Michigan Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Michigan.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Michigan 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
Michigan Architecture Company Licenses
Michigan Architecture, Engineering, or Surveying Firm Approval
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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Renewal Not Required
Not required
No renewal application is required, but upon request by the department, a firm shall report to the department the names and addresses of its principals, persons in responsible charge, unlicensed principals, and any other information the department considers necessary.
Michigan Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Michigan.
Michigan does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Michigan Individual Architecture Licenses
Michigan Architect License
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Michigan for the first time.
| Form: | http://www.michigan.gov/architects Click on Forms & Publications |
| Agency Fee: | $65.00 application fee. No exam fee; Michigan is Direct Registration and is Not involved in the exam process. |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Michigan.
| Agency Fee: | $65 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Michigan and need to renew their license.
| Agency Fee: | $70 |
| Due: | Biennially by October 31 |
Michigan Interior Designer License
Not required
Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Michigan.
Michigan Landscape Architect License
| Agency: | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Professional Licensing |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Landscape Architects License/Relicensure/Reinstatement Application |
| Agency Fee: | $260 if applying during the second half of the biennial license period and $320 if applying during the first half of the biennial licensing period. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $120 |
| Due: | Biennially by July 31. |
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.
