50-State Engineering Licensing Compliance Guide
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Virginia Engineering Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for engineering industry firms and individuals in Virginia.

This page provides an overview of engineering industry licensing in Virginia 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

Virginia Engineering Company Licenses

Virginia Business Entity Branch Office Registration

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

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Entity Branch Office Application

Filing Method:

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

Agency Fee:

$45

Registration Renewal

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$35

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.

Amendment
Change of Status

Form:

Business Entity Application (Change of Status)

Filing Method:

Email to apelscidla@dpor.virginia.gov

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Any changes of status including, but not limited to, change in entity, name (including assumed names), address, place of business or responsible persons at each place of business must be reported to the board by the registered entity within 30 days of the occurrence.

Law:

18 VAC 10-20-660

Notarization Required?:Required

Reinstatement

Form:

Business Entity Branch Office Application (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$80 for licenses expired for 30 days or more.

Virginia Business Entity Registration

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

VA Code § 54.1-411

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
  • Professional Corporations
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • No licensure requirements for officers, but at least one full-time employee or resident principal licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced at each branch must provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • No licensure requirements for members, but at least one full-time employee or resident principal licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced at each branch must provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.

Partnerships:

  • No licensure requirements for partners, but at least one full-time employee or resident principal licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced at each branch must provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.

Domestic Professional Corporations: 

  • At least 2/3 of the capital stock must be held by persons duly licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, surveyor photogrammetrist, landscape architect, or to individuals legally authorized to use the title of certified interior designer.
  • The remainder of the stock may be issued only to and held by individuals who are employees of the corporation.
  • At least 2/3 of the Board of Directors shall be licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor (including surveyor photogrammetrist), landscape architect, or duly certified to use the title of certified interior designer, or any combination thereof.
  • At least one director currently licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced shall be resident at the business to provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.
  • Joint ownership of corporate stock is not allowed.

Foreign Professional Corporations: 

  • At least 2/3 of the Board of Directors shall be licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor (including surveyor photogrammetrist), landscape architect, or duly certified to use the title of certified interior designer, or any combination thereof.
  • At least one director currently licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced shall be resident at the business to provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.

Domestic Professional Limited Liability Companies: 

  • At least 2/3 of the membership interests shall be held by individuals duly licensed or professional business entities legally authorized to render the services of architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, surveyor photogrammetrists, landscape architects, or by individuals or professional business entities legally authorized to use the title of certified interior designer.

Foreign Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • Foreign PLLCs must meet every requirement of § 13.1-1111 of the Code of Virginia except for the requirement that two-thirds of its members and managers be licensed or certified to perform the professional service in this Commonwealth.

Initial Registration

Form:

Business Entity Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Turnaround:

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

Notarization Required?:Required
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.

Foreign Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.
  • Obtain certified copies of the entity's formation documents from its home state including all amendments and mergers to be filed with foreign qualification documents. The certified copies must be dated within 1 year of the date of filing foreign qualification documents in Virginia.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File entity formation documents with Virginia State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Business Entity Registration Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. Include a copy of the entity's formation certificate and organizational documents (bylaws and charter if a corporation, partnership agreement if a partnership). If using a trade or fictitious name, also include a copy of the certificate filed with the State Corporation Commission to register the name.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File foreign qualification documents with Virginia State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Business Entity Registration Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects. Include a copy of the entity's foreign qualification certificate and, if a corporation, the entity's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and charter. If using a trade or fictitious name, also include a copy of the certificate filed with the State Corporation Commission to register the name.
Required Attachments:
  • If an assumed/fictitious name is to be used, a copy of the certificate filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) must be attached.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$45

Due:

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

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

The department automatically mails a renewal notice to the business address of record approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date.

Amendment
Change of Status

Form:

Business Entity Application (Change of Status)

Filing Method:

Email to apelscidla@dpor.virginia.gov

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Any changes of status including, but not limited to, change in entity, name (including assumed names), address, place of business or responsible persons at each place of business must be reported to the board by the registered entity within 30 days of the occurrence.

Law:

18 VAC 10-20-660

Notarization Required?:Required

Reinstatement

Form:

Business Entity Registration Application (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$150 for licenses expired for at least 6 months but less than 5 years and $300 for licenses expired for more than 5 years.

Virginia Geology Firm License

Not required



Geoscience Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Virginia.

More information: Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists

Virginia Professional Corporation Branch Office Registration

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

Initial Registration

Form:

Professional Corporation Branch Office Application

Agency Fee:

$30

Turnaround:

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

Registration Renewal

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

No forms are provided for amendments; instead firms should submit updates to their registration via mail.

Reinstatement

Form:

Professional Corporation Branch Office Application (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$55 for licenses expired for 30 days or more.

Virginia Professional Corporation Registration

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

VA Code § 54.1-411

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Professional Corporations
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

Domestic Professional Corporations:

  • At least 2/3 of the capital stock must be held by persons duly licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor, surveyor photogrammetrist, landscape architect, or to individuals legally authorized to use the title of certified interior designer.
  • The remainder of the stock may be issued only to and held by individuals who are employees of the corporation.
  • At least 2/3 of the Board of Directors shall be licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor (including surveyor photogrammetrist), landscape architect, or duly certified to use the title of certified interior designer, or any combination thereof.
  • At least one director currently licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced shall be resident at the business to provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.
  • Joint ownership of corporate stock is not allowed.

Foreign Professional Corporations:

  • At least 2/3 of the Board of Directors shall be licensed to render the services of architect, professional engineer, land surveyor (including surveyor photogrammetrist), landscape architect, or duly certified to use the title of certified interior designer, or any combination thereof.
  • At least one director currently licensed or certified in each profession offered or practiced shall be resident at the business to provide effective supervision and control of the final professional product.

 

Initial Registration

Form:

Professional Corporation Application

Agency Fee:

$30

Turnaround:

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

Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.
  • Obtain certified copies of the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and charter to submit with the license application.
  • Check the ownership requirements and ensure that the entity is in compliance with all relevant rules regarding ownership.

Foreign Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.
  • Check the ownership requirements and ensure that the entity is in compliance with all relevant rules regarding ownership.
  • Obtain certified copies of the entity's formation documents from its home state including all amendments and mergers to be filed with foreign qualification documents. The certified copies must be dated within 1 year of the date of filing foreign qualification documents in Virginia.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File articles of incorporation with State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Professional Corporation Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects along with certified copies of the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and charter.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File a certificate of authority application with State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Professional Corporation Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects along with certified copies of the corporation's articles of incorporation, bylaws, and charter, and certificate of authority.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$25

Due:

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

Notes:

The department automatically mails a renewal notice to the business address of record approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date.

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

No forms are provided for amendments; instead firms should submit updates to their registration via mail.

Reinstatement

Form:

Professional Corporation Application

Agency Fee:

$125 for licenses expired for at least 6 months but less than 5 years and $275 for licenses expired for more than 5 years.

Virginia Professional Limited Liability Company Branch Office Registration

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

Initial Registration

Form:

Professional Limited Liability Company Branch Office Application

Agency Fee:

$50

Turnaround:

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

Registration Renewal

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

No forms are provided for amendments; instead firms should submit updates to their registration via mail.

Reinstatement

Form:

Professional Limited Liability Company Branch Office Application (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$80 for licenses expired for 30 days or more.

Virginia Professional Limited Liability Company Registration

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

VA Code § 54.1-411

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Professional Limited Liability Companies
Ownership Requirements:

Domestic Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least 2/3 of the membership interests shall be held by individuals duly licensed or professional business entities legally authorized to render the services of architects, professional engineers, land surveyors, surveyor photogrammetrists, landscape architects, or by individuals or professional business entities legally authorized to use the title of certified interior designer.

Foreign Professional Limited Liability Companies:

  • Foreign PLLCs must meet every requirement of § 13.1-1111 of the Code of Virginia except for the requirement that two-thirds of its members and managers be licensed or certified to perform the professional service in this Commonwealth.

Initial Registration

Form:

Professional Limited Liability Company Application

Agency Fee:

$100

Turnaround:

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

Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.
  • Obtain certified copies of the LLC's certificate of organization to be filed with the license application.
  • Check the ownership requirements and ensure that the entity is in compliance with all relevant rules regarding ownership.

Foreign Applicants:

  • For each of the professional services performed by the firm, identify a Virginia licensed design professional to act as the individual in responsible charge of the firm's professional activities in Virginia.
  • Obtain certified copies of the entity's formation documents from its home state including all amendments and mergers to be filed with foreign qualification documents. The certified copies must be dated within 1 year of the date of filing foreign qualification documents in Virginia.
  • Check the ownership requirements and ensure that the entity is in compliance with all relevant rules regarding ownership.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File certificate of organization with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Professional Limited Liability Company Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects along with certified copies of the LLC's certificate of organization and either the articles of organization or operating agreement.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. File a certificate of authority application with State Corporation Commission.
  2. Submit a Professional Limited Liability Company Application with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects along with certified copies of the LLC's certificate of organization, articles of organization or operating agreement, and certificate of authority.

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$50

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Amendment

Agency Fee:

$0

Notes:

No forms are provided for amendments; instead firms should submit updates to their registration via mail.

Reinstatement

Form:

Professional Limited Liability Company Application (Reinstatement)

Agency Fee:

$150 for licenses expired for at least 6 months but less than 5 years and $300 for licenses expired for more than 5 years.

Individual Licenses

Virginia Individual Engineering Licenses

Virginia Engineer-in-Training Designation

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

Initial Registration

Form:

EIT Designation Application

Agency Fee:

$30

Renewal Not Required

Not required



Virginia Geologist-in-Training Designation

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists

Initial Registration

Form:

Geologist-In-Training Designation Application

Agency Fee:

$20

Renewal Not Required

Not required



The designation of GIT will remain valid until the individual meets all requirements for certification as a Virginia certified professional geologist.

Virginia Land Surveyor B License

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

Initial Registration

Form:

LS-B License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Registration Renewal

Form:

LS and LS-B License Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Land Surveyor License

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

Initial Registration

Form:

LS License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

LS License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Required Attachments:
  • Verification of Examination and Licensure Form to verify a passing grade on the Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Land Surveying Examinations (verification of the FS Examination is not required if the exam was passed in Virginia);
  • Degree Verification Form(s) or official high school/college/university transcripts.
  • Completion of an apprenticeship program (if applicable); and
  • Experience Verification Form(s) documenting a minimum of 4 years of experience under the supervision of a licensed land surveyor or a licensed Surveyor Photogrammetrists.

Registration Renewal

Form:

LS and LS-B License Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Professional Engineer License

Agency:Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects
Exam Required?Yes
Allow Digital Signatures?Yes
Digital Signature Guidelines:

See digital sealing guidelines.

Allow Digital Sealing?Yes
Digital Sealing Guidelines:

C. An electronic seal, signature, and date are permitted to be used in lieu of an original seal, signature, and date when the following criteria, and all other requirements of this section, are met:

  1. It is a unique identification of the professional;
  2. It is verifiable; and
  3. It is under the professional's direct control.

18 VAC 10-20-760

Initial Registration

Form:

PE License Application

Agency Fee:

$60

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

PE License Application

Agency Fee:

$60

Required Attachments:

Comity Applicants with an NCEES Council Record:

  • Professional Engineer License Application
  • Three current Professional Engineer Reference Forms (less than one year old) completed by licensed professional engineers (in a state, territory, or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia) - references must have known the applicant for at least one year and been associated with the applicant within the last 5 years; and
  • An NCEES Council Record (submitted directly to the Virginia Board)

 

Comity Applicants without an NCEES Council Record:

  • Professional Engineer License Application
  • Three current Professional Engineer Reference Forms (less than one year old) completed by licensed professional engineers (in a state, territory, or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia) - references must have known the applicant for at least one year and been associated with the applicant within the last 5 years;
  • A completed Experience Verification Form(s) to document all required experience;
  • A completed Degree Verification Form; and
  • A completed Verification of Examination and Licensure Form to verify a passing grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering and Principles and Practice of Engineering Examinations (verification of the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination is not required if the FE Examination was passed in Virginia).

Registration Renewal

Form:

PE License Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$80

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Not required

Virginia Professional Geologist Certification

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists
Allow Digital Signatures?No
Digital Signature Guidelines:

Virginia does not have provisions for the use of electronic signatures.

Allow Digital Sealing?No
Digital Sealing Guidelines:

Virginia does not have provisions for the use of digital seals.

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Certification/Reinstatement

Agency Fee:

$90

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

Application for Certification/Reinstatement

Agency Fee:

$90

Required Attachments:
  • Certification of Regulant Status/Certification of Licensure/Letter of Good Standing from home state
  • List of other states where applicant also holds a license

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$70

Due:

By August 31 of odd-numbered years.

Virginia Professional Soil Scientist License

Agency:Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists

Initial Registration

Form:

License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Registration Renewal

Form:

Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$70

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of initial licensure.

Virginia Surveyor Photogrammetrist License

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

Initial Registration

Form:

SP License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

SP License Application

Agency Fee:

$90

Required Attachments:
  • Surveyor Photogrammetrist License Application
  • Degree Verification Form(s)
  • Documentation of completion of an apprenticeship program (if applicable)
  • Experience Verification Forms documenting the required experience; and
  • Verification of Examination and Licensure Form to verify a passing grade on the Fundamentals of Land Surveying (FLS) and Board-approved Surveyor Photogrammetrist Examination (verification of the FLS Examination is not required if the exam was passed in Virginia).

Registration Renewal

Form:

SP License Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$90

Due:

Biennially by the end of the month of issuance.

Virginia Surveyor-in-Training Designation

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

Initial Registration

Form:

SIT Designation Application

Agency Fee:

$60

Renewal Not Required

Not required



The EIT designation remains valid indefinitely.

Learn about engineering licensing in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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.

Revised February 20, 2023. Complete data last reviewed February 20, 2023.
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