50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Delaware Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Delaware.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Delaware 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.

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Company Licenses

Delaware Architecture Company Licenses

Delaware Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Architects
Law:

Del. C. § 312A

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Limited Liability Partnerships
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • At least 1 of the officers of the corporation must be an architect licensed in Delaware.

Professional Corporations (domestic only):

  • All shareholders must be architects licensed in Delaware.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least 1 of the members of the LLC must be an architect licensed in Delaware.

Limited Liability Partnerships:

  • At least 1 of the partners of the LLP must be an architect licensed in Delaware.

A COA is not required if the business is a Sole Proprietorship or a Sole Member Limited Liability Company. However, the owner must submit a statement certifying that the business is a Sole Proprietorship or its equivalent.

Initial Registration

This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Delaware for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$114

Original Ink:Not required
Notarization Required?:Required
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Ensure that your business entity will meet ownership requirements.
  • Identify a Delaware licensed architect to act as the professional in charge of the firm's architectural activities in Delaware.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Ensure that your Delaware entity meets ownership requirements.
  • Identify a Delaware licensed architect to act as the professional in charge of the firm's architectural activities in Delaware.
  • Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity's home state (to be filed during the foreign qualification process). The certificate cannot be more than 6 months old when filing foreign qualification documents.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. File entity formation documents with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
  2. Apply for a Delware Business License through the Division of Revenue.
  3. Submit an Application for Architecture Certificate of Authorization along with a copy of your Delaware Business License to the Board of Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Determine whether or not your entity will need to foreign qualify in Delaware. If not required, skip to number 4.
  2. File a foreign qualification application with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
  3. Apply for a Delware Business License through the Division of Revenue.
  4. Submit an Application for Architecture Certificate of Authorization along with a copy of your Delaware Business License to the Board of Architects.
Required Attachments:

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Delaware and need to renew their license.

Instructions:

Directions for renewal will be sent several weeks before expiration.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.

Due:

By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Required Attachments:
  • List of licensees in responsible charge of the firm's professional services
  • List of holders of voting stock or voting interest

Amendment

Form:

Verification of Architect in Charge Information

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Notify the board within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Amendment

Form:

Application for Architecture Certificate of Authorization (Change of Ownership)

Agency Fee:

$100

Reinstatement

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

The reinstatement fee is twice the amount of the renewal fee.

Notes:

Certificates can be reinstated for up to four months after the expiration date. Licenses that are not reinstated within the four month period will terminate and the license holder will need to reapply for a license.

Delaware Interior Design Firm License

Not required



Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Delaware.

Delaware does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Delaware Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

Agency:Delaware Board of Landscape Architecture

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

Agency Fee:

$39

Notarization Required?:Required

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

You are notified of the amount of the renewal fee at the time of renewal.

Due:

By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

Notes:

In addition to completing the online renewal application, you must submit a Verification of Landscape Architect in Charge Information form to update information on the management of the business. The form will be enclosed with the renewal notice and is also available online.

Individual Licenses

Delaware Individual Architecture Licenses

Delaware Architect License

Agency:Delaware Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Architects
Exam Required?Yes
Requirement Notes:


  • Active Architects must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each two-year licensure period with a minimum of 8 hours completed in each calendar year. A calendar year is January 1 to December 31. All CE hours must be in health, safety, and welfare (HSW). The following are deemed acceptable CE:

    • NCARB monograph programs
    • AIA-approved HSW programs
    • Board approved courses



  • If it is your first renewal, you are required to complete: one CE Unit per month of registration, beginning with the first full month following the month of issuance, through the end of the renewal cycle



Initial Registration

This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Delaware for the first time.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$119 application fee + $119 exam fee. Applicants may be asked to submit updated applications depending on the time needed to pass the ARE (additional fees may be required).

Reciprocal Registration

This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Delaware.

Instructions:
  • Apply by Reciprocity if you:
    • Option 1: currently hold a NCARB Certificate.
    • Option 2: currently hold a license in another jurisdiction in which you have held in good standing for at least 13 years.
    • Option 3: currently hold a license in another jurisdiction in which you have held in good standing for at least five years AND have a NAAB-accredited degree.
    • Option 4: currently hold a license in good standing in another jurisdiction where the standards for licensure are substantially similar to those of Delaware.
    • Note: The Board will determine whether the standards of licensure in your jurisdiction are substantially similar to Delaware’s at the regularly scheduled Board meeting after submission. If the standards are not the same, the method of applying will change to Reciprocity or Direct application.
Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$119

Registration Renewal

This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Delaware and need to renew their license.

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$119

Due:

By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Required Attachments:
  • Active Architects must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each two-year licensure period with a minimum of 8 hours completed in each calendar year. A calendar year is January 1 to December 31. All CE hours must be in health, safety, and welfare (HSW). The following are deemed acceptable CE:
    • NCARB monograph programs
    • AIA-approved HSW programs
    • Board approved courses
    • If it is your first renewal, you are required to complete: one CE Unit per month of registration, beginning with the first full month following the month of issuance, through the end of the renewal cycle

Delaware Interior Designer License

Not required



Interior Designer licensure is not required on the State level in Delaware.

Delaware Landscape Architect License

Agency:Delaware Board of Landscape Architecture

Initial Registration

Form:

Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect

Agency Fee:

$354

Notarization Required?:Required

Reciprocal Registration

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

You are notified of the renewal fee amount at the time the renewal notice is sent.

Due:

By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

Learn about architecture licensing in other states:

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho
Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri
Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania
Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

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.

Revised March 15, 2023. Complete data last reviewed February 14, 2023.
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