50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Texas Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Texas.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Texas 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

Texas Architecture Company Licenses

Texas Business Registration

Agency:Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects
Law:

TX A.C. Title 22 Part 1 Chapter 1 §1.124

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

Business Corporations:

  • Officers and directors need not be licensed, but the corporation must appoint a Texas licensed individual to be responsible for each professional service performed by the firm.

Professional Corporations:

  • All shareholders, officers, and directors must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • Members and managers need not be licensed, but the LLC must appoint a Texas licensed individual to be responsible for each professional service performed by the firm.

Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • All members and managers must be licensed in a professional service performed by the firm.

Partnerships:

  • Partners need not be licensed, but the partnership must appoint a Texas licensed individual to be responsible for each professional service performed by the firm.

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Texas 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:

$45

Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • For each professional service performed by the firm, identify a Texas licensed professional, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge.

Foreign Applicants:

  • For each professional service performed by the firm, identify a Texas licensed professional, who is a full-time employee, to be in responsible charge.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File entity formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State - Corporations Section.
  2. Register your firm online with the Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File foreign qualification documents with the Texas Secretary of State - Corporations Section.
  2. Register your firm online with the Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects.

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$45

Due:

Annually by date of initial issuance.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required
Notes:

Renewal email reminders are sent approximately 6 weeks and 2 weeks before the expiration date.

Individual Licenses

Texas Individual Architecture Licenses

Texas Architect License

Agency:Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

Reciprocal Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Notes:

In addition to applying online, applicants must either:

  • Have a certificate of standing sent directly from their State Licensing Board and submit a Certified College Transcript from a NAAB accredited or substantially equivalent program.

or

  • Have their NCARB record transmitted to the board.

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$108 for residents and $200 for non-residents

Due:

Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Texas Interior Designer Registration

Agency:Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

How to Apply:
  1. Create a TBAE online account/record and pay the $100 application fee.
  2. Submit your CIDQ experience forms, college transcript, letter of approval from CIDQ to sit for the exam, and passing exam scores. Submitting your CIDQ Certificate, if you have one, is optional.
  3. Provide TBAE your Proof of Legal Status.
  4. All new applicants are required to complete a criminal history check prior to registration. Click here for more information and instructions regarding how to complete the criminal history check.

Reciprocal Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Required Attachments:
  • Certificate of Standing. (Licensure Verification and Exam History) sent directly from your State Licensing Board. Individuals holding active certificates of registration in other jurisdictions applying for registration in Texas by reciprocal transfer shall be considered upon submittal of the application and a Certificate of Standing.
  • A Certified College Transcript (secure e-mailed Transcripts from your college are now accepted)
  • Provide TBAE your Proof of Legal Status.
  • Fingerprints: New applicants must complete a mandatory criminal history check
  • Optional: Submit a current NCIDQ certificate for proof of passing the NCIDQ Exam.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$105 for residents and $200 for non-residents

Due:

Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month.

Texas Landscape Architect Registration

Agency:Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects

Initial Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$100

How to Apply:
  1. Create a TBAE online account and pay the $100 application fee
  2. Provide TBAE your Proof of Legal Status.
  3. You must support your online exam application by one of two methods listed below:
    1. To apply by Early Exam (without a completed CLARB file), send TBAE your official college transcript and Employment verification form
    2. To apply after completion of the CLARB council record, request that CLARB transmit your council record to Texas.

Reciprocal Registration

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$150

Required Attachments:
  • Certificate of Standing. (Licensure Verification and Exam History) sent directly from your State Licensing Board. Individuals holding active certificates of registration in other jurisdictions applying for registration in Texas by reciprocal transfer shall be considered upon submittal of the application and a Certificate of Standing.
  • A Certified College Transcript (secure e-mailed Transcripts from your college are now accepted)
  • Provide TBAE your Proof of Legal Status.
  • Fingerprints: New applicants must complete a mandatory criminal history check
  • Optional: Submit a current NCIDQ certificate for proof of passing the NCIDQ Exam.

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$105 for residents and $200 for non-residents

Due:

Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month.

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.