Virginia Engineering Industry Licensing
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.
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: | |
Filing Method: | Typically 3-5 business days, but could take as long as 3 weeks. |
Agency Fee: | $45 |
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $35 |
Due: | By February 28 of even-numbered years. |
Amendment
Change of Status
Form: | |
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: | |
Notarization Required?: | Required |
Reinstatement
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $80 for licenses expired for 30 days or more. |
Virginia Business Entity Registration
Initial Registration
Form: | |
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:
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
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: | |
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: | |
Notarization Required?: | Required |
Reinstatement
Form: | |
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 Professional Corporation Branch Office Registration
Agency: | Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $30 |
Turnaround: | Typically 3-5 business days, but could take as long as 3 weeks. |
Registration 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
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $30 |
Turnaround: | Typically 3-5 business days, but could take as long as 3 weeks. |
Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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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: | |
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: | |
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
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $100 |
Turnaround: | Typically 3-5 business days, but could take as long as 3 weeks. |
Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
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 Geologist-in-Training Designation
Agency: | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists |
Initial Registration
Form: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Registration 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: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Due: | Biennially by the end of the month of issuance. |
Virginia Professional Engineer License
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $60 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $60 |
Required Attachments: | Comity Applicants with an NCEES Council Record:
Comity Applicants without an NCEES Council Record:
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Registration 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
Initial Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
Filing Method: | |
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: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Registration 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: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Reciprocal Registration
Form: | |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Required Attachments: |
|
Registration Renewal
Form: | |
Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
Agency Fee: | $90 |
Due: | Biennially by the end of the month of issuance. |
Learn about engineering licensing in other states:
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.