On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Missouri Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Missouri. 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 Missouri?

Missouri adheres to the criteria set by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for architect licensure. To become licensed as an architect in Missouri, you must fulfill the following requirements:

1. Earn a degree in architecture from an accredited program.
2. Complete the qualifying experience program, typically referred to as the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which involves gaining practical experience under the supervision of a licensed architect.
3. Obtain passing scores on all sections of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE), which is a comprehensive examination covering various aspects of architecture.

By meeting these criteria, you can qualify for architect licensure in Missouri.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Missouri?

Company Licenses

Missouri Corporate Certificate of Authority (Architecture)

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies

• Business Corporations: While officers and directors are not required to be licensed, a Missouri licensed individual must be appointed as a full-time employee to oversee the firm’s architectural practice in Missouri.
• Domestic Professional Corporations: All shareholders, officers (excluding the secretary), and directors must hold a license in a professional service provided by the corporation.
• Foreign Professional Corporations: All shareholders, a majority of the directors, and all officers (excluding the secretary and treasurer) must hold a license in a professional service provided by the corporation.
• Limited Liability Companies: While members and managers are not required to be licensed, the LLC must appoint a Missouri licensed individual as a full-time employee to be responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Missouri.

The responsibilities of the managing agent include:

1. Renewal of the certificate of authority and notifying the board of any changes in the firm.
2. Supervision of the professional and licensing activities of the firm and its employees.
3. Ensuring that the firm establishes and follows policies in accordance with Chapter 327 RSMo and 20 CSR 2030.
4. Ensuring compliance with the requirements for immediate personal supervision, as defined by Board Rules 20 CSR 2030-13.010 and/or 20 CSR 2030-13.020, in the case of multiple offices.

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority or Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority – Limited Liability Company for LLCs. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $200
• Notarize is required

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Verify that your business entity meets the ownership requirements.
2. Designate a licensed Missouri architect to serve as the licensed managing agent responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Missouri.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Confirm that your Missouri entity meets the ownership requirements.
2. Appoint a licensed Missouri architect as the licensed managing agent responsible for the firm’s architectural practice in Missouri.
3. Obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. The certificate should not be more than 60 days old when submitting the foreign qualification documents.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Submit entity formation documents to the Missouri Secretary of State – Corporations Division.
2. Obtain a Missouri certificate of good standing through the entity search feature on the Secretary of State website.
3. File an Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority or Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority – Limited Liability Company with the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Foreign Applicants:

1. File foreign qualification documents with the Missouri Secretary of State – Corporations Division.
2. Obtain a Missouri certificate of good standing through the entity search feature on the Secretary of State website.
3. File an Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority or Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority – Limited Liability Company with the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Must-have Attachments

• A Certificate of Good Standing obtained from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.
• A list of officers and directors of the entity, including their addresses, titles, and Missouri license numbers.
• A list of licensees employed by the entity, including their addresses and Missouri license numbers.
• These documents and information will be required for the application process with the Missouri Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors, and Professional Landscape Architects.

Registration Renewal

This section pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Missouri and are in the process of renewing their license.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee
• Due: 
• Licenses that were originally issued in even-numbered years will expire on December 31 of each subsequent even-numbered year. Similarly, licenses that were originally issued in odd-numbered years will expire on December 31 of each subsequent odd-numbered year. Renewal applications can be filed as early as 3 months prior to the license’s expiration date. It is advisable to submit the renewal application within this timeframe to ensure timely renewal of the license.

Must-have Attachments

• A list of officers or managers of the firm, including their addresses and license numbers.
• A list of licensees employed by the firm.
• Disclosure of any disciplinary actions taken against the firm, if applicable.

Amendment

• Agency Fee: $0
• Note: No specific amendment form is required for changes. Simply notify the board of any updates and provide the necessary documentation.

Reinstatement

• Fill out the form Request for Reuathorization of Corporate Certificate Under Original Number
• Agency Fee: $200

Individual Licenses

Missouri Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Licensure by Examination
• Agency Fee: $100

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the Application for Licensure by Comity with NCARB Certificate
• Agency Fee: $200
• Note: If you have been licensed for at least one year in another state with no disciplinary action, complaints, or investigations, and you meet the educational requirements in effect in that state, you are eligible to use the “Application for Licensure by Comity Pursuant to Section 324.009” instead of the regular application process. This application is specifically designed for individuals seeking licensure in Missouri based on their existing license in another state.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: form online.
• Agency Fee: $35 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee
• Due: License renewal is required biennially by December 31. The expiration dates are based on the year in which the license was originally issued. Licenses issued in an even-numbered year will expire on December 31 of subsequent even-numbered years, while licenses issued in an odd-numbered year will expire on December 31 of subsequent odd-numbered years. It is important to renew your license before the expiration date to ensure its continuous validity.

Missouri Corporate Certificate of Authority (Landscape Architecture)

First-Time Applicants

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

• Fill out the Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority or Application for Corporate Certificate of Authority – Limited Liability Company for LLCs. Consider that the filing method is via mail.
• Agency Fee: $200
• Notarize is required

Must-have Attachments

1. A Certificate of Good Standing obtained from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.
2. A list of officers and directors of the entity, including their addresses, titles, and Missouri license numbers.
3. A list of licensees employed by the entity, including their addresses and Missouri license numbers.

Registration Renewal

This section pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Missouri and are in the process of renewing their license.

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee
• Due: License expiration dates are determined by the year in which the license was originally issued. Licenses issued in even-numbered years will expire on December 31 of subsequent even-numbered years, while licenses issued in odd-numbered years will expire on December 31 of subsequent odd-numbered years. For the renewal process, you have the option to file your renewal application as early as 3 months prior to the expiration date. This allows you to initiate the renewal process in advance and ensure that your license remains active without any lapse.

Must-have Attachments

1. A list of officers or managers of the firm, including their addresses and license numbers.
2. A list of licensees employed by the firm.
3. Disclosure of any disciplinary actions taken against the firm, if applicable.

Missouri Interior Designer Registration

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Registration of Interior Designers
• Agency Fee: $50

Reciprocal Registration

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $50 application fee + $76 license fee

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online.
• Agency Fee: $50 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee
• Due: By August 31 of even-numbered years.

Missouri Professional Landscape Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Application for Licensure as a Professional Landscape Architect
• Agency Fee: $100

Reciprocal Registration

• There are different application forms depending on your circumstances:
  • If you have a CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards) Council Record: Use the “Application for Licensure by Comity with a CLARB Council Record” form.
  • If you don’t have a CLARB Council Record but have been licensed for at least one year in another state with no disciplinary action, complaints, or investigation, and meet the educational requirements in effect in that state: Use the “Application for Licensure by Comity Pursuant to Section 324.009” form.
  • If you have been licensed for less than one year in another state, or you are currently on discipline, have a pending disciplinary action, complaint, or investigation, or you don’t meet the educational requirements in effect in that state: Use the “Application for Licensure by Comity without a CLARB Council Record” form.
• Agency Fee: $200

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $35 renewal fee + $1.25 online processing fee
• Due: Renewals for licenses in Missouri occur biennially on December 31. The renewal cycle follows the pattern of odd-numbered year licenses renewing in odd-numbered years and even-numbered year licenses renewing in even-numbered years.

Non-State Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Missouri

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

Missouri Interior Design Firm License

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

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri Division of Professional Registration Website.