On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Delaware Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Delaware. It provides all the crucial information you need including state regulations, application fees, and filing instructions among other relevant details. If you need any assistance related to the licensing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer further details about our software and managed license services to support your needs.

How do I become an architect in Delaware?

To become an architect in Delaware, you must earn a degree from an NAAB-accredited architecture program, complete the AXP requirement for practical experience, pass the ARE exam, and obtain a license from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Delaware?

Company Licenses

Delaware Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies
• Limited Liability Partnerships

• Business Corporations:
  • At least one of the officers of the corporation must be an architect licensed in Delaware.
• Professional Corporations (domestic only):
  • All shareholders of the professional corporation must be architects licensed in Delaware.
• Limited Liability Companies:
  • At least one of the members of the LLC must be an architect licensed in Delaware.
• Limited Liability Partnerships:
  • At least one of the partners of the LLP must be an architect licensed in Delaware.
  • For sole proprietorships or sole member limited liability companies, a Certificate of Authorization (COA) is not required. However, the owner must submit a statement certifying that the business is a sole proprietorship or its equivalent.

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Delaware. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $114
• Notarize is required

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Ensure that your business entity meets the ownership requirements specified by Delaware regulations.
2. Identify a Delaware licensed architect who will be responsible for the firm’s architectural activities in Delaware.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Ensure that your Delaware entity complies with the ownership requirements outlined by the state.
2. Identify a Delaware licensed architect who will act as the professional in charge of the firm’s architectural activities in Delaware.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. The certificate should not be more than 6 months old when filing the foreign qualification documents. This certificate will be filed during the foreign qualification process.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

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

Foreign Applicants:

1. Determine if your entity needs to foreign qualify in Delaware. If not required, proceed to step 4.
2. File a foreign qualification application with the Delaware Division of Corporations to register your foreign entity in Delaware.
3. Apply for a Delaware Business License through the Division of Revenue.
4. Submit an Application for Architecture Certificate of Authorization to the Delaware Board of Architects, along with a copy of your Delaware Business License.

Must-have Attachments

• Verification of Architect in Charge Information
• A copy of the entity’s Delaware Business License

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Delaware and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: The renewal fee amount will be notified to you at the time of renewal.
• Renewal instructions will be sent prior to the expiration date.
• Due: By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Must-have Attachments

• Required attachments for the renewal include a list of licensees responsible for the firm’s professional services and a list of holders of voting stock or voting interest.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Note: To report changes in firm information, simply submit an updated application with “Revised” written on the top. This notifies the Delaware Architectural Licensing Board of the updated information and facilitates the processing of the changes.

Reinstatement

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: The reinstatement fee for certificates is double the amount of the renewal fee
• Note: certificates can be reinstated within four months after the expiration date. However, if the reinstatement is not completed within this timeframe, the license will be terminated, and the license holder will be required to reapply for a new license.

Individual Licenses

Delaware Architect License

Note: As an active architect, it is a requirement to complete 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year licensure period, with a minimum of 8 hours completed in each calendar year. The calendar year is defined as January 1 to December 31. All CE hours must be related to health, safety, and welfare (HSW) topics. Acceptable CE options include NCARB monograph programs, AIA-approved HSW programs, and courses approved by the board.

For your first renewal, you are obligated to complete one CE unit per month of registration, starting from the first full month following the month of issuance, until the end of the renewal cycle. This requirement ensures that newly registered architects engage in ongoing professional development and education throughout their initial licensure period.

First-Time Applicants

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: application fee of $119 along with an additional exam fee of $119. It is important to note that depending on the time it takes to pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), applicants may be required to submit updated applications. In such cases, additional fees may be applicable.

Reciprocal Registration

• Instructions: To apply for architect licensure in Delaware, you have several options under the reciprocity pathway:
  1. Option 1: If you currently hold a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate.
  2. Option 2: If you currently hold a license in another jurisdiction and have maintained it in good standing for at least 13 years.
  3. Option 3: If you currently hold a license in another jurisdiction and have maintained it in good standing for at least five years, and you also possess a degree from a NAAB-accredited program.
  4. Option 4: If you currently hold a license in good standing in another jurisdiction that has licensure standards substantially similar to Delaware’s.
• It is important to note that the Delaware Board will evaluate whether the licensure standards in your jurisdiction are substantially similar to those of Delaware during their regular board meeting after your application submission. If the standards are not deemed the same, the application method may change to either reciprocity or direct application.
  1. Submission method: online
  2. Agency Fee: $119

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $119
• Due: By January 31 of even-numbered years.

Must-have attachments

• Required attachments for architect licensure renewal include documentation of completed continuing education (CE) hours. Architects must complete 24 hours of approved CE during each two-year licensure period, with a minimum of 8 hours completed annually. CE hours must be in health, safety, and welfare (HSW) topics and can be obtained through:
  • NCARB monograph programs
  • AIA-approved HSW programs
  • Board-approved courses. 
  • Additionally, for the first renewal, one CE unit per month of registration is required from the first full month following the month of issuance until the end of the renewal cycle.

Delaware Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Delaware. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Fill out the form Application for Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization
• Agency Fee: $39
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Delaware and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Submission 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.
• Note: To ensure accurate information regarding the management of your business, along with the online renewal application, you are required to submit a Verification of Landscape Architect in Charge Information form. This form will be included with the renewal notice you receive, and it is also available for download online. By completing and submitting this form, you can provide updated details regarding the landscape architect in charge of your business. This step helps maintain accurate records and ensures compliance with the necessary regulations.

Delaware Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect
• Agency Fee: $354
• Notarize is required

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: The renewal fee amount will be communicated to you when the renewal notice is sent.
• Due: By January 31 of odd-numbered years.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Delaware

This section aims to clarify licenses that are not required in Delaware for architecture firms.

Delaware Interior Design Firm License

Delaware does not have state-level licensure requirements for interior design firms. There is no current licensing or registration process for interior design businesses in Delaware.

Delaware Interior Designer License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Delaware opens up a world of opportunities to practice architecture in the state. The journey commences with the pursuit of a professional degree in architecture, a fundamental requirement in your quest to become a licensed architect. This degree is not just a piece of paper, but a testament to your knowledge and comprehension of architectural principles, a rite of passage that equips you with the tools to craft and shape the built environment.

Remember, it’s important that your architecture degree is obtained from a program accredited by a recognized body such as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation assures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides the necessary skills and training.

Architect registration in Delaware is a crucial step that formalizes your standing in the industry. This process includes satisfying the state’s requirements and passing the relevant examinations. With this license, you will have the legal authority to practice architecture, offering your expertise to develop the Delaware landscape. Now that you are armed with this information, you’re one step closer to realizing your architectural aspirations.

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change based on approval board discretion. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Delaware’s Official Board of Landscape Architecture Website.