Maryland Architecture License Overview
To practice architecture in Maryland, you must meet specific licensing requirements set by the Maryland Board of Architects. These requirements ensure that professionals uphold the highest standards of safety and competence in their work.
Maryland Architecture License Requirements—A Complete Guide
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Maryland architecture license requirements, covering individual and firm licensing and application processes. We’ll also introduce Harbor Compliance and explain how this trusted partner streamlines license management.
Maryland Architecture Licensing Requirements for Firms
Architecture firms operating in Maryland must meet specific licensing and registration standards enforced by the Maryland Board of Architects. These requirements vary depending on the firm’s entity type:
- Business corporations—Two-thirds of directors must hold a license in architecture, engineering, or landscape architecture; one director must be a Maryland-licensed architect.
- Professional corporations—All shareholders and most officers must be licensed; two-thirds of directors must hold relevant licenses.
- LLCs—Two-thirds of members must hold a relevant license; one member must be a Maryland-licensed architect.
- Partnerships—Two-thirds of partners must hold relevant licenses; one partner must be a Maryland-licensed architect.
Initial Registration and Application Process
- Appoint a responsible Maryland-licensed architect to oversee services and statutory obligations.
- Prepare entity formation or foreign qualification documents with SDAT.
- Submit the firm permit application online and email the Responsible Member Certification Form.
- Provide evidence of good standing with SDAT.
- Pay the total application fee of $151 ($39 application + $112 permit fee).
Maryland Architecture Licensing Requirements for Individual Architects
Candidates must demonstrate competence through three pathways: Education, Experience, and Examination.
Education
- Hold a degree from a NAAB-accredited U.S. program (or equivalent foreign degree).
- Substantial experience may waive degree requirements in non-traditional cases.
Experience
Complete the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and document 3,740 hours of supervised training across six practice areas.
Examination
Pass all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Candidates must be enrolled in or have completed the AXP before taking the ARE.
Maryland Architect License Application Process
- Submit the official application form to the Maryland Board of Architects.
- Pay the nonrefundable application and examination fees.
- Provide supporting documentation of education, experience, and exam results.
- Licensure by reciprocity: verify active license meets Maryland’s standards.
Simplify Maryland Architecture License Process With Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions streamline the process from application to renewal, with tailored service options:
| Service Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-managed | Use our Software Suite to monitor licenses, track deadlines, and manage filings. |
| Fully managed | Experts handle every aspect of licensing, from application to renewal. |
| Hybrid | Combine self-management tools with professional assistance. |
How To Order Harbor Compliance’s Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions
- Visit the Architecture & Engineering Compliance Solutions page.
- Open the Contact Us form and provide your details.
- Select “Architecture” as your industry.
- Submit to connect with a specialist.
Additional Services by Harbor Compliance
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Business licensing support | General business licenses |
| Lifecycle support | DBA registration, Annual reports, Initial reports, Amendments, Name reservation, Withdrawal |
| Document filing and retrieval | Certified copies, Drop-off filing, Certificate of authority, Certificate of good standing, Reinstatement |
| Nonprofit formation | Nonprofit incorporation, 501(c) tax exemption, Charitable registration |
| Registered agent services | Registered agent, Change of registered agent |
| Tax registration | Payroll tax registration, EIN, Sales & use tax registration |
Maryland Architecture Licensing FAQs
Architects must complete 12 Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning units annually for a total of 24 hours over a two-year licensing term. First-time renewals are exempt.
Licenses more than 30 days past expiration require reinstatement with proof of CE and payment of a $112 reinstatement fee and $86 application fee.
No, practicing architecture without a license is prohibited. You must hold a valid license from the relevant state board to legally use the title “architect.”
Company Licenses
Maryland Architecture Company Licenses
Maryland Architectural Firm Permit
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Maryland for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Filing Method: | File an application online then email a managing agent certification form to dloplboardofarchitects-dllr@maryland.gov. |
| Agency Fee: | $39 application fee + $112 permit fee. |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
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
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Maryland and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $112 |
| Due: | Biennially by the registration date. |
| Notes: | Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days before the expiration of the permit. |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Maryland Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Maryland.
Maryland does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Maryland Landscape Architecture Firm Permit
| Agency: | Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | File an application online then email a managing agent certification form to dloplboardofexaminersoflandscapearchitects-dllr@maryland.gov. |
| Agency Fee: | $39 application fee + $112 permit fee. |
| Turnaround: | Immediately upon registration with licensure information, via online. |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $112 |
| Due: | Biennially by the date of initial registration. |
| Notes: | Renewal notices are sent approximately 60 days before the expiration of the permit. |
| Required Attachments: |
|
Individual Licenses
Maryland Individual Architecture Licenses
Maryland Architect License
| Agency: | Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Board of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Maryland for the first time.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $39 application fee + $86 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Maryland.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 application fee + $86 license fee |
| How to Apply: | For applicants with an NCARB record:
For applicants without an NCARB record:
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Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Maryland and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $86 |
| Due: | Biennially by the date of issuance. |
Maryland Interior Designer Certification
| Agency: | Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Board of Certified Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $39 application fee + $86 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 application fee + $86 license fee |
| How to Apply: |
|
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $86 |
| Due: | Biennially by the date of issuance. |
Maryland Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Maryland Department of Labor - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing - Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $39 application fee + $86 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $56 application fee + $86 license fee |
| How to Apply: | For applicants with a CLARB record:
For applicants without a CLARB record:
|
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $86 |
| Due: | Biennially by the date of issuance. |
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.
