50-State Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
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Kansas Architecture Industry Licensing

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Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Kansas.

This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Kansas 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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Kansas Architecture Company Licenses

Kansas Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity (Architecture)

Agency:Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Law:

K.S.A. 74-7036

Eligible Entity Types:
  • Business Corporations
  • Professional Corporations
  • Limited Liability Companies
  • Partnerships
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Ownership Requirements:

Business Corporations:

  • At least one of the principal officers or directors, who is also a full-time employee, must be a Kansas licensed architect.

Professional Corporations:

  • All of the shareholders, officers (other than secretary), and directors must be Kansas licensed architects.

Limited Liability Companies:

  • At least one of the members, who is also a full-time employee, must be a Kansas licensed architect.

Partnerships:

  • At least one of the partners, who is also a full-time employee, must be a Kansas licensed architect.
Notes:

Architecture Firms with more than one physical location in Kansas must decide how they wish to handle the oversight of these locations through one of the following methods: 

  1. Only 1 Certificate of Authorization is needed for a firm with multiple locations if a single qualifying individual is capable of overseeing and taking responsibility for the work coming out of all locations. 
  2. A separate Certificate of Authorization will be needed for each location with a different qualifying individual overseeing and taking responsibility for the work coming out of that location. 

This a decision to be made by the firm and the state does not mandate how firms handle this issue.

Initial Registration

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

Form:

Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity - Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$170

Original Ink:Required
Before you Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  • Identify a Kansas licensed individual to act as the responsible architect and a Kansas licensed individual to act as the responsible architect for each Kansas branch office location.

Foreign Applicants:

  • Identify a Kansas licensed individual to act as the responsible architect and a Kansas licensed individual to act as the responsible architect for each Kansas branch office location.
  • Ensure that your Kansas entity meets ownership requirements.
  • 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 90 days old when filing foreign qualification documents.
How to Apply:

Domestic Applicants:

  1. If a PC, email ksbtpadmin@ks.gov with the name of your principal in responsible charge, incorporators, and proposed business name to receive a verification document to file with the Secretary of State.
  2. File articles of incorporation/organization with the Secretary of State.
  3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State to file with license application.
  4. Submit a Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity application with the State Board of Technical Professions.

Foreign Applicants:

  1. Email ksbtpadmin@ks.gov with the name of your principal in responsible charge and proposed business name to receive a verification document to file with the Secretary of State.
  2. File a Foreign Entity Application for Registration with the Secretary of State.
  3. Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Kansas Secretary of State to file with license application (If you determine not to foreign qualify with the Kansas Secretary of State instead include a letter detailing your intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state your reason for not filing per K.S.A. 17-7932 to complete this requirement).
  4. Submit a Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity application with the State Board of Technical Professions.
Required Attachments:
  • A copy of file-stamped Articles of Formation from the home state of the business entity. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
  • Certificate of Good Standing from Kansas Secretary of State. If the business entity determines not to file with the Kansas Secretary of State include with the application a letter detailing your intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state your reason for not filing per K.S.A. 17-7932 to complete this requirement.
  • List of all officers, directors, or members of the entity including address, title, % ownership, and Kansas license number (if applicable)
  • List of all other professionals licensed in Kansas in responsible charge of architecture services
  • List of all other Kansas or Non-Kansas office locations of the entity and persons in responsible charge at those locations

Registration Renewal

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

Form:

Business Entity Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$95

Due:
  • Business entities with names beginning with A-L renew by December 31 in even-numbered years; M-Z renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 60 days prior to the expiration date. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1 where no penalties are issued for late filing.
Penalties:

$20 late fee

Notes:

Renewal notices are sent out by November 30.

Required Attachments:
  • Disclosure of disciplinary actions taken against the firm (if applicable)

Amendment
Change of Name

Form:

Change of Name for Business Entity

Agency Fee:

$0

Required Attachments:
  • Documentation of NAME change must be attached to this application. Examples of documentation include Business Entity Board Resolution, Certificate of Good Standing with new name from state of origin, or amended articles of formation, as applicable

Amendment
Address Change

Form:

Address Change Request Form

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Amendment
Principal in Responsible Charge Change

Form:

Principal in Responsible Charge Change Form

Agency Fee:

$0

Due:

Within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Reinstatement

Form:

Application for Reinstatement Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity

Agency Fee:

$100

Kansas Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity (Landscape Architecture)

Agency:Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite:Yes
Notes:

Landscape Architecture Firms with more than one physical location in Kansas must decide how they wish to handle the oversight of these locations through one of the following methods: 

  1. Only 1 Certificate of Authorization is needed for a firm with multiple locations if a single qualifying individual is capable of overseeing and taking responsibility for the work coming out of all locations. 
  2. A separate Certificate of Authorization will be needed for each location with a different qualifying individual overseeing and taking responsibility for the work coming out of that location. 

This a decision to be made by the firm and the state does not mandate how firms handle this issue

Initial Registration

Form:

Certificate of Authorization for Business Entity - Application

Filing Method:

Mail

Agency Fee:

$170

Original Ink:Required
Required Attachments:
  • A copy of file-stamped Articles of Formation from the home state of the business entity. Unofficial copies are acceptable.
  • Certificate of Good Standing from Kansas Secretary of State. If the business entity determines not to file with the Kansas Secretary of State include with the application a letter detailing your intended use of a Certificate of Authorization and state your reason for not filing per K.S.A. 17-7932 to complete this requirement.
  • List of all officers, directors, or members of the entity including address, title, % ownership, and Kansas license number (if applicable)
  • List of all other professionals licensed in Kansas in responsible charge of landscape architecture services
  • List of all other Kansas or Non-Kansas office locations of the entity and persons in responsible charge at those locations

Registration Renewal

Form:

Business Entity Renewal Form

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$95

Due:
  • Business entities with names beginning with A-L renew by December 31 in even-numbered years; M-Z renew by December 31 in odd-numbered years.
  • Renewals can be filed as early as 60 days prior to the expiration date. There is a grace period from January 1 to March 1 where no penalties are issued for late filing.
Notes:

Renewal notices are sent out by November 30.

Required Attachments:
  • Disclosure of disciplinary actions taken against the firm (if applicable)

Kansas Interior Design Firm License

Not required



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

Kansas does not currently license or register interior design businesses.

Individual Licenses

Kansas Individual Architecture Licenses

Kansas Architect License

Agency:Kansas State Board of Technical Professions
Exam Required?Yes

Initial Registration

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$60 application fee + $60 exam fee

Reciprocal Registration

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

Form:

Application Form for Architect by Reciprocity

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

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

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$70

Due:

Biennially by June 30. Licensees whose last name begins with the letter A-L renew during even-numbered years and licensees whose last name begins with the letter M-Z renew during odd-numbered years.

Kansas Interior Designer License

Not required



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

Kansas Landscape Architect License

Agency:Kansas State Board of Technical Professions

Initial Registration

Form:

Landscape Architect by Exam Application

Agency Fee:

$60

Notes:

There are separate fees for the exams.

Reciprocal Registration

Form:

Application Form for Landscape Architect by Reciprocity

Filing Method:

Mail or online.

Agency Fee:

$250

Registration Renewal

Filing Method:

Online

Agency Fee:

$70

Due:

Biennially by December 31. Licensees with last names beginning with A through L must renew their license in even-numbered years. Those with last names beginning with letters M through Z must renew their license in 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 16, 2023. Complete data last reviewed February 14, 2023.
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