Texas Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Texas.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Texas 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
Texas Architecture Company Licenses
Texas Business Registration
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Texas for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $45 |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Texas and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $45 |
| Due: | Annually by date of initial issuance. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarize: | Not required |
| Notes: | Renewal email reminders are sent approximately 6 weeks and 2 weeks before the expiration date. |
Individual Licenses
Texas Individual Architecture Licenses
Texas Architect License
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Texas for the first time.
| Form: | http://www.tbae.state.tx.us/HowToApply/Architects_RegByExam |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $100 exam fee ($25.00 annual record maintenance fee while testing may be required.) |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Texas.
| Agency Fee: | $150 Reciprocal Application plus $200 Reciprocal Registration fee |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Texas and need to renew their license.
| Agency Fee: | $105 resident, $200 Non-resident |
| Due: | Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarize: | Not required |
Texas Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 exam fee + $155 registration fee for residents or $180 registration fee for nonresidents |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $105 for residents and $200 for nonresidents |
| Due: | Annually |
Texas Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Texas Board of Architectural Examiners: Architects, Interior Designers, Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $105 for Texas residents and $200 for foreign licensees. |
| Due: | Annually by the last day of the licensee's birth month. |
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.
