2015 Edition, Issue 1


License Renewal Reminders

Architects serving in the US Armed Forces or the California National Guard can receive a temporary waiver of all renewal requirements if certain conditions are met. The renewal requirements are only waived during the period of time that a licensee is serving on active duty, and the licensee must provide a notice of discharge date within 60 days of receipt.

Licensees are reminded to always be aware of the current renewal requirements. To help licensees, the Board has developed a list of helpful reminders:

  • An architect license expires in odd-numbered years (i.e., 2015, 2017, 2019, etc.);
  • The expiration date is the last day of the licensee’s birth month;
  • Prior to renewal, five hours of coursework on disability access requirements must have been completed within the previous two years;
  • Licensees must certify completion of required coursework; and
  • Licensees must answer all questions, including whether they have been disciplined by a public agency or convicted of a crime.

On-time renewal is critical for ensuring that a license is current. Renewal notices are sent to a licensee’s address of record approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Licensees are required to maintain a current address of record with the Board. Licensees who do not receive the renewal notice within 60 days of their license expiration date may renew by mailing a complete renewal application and paying the appropriate fee.

In addition, licensees are reminded that information regarding the required coursework may be found under the "Licensees" tab on the Board’s website (coursework must meet the requirements set forth in Business and Professions Code section 5600.05). Licensees are required to maintain their coursework records for at least two years from the date of renewal and make those records available to the Board for auditing upon request.

The most frequent cause of delay in the Board’s processing of a renewal application is incomplete information. Some examples include:

  • Not answering the questions; and
  • Not signing/dating the renewal form.

Licensees should carefully review their renewal form for completeness.

Licensees who have complied with the renewal requirements (complete application, signature, correct fee, etc.) prior to the license expiration may engage in the legal practice of architecture after license expiration as long as the delay was not the fault of the licensee. If a license is renewed more than 30 days after its expiration, a $100 delinquency fee is required, including all accrued and unpaid renewal fees.

Licensees can check the status of their license by visiting the Board’s website and using the license verification tool. Once license renewals are processed, licensees will receive a renewal license (8.5″ × 3.5″) and a pocket receipt (3.5″ × 2.3″). The renewal license must be displayed in a public area where the licensee provides licensed services.

Architects serving in the US Armed Forces or the California National Guard can receive a temporary waiver of all renewal requirements if certain conditions are met. The renewal requirements are only waived during the period of time that a licensee is serving on active duty, and the licensee must provide a notice of discharge date within 60 days of receipt. More information can be found on the Board’s renewing a license webpage for active duty military licensees.

Licensees are also reminded that late renewals can result in citations for unlicensed practice, so every effort should be made to ensure that a current address is on file with the Board and that renewals are submitted in a timely manner.

Architects planning on retiring may apply to become a Retired Architect as long as their license has not become nonrenewable (expired more than five years). Check out the Board’s retired license webpage for more information.