Washington Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Washington.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Washington 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
Washington Architecture Company Licenses
Washington Design Firm Certificate of Authorization
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Washington for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Form: | Business License Application and Registered Professional Design Firm Addendum |
| Agency Fee: | $19 business license fee + $292 new application fee + $6.50 surcharge fee |
| Turnaround: | 4-5 weeks |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Notes: | Firms with branch offices in Washington are required to designate a currently licensed professional engineer and/or land surveyor who will be in “responsible charge” for the services offered at the branch location |
| 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 Washington and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $145.50 renewal fee + $11 processing fee. |
| Due: | Annually by date of initial issuance. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
| Notes: | Renewal notices are emailed to license holders about 6 weeks prior to the expiration date. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
Washington Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Washington.
Washington does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Washington Individual Architecture Licenses
Washington Architect License
| Agency: | Washington State Department of Licensing - State Board of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Washington for the first time.
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | Architect by Direct Registration with NCARB or Architect by Exam |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $216.50 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Washington.
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $520.50 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Washington and need to renew their license.
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $109 renewal fee + $6.50 Washington State Building Code Council fee |
| Due: | Biennially by the licensee's date of birth. Licenses can be renewed starting 120 days from the expiration date. |
Washington Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Washington.
Washington Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Washington Board of Licensure for Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | Landscape architect with accredited degree or Landscape architect without an accredited degree |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $328 application fee + $590 license fee |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $590 application fee + $590 license fee |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $590 |
| Due: | Biennially by the licensee's date of birth. Licenses can be renewed starting 120 days from the expiration date. |
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.
