 45015
NEWARK, NJ 07101

License Renewal

Fee:

$120

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By August 31 of even-numbered years.

New Mexico

Our Resources:

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Agency

New Mexico Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

New York

Our Resources:

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Agency

New York State Education Department - Office of the Professions - State Board for Land Surveying

Initial Application

Fee:

$125

Form:

Application for Certificate of Authorization

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$75. Late fees are $10 per month of uncertified practice.

Form:

Renewal applications are sent in the mail.

Due:

Triennially

North Carolina

Our Resources:

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Agency

North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Form:

License Application

Filing Method:

Mail or email to firms@ncbels.org

License Renewal

Fee:

$75

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by June 30.

North Dakota

Our Resources:

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Agency

North Dakota State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:
  • $100 if renewed before December 31st
  • $130 if renewed after December 31st
Form:

Certificate of Commercial Practice Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

Annually by December 31. Online renewals may be filed as early as October 29.

Ohio

Our Resources:

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Agency

Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years. Online renewals may be filed as early as May 1.

Oklahoma

Our Resources:

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Agency

Oklahoma Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$200

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Application

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$200

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by June 30. Firms whose name begins with letters A-G renew during even-numbered years and firms with H-Z names renew during odd-numbered years.

Oregon

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Oregon

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

Pennsylvania

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not license firms, but requires that land surveying companies have at least one licensed land surveyor on staff. Entities with some form of "Survey" in their name will be required to file a fictitious name registration with the board. You must also receive board approval prior to foreign qualification.

Rhode Island

Our Resources:

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Agency

Rhode Island Division of Building, Design, and Fire Professionals

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

South Carolina

Our Resources:

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Agency

South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$115

Form:

Certificate of Authorization Application

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$75

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By March 31 of odd-numbered years.

South Dakota

Our Resources:

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Agency

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation: Board of Technical Professions

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$80

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Tennessee

Our Resources:

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Agency

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Examiners for Land Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Texas

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Agency

Texas Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors Individuals and Firms



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Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$150

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Utah

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Utah

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

Vermont

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Vermont

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

Virginia

Our Resources:

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Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$45

Form:

Business Entity Branch Office Application

Filing Method:

Typically 3-5 business days, but could take as long as 3 weeks.

License Renewal

Fee:

$35

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$45

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewals may be filed as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.


Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewals may be filed as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.


Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Washington

Our Resources:

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Agency

Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors (BRPELS)

License Renewal

Fee:

$110

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by the end of the registration anniversary month. Renewals may be filed as early as 120 days prior to the expiration date.

West Virginia

Our Resources:

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Agency

West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Form:

Surveying Certificate of Authorization Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Wisconsin

Our Resources:

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Not Required

Land Surveying Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Wisconsin

Firm licenses are not issued at the state level, however, a licensed individual must oversee all surveying work. Firms should consult board rules and state statutes before doing business.

Wyoming

Our Resources:

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Agency

Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$90

Form:

Renewal for Business Entity Authorization

Due:

By December 31 of the year following initial licensure and biennially thereafter.

Design Firm - Engineering firm registration is sometimes grouped with architecture and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.

EI (Engineering Intern) - A term also used to describe an Engineer in Training.

EIT (Engineer in Training) - A professional designation granted upon having completed at least 3 years of school at an ABET-accredited university and having passed the FE exam.

FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) - An exam testing on basic engineering principles that is required to become an engineer in training.

PE (Professional Engineer or 'Principles and Practice in Engineering') - Means either Professional Engineer or refers to the Principles and Practice in Engineering exam that is a prerequisite for an engineering license.

Reciprocity - When a licensed engineer in one state can provide documentation (often an NCEES Record) to more easily apply for a license in another jurisdiction.

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Accrediting board that sets standards for university programs in a variety of applied science disciplines.

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Engineering, architecture, and land surveying advocacy group.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Organization that provides continuing education, professional conferences, and advocacy efforts to the civil engineering community.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Mechanical engineering organization that focuses on education and professional development.

Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC)
Reviews accreditation requirements and makes final decisions regarding the accreditation process.

National Council of Examiners for Engineering & Surveying (NCEES)
Develops, administers, and scores the exams used for engineering licenses.

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE is an advocacy group for professional engineers.