California Architects

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

• An architect license expires in odd-numbered years (i.e., 2019, 2021, 2023, 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 be completed within the previous two years;
• Licensees must certify completion of required coursework; and
• Licensees must answer all questions on the renewal application, including whether they have been disciplined by a public agency or convicted of a crime.

Submitting a timely renewal is critical for ensuring a license remains current. Renewal notices are sent to a licensee’s address of record (the address on-file with the Board) approximately 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Licensees who do not receive the renewal notice within 60 days of their license expiration date may renew by mailing a completed 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 § 5600.05). Licensees are required to maintain their coursework records for two years from the date of license 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.

Licensees should carefully review their renewal form for completeness before submitting to the Board. Those 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 provided 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, in addition to any 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. A wall license and pocket receipt will be mailed once the renewal is processed. The license must be displayed in a public area where the licensee provides services.

Architects serving in the US Armed Forces or the California National Guard will receive a waiver of all renewal requirements if certain conditions are met. The renewal requirements are waived during the time a licensee is serving on active duty. The licensee must provide a notice of discharge date within 60 days of receipt when returning from active duty. More information can be found on our website under waiver 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. Licensees are unable to practice architecture with an expired license.