Alabama Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Alabama.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Alabama 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
Alabama Architecture Company Licenses
Alabama Certificate of Authorization to Practice Architecture
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Alabama for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Form: | |
| Instructions: | First-time applicants applying for a Certificate of Authorization must fill out and email the Certificate of Authorization Application Request Form to licensing@boa.alabama.gov. Once this request form has been processed, you will be notified when access to the licensing portal is available to complete the Certificate of Authorization application. |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 + $3 online processing fee |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
| Notes: | Qualified Party: At least 1 of the shareholding officers or directors, must be an architect registered in the State of Alabama, who has authority to contractually bind the entity and whose name and registration seal shall appear on all documents prepared under his/her responsible control. |
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| Required Attachments: |
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| Bond Amount: | None |
| Background Check Requirements: | ACCESS PREMIUM DATA |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Alabama and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 license fee + $3 online processing fee |
| Due: | Annually by April 30. |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
| Penalties: | $75 late fee |
| Notes: | Renewal notifications will be mailed or emailed to every firm entity holding a CoA. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Amendment
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of the effective date of the change. |
| Notes: | Notify the board via email with changes to firm information. |
Reinstatement
| Agency Fee: | $460, which includes a $250 reinstatement application fee, $135 registration renewal fee, and $75 late penalty. |
| Notes: | There is no reinstatement application. Instead, submit a new license application with the renewal and penalty fees. |
Alabama Interior Design Firm License
Not required
Interior Design Firm licensure is not required on the State level in Alabama.
Alabama does not currently license or register interior design businesses.
Individual Licenses
Alabama Individual Architecture Licenses
Alabama Architect License
| Agency: | Alabama Board for Registration of Architects |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Alabama for the first time.
| Form: | Application and Instructions for Registration by Examination/Intern |
| Agency Fee: | $10 application fee (does not include exam fees) |
| Notes: | Candidates must have completed a professional degree in architecture from a NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) accredited college or university; and completed NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP) prior to making application. |
| Required Attachments: |
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Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Alabama.
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $150 + $6 credit card fee |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Alabama and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $135 |
| Due: | Annually by December 31. |
| Penalties: | $75 late fee |
Alabama Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Alabama Board for Registered Interior Designers |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Required Attachments: |
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Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | Application for Registration as an Interior Designer by Reciprocity |
| Agency Fee: | $300 |
| Required Attachments: |
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Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $160 |
| Due: | Annually by September 30. |
| Penalties: | There is a $75 penalty fee for late filing. |
| Notes: | Individuals granted initial registration after May 31st are not required to pay the renewal fee. |
Alabama Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Application for Registration to Practice Landscape Architecture |
| Agency Fee: | $150 application fee + $50 originial certificate fee + $150 license fee |
| Notarization Required?: | Required |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | Application for Registration to Practice Landscape Architecture |
| Agency Fee: | $500 |
| Notes: | If you have a CLARB record, instead:
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Registration Renewal
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $150 |
| Due: | Annually by January 1. |
| Penalties: | There is a $50 late fee if filed after January 31. |
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.
