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Renewing a License

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Expiration and Renewal Information

California architect licenses expire at midnight on the last day of the licensee’s birth month in odd-numbered years and must be renewed every two years. You are encouraged to renew your license online, and the fee is $400.

Remember to complete continuing education (CE) coursework on disability access requirements and zero net carbon design within the previous two years as mandated by Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5600.05 (see coursework audits).

If you don’t renew online, complete an Architect License Renewal Application and mail with the fee to the Board with a postmark on or before the license expiration date.

Renewing on time is critical. Renewal notices are sent to the licensee’s address of record approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date. If a licensee does not receive the renewal notice within 90 days of their license expiration date, they may renew by mailing a completed Architect License Renewal Application and a check.

Please allow up to eight weeks for processing. The most frequent cause of delay in renewal processing is an incomplete Renewal Application. Be sure that the Renewal Application is complete and signed.

A licensee who has submitted a complete license renewal application prior to the expiration of the license may continue to engage in legal practice of the profession until receipt of the renewal license if the delay was not the fault of the licensee (BPC section 121).

NOTE: The safe harbor provision of BPC section 121 does not apply if the renewal application is untimely or incomplete.

Effective Date

Licensees who have complied with the license renewal requirements (complete application, signature, correct fee, certification of completed continuing education, etc.) prior to its expiration may engage in legal practice of their profession until receipt of the renewed license if the delay was not the fault of the licensee (BPC section 121).

NOTE: This provision does not apply to delinquent or incomplete renewal applications.

Pocket Receipt

The Board issues a pocket receipt in addition to the renewal license upon renewal of an architect license. The renewal license (approximately 8.5″ × 3.5″) is the official architect’s license; the pocket receipt (approximately 3.5″ × 2.3″) is intended to be a receipt of the licensee’s payment for renewal. The size of the pocket receipt makes it convenient for carrying in the licensee’s wallet. The license must be posted in public view at the licensee’s principal office.

Waiver for Active Duty Military Licensees

The Board is required to temporarily waive the renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and other renewal requirements as determined by the Board, for any licensee who is called to active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or the California National Guard, if certain conditions are met.

Licensees eligible for this temporary waiver must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Possess a current and valid license when called to active duty; and
  • Provide written documentation that substantiates the licensee’s call to active duty.

Renewal requirements are only waived for the period of time the licensee is serving on active duty. Licensees must provide the Board with a notice of discharge date within 60 days of receipt.

NOTE: All private practice is prohibited under the waiver. A licensee may not return to private practice until after they have complied with renewal requirements as required by the Board (BPC section 114.3).

With a Credit or Debit Card

The California Architects Board is now accepting online credit/debit card payments for license renewals.

This new payment option will decrease the time to renew a license, while providing a secure online payment option. This new secure online payment option provides a quick and easy license renewal experience. All other forms of payment will continue to be accepted.

A licensee may not renew online if they:

  • Renew a license more than 90 days prior to its expiration date
  • Owe a fine
  • Request a Military Waiver (no fee)
  • Are Military Inactive status (no fee)

Or if the license status is:

  • Delinquent beyond two renewal cycles (two years delinquent and two renewal fees due)
  • Revoked
  • Surrendered
  • Expired-Nonrenewable