50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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New Hampshire Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in New Hampshire.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in New Hampshire 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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Company Licenses

New Hampshire Architecture Company Licenses

New Hampshire Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)

Agency:New Hampshire Joint Board of Licensure and Certification - Board of Architects
Law:

NH R.S. §310-A:42-a

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • At least one of the officers must be an architect licensed in New Hampshire.

Professional Corporations:

  • At least 1/2 of the directors and all of the officers, excluding the secretary and treasurer, must be New Hampshire licensed architects or otherwise qualified entities.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least one of the members must be an architect licensed in New Hampshire.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All members and managers must be New Hampshire licensed architects or otherwise qualified entities.

Partnerships:

  • At least one of the partners must be an architect licensed in New Hampshire.

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in New Hampshire for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$155

Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Identify a New Hampshire licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge of the firm's architectural activities.
  • Ensure that your business entity will meet ownership requirements.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Identify a New Hampshire licensed architect, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge of the firm's architectural activities.
  • Ensure that your New Hampshire entity will meet ownership requirements.
  • Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity's home state (to be filed during the foreign qualification process). The certificate cannot be more than 60 days old when filing foreign qualification documents.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File a Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture with the Joint Board of Licensure and Certification: Board of Architects.
  2. File entity formation documents with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporations Division.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File a Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture with the Joint Board of Licensure and Certification: Board of Architects.
  2. File foreign qualification documents with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporations Division.
Required Attachments:
  • A certificate of good standing from your business entity's home state is required
  • List of corporate officers or partners including addresses
  • The name of the person legally authorized to sign documents on behalf of the firm is required.

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in New Hampshire and need to renew their license.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$155

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of expiration.

Notes:

Renewal notifications are sent by email at 60 days and within 15 days prior to the expiration of your license.

Required Attachments:
  • List of officers, managers, or partners of the firm including addresses
  • List of licensees in responsible charge of the firm's professional services

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Notes:

Notify the board in writing with any changes.

Reinstatement

Form:

Application for Certificate of Authorization (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$155

Notes:

Licenses that have been expired for longer than 1 year cannot be reinstated and the licensee should instead apply for a new license.

New Hampshire Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

New Hampshire Landscape Architecture Firm License

Not required



Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in New Hampshire.

More information: New Hampshire Board of Landscape Architects

Individual Licenses

New Hampshire Individual Architecture Licenses

New Hampshire Architect License

Agency:New Hampshire Joint Board of Licensure and Certification - Board of Architects
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in New Hampshire for the first time.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$155 application fee + $150 exam fee + $20 licensure fee

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in New Hampshire.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$250 application fee + $50 licensure fee

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in New Hampshire and need to renew their license.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$155

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of expiration.

New Hampshire Interior Designer License

Not required



Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Landscape Architect License

Agency:New Hampshire Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$160 application fee + $20 certificate fee

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

License Application

Agency Fee:

$160 reciprocity fee + $20 certificate fee

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$160

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of expiration.

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.