50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
An overview look of an architectures blueprints

Landscape Architecture Firm Licensing

Explore the Licensing Landscape: The map below illustrates nationwide licensing requirements for landscape architecture firms.

Click on a state to read about detailed license requirements in that state.
28 States Do Not Require Firm Licensure
19 States (and D.C.) Require Firm Licensure
3 States Require Firm Registration or Other Prerequisites

Overview of Landscape Architecture Firm Licensing Requirements

In addition to individual landscape architect licensing requirements, many states require firms that provide landscape architecture services to be licensed as well. While not every state requires licensure of firms, there are often ownership, corporate structure, and entity name requirements to meet.

Before applying for a license, firms should identify a licensed landscape architect to serve as their landscape architect in responsible charge. The landscape architect in charge must have an active license in the state and is generally required to be an employee of the firm, although some states, like Oklahoma, require this individual to also hold a legal position within the firm.

License application requirements vary by state, but many applications ask for:

  • Business entity information
  • A list of officers or owners of the firm
  • Landscape architect-in-charge information
  • A certificate of authority (for out-of-state entities)
  • A certificate of good standing from the secretary of state
  • Application fees

Firms operating in more than one location within the same state will likely also need to provide landscape architect-in-charge and contact information for each of their branch office locations. In some states, each branch office must obtain its own firm registration or license.

Landscape architecture firms that provide other design services like architectural or interior design work will typically need a separate license for each professional service they provide. A few states do, however, issue design firm licenses that cover a multitude of architectural disciplines, as well as engineering and land surveying, under a single license.

Multi-State Licensure

Geology firms pursuing projects outside of their home state should expect to have to register with the board of geologists, secretary of state, and sometimes the department of revenue before providing services in a new state. In states with no licensing requirement for businesses, firms should still make sure that they are clear to operate in the jurisdiction under their entity type and that there is a licensed professional geologist in charge of all geology-related services for the firm.

For states with a licensing requirement for firms, the order of the licensing process varies. Some states require firms to foreign qualify their business entity with the secretary of state before applying for a geology firm license, while others give firms the flexibility to complete these registrations in the order they choose.

Firms should also apply for any necessary tax-related registrations before providing geologic services in a state. Corporate income tax, withholding tax, and unemployment insurance tax registrations are commonly required when doing business in a new state.

Maintaining Compliance

After licenses and registrations are obtained, firms must file renewals to remain in good standing. Geology firm licenses renew on an annual or biennial basis in every state except for New York, which requires firms to renew their license every three years. Along with license renewal, firms may also need to submit annual reports to maintain their entity registration with the secretary of state.

In addition to these structured renewal events, firms must also report address, contact information, qualifying individual, and ownership changes as they occur. States typically require these types of changes to be reported within 10 or 20 days of their occurrence.

Firms should also track continuing education requirements to ensure that their qualifying individuals meet their individual license renewal requirements. Geologists in charge who fail to meet renewal requirements will jeopardize the good standing of the firm license.

A loss of good standing with the board of geologists or secretary of state typically results in the payment of penalty fees to reinstate, and registrations left delinquent for long enough can become dissolved entirely. Maintaining compliance in these areas is the key to avoiding unnecessary penalties and preventing costly delays caused by delinquent registrations.

Keeping up with each state’s requirements, tracking renewals, and submitting the applications on time are critical to avoiding penalties. Our compliance software and services can help you keep track of varying jurisdiction requirements and relevant updates to state laws.

Firm License Requirements by State

Looking for architecture certification requirements in a particular jurisdiction? The following table summarizes architecture firm licensing requirements across the United States. Click on any state for the licensing information specific to that state.

Alabama

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Agency

Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

License Renewal

Alaska

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Agency

Alaska State Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors

Initial Application

Fee:

$200 application fee + $300 registration fee

Form:

Certificate of Authorization for Corporate LLC, or LLP Practice

Filing Method:

Mail or fax.

License Renewal

Fee:

$300. Firms that obtained a license in the second half of the renewal period and are renewing for the first time pay a prorated fee of $150.

Form:

Biennial Certificate of Authorization Renewal for Corporate LLC or LLP Practice

Filing Method:

Mail

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Arizona

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Agency

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

Initial Application

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Branch Registration 

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Branch Registration (Renewal)

Filing Method:

Mail

Due:

Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.


Agency

Arizona State Board of Technical Registration

Initial Application

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Firm Registration 

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Annual Firm Registration (Renewal)

Due:

Annually by the initial registration anniversary date. Renewals can be filed as early as 30 days prior to the expiration date.

Arkansas

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Arkansas

California

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in California

Colorado

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Colorado

Connecticut

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Agency

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Occupational and Professional Licensing Division

License Renewal

Fee:

$375

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by April 30.


Agency

Connecticut State Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$200

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by July 31.

Delaware

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Agency

Delaware Board of Landscape Architecture

License Renewal

Fee:

You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

District of Columbia

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Agency

District of Columbia Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration - Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture

Initial Application

Fee:

$99

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$99

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By April 30 of even-numbered years. Renewals may be submitted as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.

Florida

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Agency

Florida Board of Landscape Architecture

Initial Application

Fee:

$0

Form:

Form LA 8: Qualify a Business

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

License Renewal

Georgia

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Georgia

Hawaii

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Hawaii

Idaho

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Idaho

Illinois

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Illinois

Indiana

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Indiana

Iowa

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Iowa

Kansas

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Agency

Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$95

Form:

Business Entity Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:
  • Business entities with names beginning with A-L renew by December 31 in even-numbered years; M-Z renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 60 days prior to the expiration date. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1 where no penalties are issued for late filing.

Kentucky

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Kentucky

Licenses are not issued at the state level for landscape architect firms in Kentucky, but individual landscape architects must include firm information in their license application.

Louisiana

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Louisiana

Licenses are not issued at the state level for landscape architect firms in Louisiana, but individual landscape architects must include firm information in their license application.

Maine

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Maine

Maryland

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Agency

Maryland Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$35 application fee + $100 permit fee.

Filing Method:

File an application online then email a managing agent certification form to dloplboardofexaminersoflandscapearchitects-dllr@maryland.gov.

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the date of initial registration.

Massachusetts

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Massachusetts

Michigan

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Agency

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Professional Licensing

Initial Application

Fee:

$0

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Minnesota

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More Info

Agency

Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Form:

Professional Firm Registration Application

Filing Method:

Mail

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Professional Firm Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Mail

Due:

Annually by December 31.

Mississippi

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Mississippi

Missouri

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Agency

Missouri Board For Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors and Professional Landscape Architects

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Filing Method:

Online

Due:
  • Licenses originally issued in even-numbered years expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year and licenses originally issued in odd-numbered years expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
  • Renewals may be filed as early as 3 months prior to the expiration date.

Montana

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Montana

Nebraska

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Nebraska

Nevada

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Nevada

New Hampshire

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Not Required

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

New Jersey

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Agency

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - State Board of Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$100 application fee + $250 license fee if applying during the second year of the renewal period or $500 if applying during the first year of the renewal period.

Form:

Application for a Certificate of Authorization to Provide or Offer to Provide Landscape Architectural Services

License Renewal

Fee:

$500

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By May 31 of even-numbered years.

New Mexico

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Not Required

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

New York

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Not Required

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

  • New York does currently license landscape architectural firms, however, firms must follow procedures established by the Education Department when incorporating or foreign qualifying.

North Carolina

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Agency

North Carolina Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$100 application fee + $250 certificate fee due after application is approved.

Form:

Application For Organization Certificate of Registration or Application For Organization Certificate of Registration - PLLC

License Renewal

Fee:

$250

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by June 30.

North Dakota

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in North Dakota

Ohio

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Agency

Ohio Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$125

Form:

Firms can apply online but must also submit a Firm Ownership Spreadsheet with the online application.

License Renewal

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Oklahoma

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Agency

Oklahoma Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Registered Interior Designers

Initial Application

Fee:

$325

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$325

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By June 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewals may be filed as early as 90 days prior to the expiration date.

Oregon

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Agency

Oregon State Landscape Architect Board

Initial Application

Fee:

$100.00 application fee + $225.00 registration fee + $50.00 initial statement of responsibility filing

Form:

Application for Business Registration

License Renewal

Fee:

$225

Due:

Annually by the last day of the month that the registration was initially issued in.

Pennsylvania

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

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Agency

Rhode Island Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$60

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$120

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By June 30 of even-numbered years.

South Carolina

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More Info

Agency

South Carolina Board of Landscape Architectural Examiners

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$400

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

South Dakota

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More Info

Agency

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation: Board of Technical Professions

Initial Application

Fee:

$100

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$80

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Biennially by the date of issuance.

Tennessee

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More Info

Agency

Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance - Tennessee Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners

Initial Application

Fee:

$0

Form:

Corporation, Partnership, and Firm Disclosure

Filing Method:

Mail, fax, or email to sundra.dunlap@tn.gov

License Renewal

Texas

Our Resources:

More Info

Agency

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

Initial Application

Fee:

$45

Filing Method:

Online

License Renewal

Fee:

$45

Filing Method:

Online

Due:

Annually by date of initial issuance.

Utah

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Utah

Vermont

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Vermont

Virginia

Our Resources:

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Agency

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

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$35

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

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

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$45

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

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


Agency

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

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

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

Initial Application

License Renewal

Fee:

$25

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Due:

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


Agency

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

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Branch Office Renewal Form

Due:

By February 28 of even-numbered years.


Agency

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

License Renewal

Fee:

$50

Form:

Business Entity Registration Renewal Form

Due:

By December 31 of odd-numbered years.

Washington

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Washington

West Virginia

Our Resources:

More Info

Agency

West Virginia Board of Landscape Architects

Initial Application

Fee:

$150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $20 for sole proprietorships

License Renewal

Fee:

$150 for firms with two or more licensed landscape architects; $15 for sole proprietorships

Due:

Annually by June 30.

Wisconsin

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Wisconsin

Wyoming

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Not Required

Landscape Architecture Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Wyoming

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.

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