LICENSING/REGISTRATION

REQUIREMENTS:

To be granted initial registration in Louisiana, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Be of good moral character.
2. Hold a professional degree in architecture from a degree program accredited by the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board).
3. Complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requirements as established by NCARB and found in the AXP Guidelines.
4. Complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE®). Further information about the rules to sit for the examination can be found in the ARE Guidelines.
5. NCARB submits the applicant’s record to the board.

You cannot create an account on our Licensing Portal to begin your application until NCARB has transmitted your completed record to us.  Once we receive your transmittal, you will receive an email from the board with instructions on establishing your online account.

Candidates must have a NAAB accredited degree in architecture to sit for the ARE.  You may report experience hours and concurrently engage in completing the ARE.  If you have identified Louisiana as your preferred state for initial licensure, NCARB will send (transmit) your record once you have successfully completed your education, experience (AXP) hours, and examination (ARE.)

All candidates for licensure in Louisiana must establish an NCARB Record, which provides them with a repository to document their education and experience hours and track their examination progress.

NCARB records are only valid for one year after submission.  If you have not completed the application process after one year, you must have your updated NCARB records retransmitted to the board.

Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will be closed, and resubmission will be required.

Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year.

For questions related to the transmittal process, exam(s), education, and experience hours, please contact NCARB.

For questions related to our initial licensure application, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

Click below to see an example of our Initial Application. Please do NOT submit the example application; this is for reference purposes only. All applications must be completed and submitted online via our Licensing Portal:

• Example of the Initial License Application

To obtain a reciprocal registration in Louisiana, all applicants must hold a current and valid license in a U.S. jurisdiction.

Individuals interested in becoming licensed in Louisiana should contact NCARB to establish a certificate or to have their NCARB record transmitted to Louisiana.

You cannot create an account on our Licensing Portal to begin your application until NCARB has transmitted your completed record to us.  Once we receive your transmittal, the board will email you with instructions on establishing your online account.  Before issuing the license, the board may, at its discretion, require individual applicants to submit additional information.

NCARB records are only valid for one year after submission.  If you have not completed the application process after one year, you must have your updated NCARB records retransmitted to the board.

Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation is received, if any is required.

Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will be closed and resubmittal will be required.

Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year.

For questions related to the transmittal process, please contact NCARB.

For questions related to our reciprocal licensure applications, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

Click below to see an example of our Reciprocal Application. Please do NOT submit the example application; this is for reference purposes only. All applications must be completed and submitted online via our Licensing Portal:

• Example of the Reciprocal License Application

Individuals seeking reciprocal licensure under the Welcome Home Act of 2024 (Act 253 and Act 568) should contact the office to obtain an application.

Click below to see an example of our Welcome Home Reciprocal Application. Please do NOT submit the example application; this is for reference purposes only.

• Example of the Welcome Home Reciprocal Application

Click here to access the Licensing Portal. If you have not done so already, you will have to create an account by establishing a User ID and password.  Your User ID will be the e-mail address on file with the Board. We do not have paper renewals, all applications are online via our portal.

The licensure period for individual architects runs from January 1 through December 31 each year. A reminder notice is e-mailed to the e-mail address(es) we have on file. Notices regarding licensure status are sent only as a courtesy of the board. The ultimate responsibility for licensure renewal rests with the licensed professional. All renewals, including payment, must be  received in the board office by midnight CST on December 31. Mailed payments must be postmarked by December 31.

A registrant who does not properly renew his or her license may not practice after the expiration of the license. A registrant who continues to practice using an expired license will be subject to such disciplinary action as the board deems appropriate.

For questions related to licensure renewal, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

Click here to access our Licensing Portal to begin your reinstatement application.

An architect whose license has lapsed more than 91 days will be considered expired and must complete the Reinstatement Application. You will be asked to certify that you have earned all required HSW continuing education hours as outlined below (Rule §1315.J) and submit documentation showing completion of such hours.

If your email address has changed and needs to be updated to access your log-in on the Licensing Portal, please click here to access the Forms page of our website to complete and submit the “Architect Email Address Change Form“.

Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation is received. Applications that are not completed within 90 days of submittal will become invalid.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Registrations expired 4 to 12 months – Architects must provide proof of twelve (12) CEHs in HSW. Hours must have been earned within the last 12 months from the date of application.

Registrations expired 13 months or longer – Architects must provide proof of twenty-four (24) CEHs in HSW. Hours must have been earned within the last 24 months from the date of application.

Architects practicing architecture in Louisiana without renewing their license will be assessed a fine of up to $1,000 per year and will be publicly reprimanded.

Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.

For questions related to reinstatement, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

INITIAL REGISTRATION FEES (Effective November 1, 2019):

In-State Initial Registration: $90 

Out-of-State Initial Registration: $150 

RECIPROCAL REGISTRATION FEES (Effective November 1, 2019):

In-State Reciprocal Registration: $150

Out-of-State Reciprocal Registration: $300 

RENEWAL FEES (Effective November 1, 2019):

In-State Renewal: $90 

Out-of-State Renewal: $175 

Emeritus Renewal: $5

DELINQUENT/REINSTATEMENT FEES (Effective November 1, 2019):

In-State Delinquent/Reinstatement: $110 Reinstatement Fee + $90 Renewal Fee = $200 

Out-of-State Delinquent/Reinstatement: $200 Reinstatement Fee + $175 Renewal Fee = $375 

REPLACEMENT CERTIFICATE FEE (Rule 1105. B):

Replacement of large wall certificate: $30 (see Forms page to submit for replacement)

Please note that if your renewal is delinquent, you must pay BOTH the delinquent/reinstatement fee and the renewal fee. Furthermore, practicing architecture in Louisiana without the proper license may lead to fines.

Initial Licensure

• The military-trained applicant must demonstrate that, while in the active United States military service, the applicant completed and passed a program of training in architecture conducted by a branch of the United States military, was awarded a military occupational specialty in architecture, and thereafter satisfactorily practiced architecture at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding the education, training and examination requirements of R.S. 37:146 for licensure, and
• The applicant must not have been disciplined by any military branch or any jurisdiction for any act that would have constituted grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of a license in Louisiana; and
• The applicant may not have received a dishonorable discharge from the military.

Reciprocal Licensure:

• Applicants who have achieved licensure in another jurisdiction by meeting the above stated requirements in another jurisdiction and who hold a current license in good standing and the requirements of that jurisdiction at the time the license was issued are substantially equivalent to the Louisiana requirements for licensure shall be granted a license to practice architecture in Louisiana.

Licensure for Military Spouses

• A military spouse who holds a current license in good standing to practice architecture in any other U.S. jurisdiction and the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to or exceed the requirements for licensure in Louisiana at the time the originating license was issued will be granted a license to practice architecture in Louisiana when such individual is able to document the following:
  • Military spouse must be able to demonstrate competence in the practice of architecture,
  • Military spouse must not have been disciplined by any jurisdiction for any act that would constitute grounds for refusal, suspension or revocation of licensure in Louisiana, and
  • Military spouse is in good standing and has not been disciplined by the jurisdiction or agency that issued the license to the military spouse.

The legislature has enacted laws that govern all firms practicing architecture in Louisiana. In accordance with those laws, the LSBAE has adopted rules to regulate the registration of such firms. Any business practicing architecture in Louisiana must obtain registration with LSBAE. The registration period for all firms is July 1 through June 30 each year.

FIRM REGISTRATION IS BASED ON YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE

There are three (3) categories from which to choose for firm registration.

A sole proprietorship practicing architecture in Louisiana in the name of an individual registered with the board is not required to obtain a certificate of authority to practice architecture in Louisiana.  However, if you are a sole practitioner who has incorporated your business or is practicing under your name as an LLC or other entity, you must register your firm.  A complete set of the LSBAE rules surrounding firm registration can be found here.

It is the responsibility of the firm owner to meet the requirements for operating a business in the state of Louisiana by registering with the Louisiana Secretary of State. We recommend contacting your attorney or CPA for guidance on business registration with the state.

To begin the firm application process, click here to access the Forms page of our website to complete and submit the “Firm Application Request Form“.

Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will be closed and resubmittal will be required.

Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.

To access the Licensing Portal, click here.

DETERMINE YOUR FIRM’S STRUCTURE:

1. PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECTURAL CORPORATION (PAC):

This category applies only to architectural firms that are incorporated and does not apply to Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP). There are ownership (shareholder) and control (director) requirements that must be met to register as a Professional Architectural Corporation. To register as a PAC, a firm must be lawfully incorporated, and a majority of shares must be held by a licensed Louisiana architect or by a holding company, of which a majority of shares are owned by licensed Louisiana architects. See La. R. S. 12:1090. In addition, depending on the number of directors, a majority of the directors must be licensed Louisiana architects. For more information, see La. 12:1086 et seq., particularly R.S. 12:1095 for director requirements.

2. ARCHITECTURAL-ENGINEERING CORPORATION (AEC):

This category applies to firms that are incorporated and include one or more licensed architects and one or more licensed engineers. LA R. S. 12:1171 identifies these firms as Architectural Engineering Corporations and requires that such firms maintain current records regarding a designated Louisiana-registered supervising professional architect with LSBAE and a designated Louisiana-registered supervising professional engineer with the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (LAPELS). For more information, see La. R.S. 12:1171 et seq., particularly R.S. 12:1173 for designation requirements. This does not apply to Limited Liability Companies (LLC) or Partnerships (LLP) who have practiced both architecture and engineering.

3. ARCHITECTURAL FIRM (AF):

Any other business type that practices architecture must register as an Architectural Firm.  Firms that may qualify for registration as an Architectural Firm include corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or partnerships, associations, sole proprietorships, or other entities lawfully organized under the laws of Louisiana or other jurisdictions for the purpose of practicing architecture.

To register, such firm must designate in its application one or more supervising professional architects who shall perform or directly supervise the performance of all architectural services by the firm in Louisiana.  See Board Rule §1705.G.  Only a Louisiana licensed architect who is a full-time active employee of the firm and whose primary occupation is with that firm may be designated.  There are no shareholder or control requirements to register as an Architectural Firm (AF).

Click below to see examples of our Firm Applications. Please do NOT submit an example application; these are for reference purposes only. All applications must be completed and submitted online via our Licensing Portal:

• Example of the AC Firm Application (Multiple Shareholders)
• Example of the AC Firm Application (Sole Ownership)
• Example of the AE Firm Application
• Example of the AF Firm Application

For questions related to firm registration, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

The registration renewal period for firms runs from July 1 through June 30 each year. A reminder notice is e-mailed to the e-mail address(es) we have on file for the supervising professional architect(s) and the firm’s designated Point of Contact (POC). Notices regarding registration status are sent only as a courtesy of the board. The ultimate responsibility for firm renewal rests with the licensed professional(s). All renewals, including payment, must be received in the board office by midnight CST on June 30th. Mailed payments must be postmarked by June 30th.

Click here to access our Licensing Portal. We do not have paper renewals, all applications are online via our portal.

Professional Architectural Corporations:

The Professional Architectural Corporation law (R.S. 12:1086-1101) establishes owner and director requirements for registration with the Board. The online application has been designed to validate that your firm meets these requirements. Please be sure to have information regarding the number of shares authorized for your firm, the total number of shares that have been issued, and total number of shares owned by Louisiana licensed architects.

Architectural Engineering Corporations and Architectural Firms:

The Board rules for Architectural Engineering Corporations and Architectural Firms require you to designate one or more Supervising Professional Architect(s). A Supervising architect is responsible for performing or directly supervising the performance of all architectural services provided by the firm. This means unrestricted, unchecked, and unqualified command of, and legal accountability for, the architectural services performed. Specifications, drawings, or other related documents will be deemed to have been prepared by the architect or under the architect’s direct supervision only when the requirements of Board Rules have been satisfied. Only individuals who are licensed by the Board and full-time active employees of the firm and whose primary occupation is with the firm may be designated as a supervising professional architect.

 Limited Liability Companies:

In 2017, the LSBAE rules were updated to reflect a new structure for types of firms registering with the Board. As a result, we are no longer issuing Limited Liability Company licenses and will transition your existing LL license to an Architectural Firm license. Instead of completing a renewal application for your LL license, you will be directed to complete an application for an Architectural Firm license. It is important to understand that there are no changes to the information you will be required to provide during the renewal process. Please note that you will receive a new license number effective with this renewal.

Applications not submitted on or before June 30th will be assessed a delinquent fee equal to the renewal fee of $75 (in-state) or $150 (out-of-state) will be assessed in addition to the regular renewal fee for a total of $150 (in-state) or $300 (out-of-state) respectively.

Renewal applications delinquent more than 90 days may also be subject to fines in addition to the delinquent fees.

For questions related to firm renewal, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

A firm/business practicing architecture whose registration has lapsed more than 91 days will be considered expired and must complete the Reinstatement Application and pay appropriate renewal and reinstatement fees. Applications will not be considered complete until all supporting documentation is received if any is required.

Applications not completed within 90 days of submittal will be closed and resubmittal is required.

If the firm’s Point of Contact (POC) has changed, please click here to access the Forms page of our website to complete and submit the “Point of Contact (POC) Request Form“.

Firms practicing architecture in Louisiana without renewing their registration may be assessed a fine of up to $1,000 for the first year and $1,000 per year thereafter and will be publicly reprimanded.

Click here to access the Licensing Portal for your reinstatement application.

Once a complete application is received, the board seeks to approve the application within 5-7 business days.

For questions related to firm reinstatement, please contact Holly Lavigne at hlavigne@lsbae.com or 225-925-4802.

FIRM REGISTRATION FEES

In-State Firm Registration: $75

Out-of-State Firm Registration: $150

FIRM RENEWAL FEES (Effective July 1, 2017)

In-State Firm Renewal: $75

Out-of-State Firm Renewal: $150

FIRM DELINQUENT/REINSTATEMENT FEES

In-State Delinquent/Reinstatement: $75 Reinstatement Fee + $75 Renewal Fee = $150 

Out-of-State Delinquent/Reinstatement: $150 Reinstatement Fee + $150 Renewal Fee = $300 

Please note that if your renewal is delinquent, you must pay BOTH the delinquent/reinstatement fee and the renewal fee. Furthermore, practicing architecture in Louisiana without the proper license may lead to fines.