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Frequently Asked Questions

Big Q graphic When will I get my examination results?
Big A graphic It takes approximately 4 weeks from the date you sat for the examination to receive the examination results. The State of Michigan participates in the "Direct Registration" program with NCARB. NCARB will be responsible for collecting and reporting test results. NCARB may be contacted at (202) 879-0520. If you were approved by the Board Office to sit for the examination prior to May 1, 2002, your examination results will be sent by the Board Office. The Board Office may be contacted at (517) 241-9253. The examination scores cannot be given over the telephone.

Big Q graphic Application was made to NCARB for an IDP Record, do I need to do anything else to be able to sit for the examinations?
Big A graphic The State of Michigan participates in the "Direct Registration" program with NCARB. NCARB will maintain the grades for the Architects Registration Examination (ARE) for the Michigan Board of Architects until all nine divisions of the examinations are complete. Do not file the Application for Architect's License with the Michigan Board Office until you have passed ALL divisions of the ARE. Once you have completed the ARE examinations, NCARB will forward a copy of your Council Record which will indicate completion of the NCARB education, training and examination standards to the Michigan Board Office. You will need to submit the Application for Licensure to the Board Office.

Big Q graphic How do I change my address on my license?
Big A graphic Address changes may be made by email at jjerni@michigan.gov, by telephone at (517) 241-9253 or in writing at Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. A new license is not required, however, if you want the license re-issued, there is a $10 fee.

Big Q graphic How do I change my address if I am currently sitting for the examinations?
Big A graphic If you filed to sit for the examinations prior to May 1, 2002, changes may be made by contacting the Board office by email at jjerni@michigan.gov, by telephone at (517) 241-9253 or in writing at Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. If application was made AFTER May 1, 2002 under the Direct Registration Process, contact NCARB at (202) 783-6500.

Big Q graphic How long does it take to process an application for reciprocity?
Big A graphic It takes approximately 4-6 weeks to process a new application.

Big Q graphic How long does it take for my license to arrive?
Big A graphic Please allow 7-10 days to receive your license in the mail once your application has been approved. You can check the status of your application by going to our website click on Verify a License link the Quick Links section. If it indicates "pending", the license number has not been issued.

Big Q graphic I would like a wall certificate of my license, how do I go about obtaining the wall certificate?
Big A graphic Call Impact Solutions, an outside contractor, at 1-800-289-2494 or visit their website at www.impactsolution.net and click on "State Certificate". The sample of the wall certificate and cost is also available on their website.

Big Q graphic How do I notify the Department of a name change?
Big A graphic All name changes must be placed, in writing, via fax at 517-241-9280, email at jjerni@michigan.gov or mailed to the Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. A $10 fee must be included in order to re-issue the license.

Big Q graphic I lost my license. How do I request a duplicate license?
Big A graphic All requests for duplicate licenses must be placed in writing. A signed statement that the original document has been lost, stolen or destroyed must be forwarded to the Board Office. In your request, include your license number and current address. Mail to: Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. There is a $10 fee for this service. (Make check or money order payable to the State of Michigan-Architect.)

Big Q graphic Is an electronic seal or "CAD" seal acceptable?
Big A graphic No. The Board has not approved the use of an electronic or "CAD" seal.

Big Q graphic Does the State of Michigan have temporary licenses?
Big A graphic No. Michigan does not issue temporary licenses for Architects.

Big Q graphic How do I request a verification of exam scores?
Big A graphic All verification of examination scores must be placed in writing and sent to the Board office at Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. The request should include your social security number, where you would like the scores sent to, which exams you wish our office to verify and any type of name changes, if applicable.

There is a $15 fee for verification of scores. This may be sent as a check or money order made out to the State of Michigan-Architects. It takes the Board office approximately 4 weeks to process the request

Big Q graphic May I pay fees via credit card payment?
Big A graphic No. The Department cannot accept credit card payments at this time for applications or examination fees.

Big Q graphic Can I pay for my renewal on-line or with a credit card?
Big A graphic If you do not have a name or address change, you may be able to renew online with a credit card using Michigan's elicense process. Renewal applications will be mailed in August of this year with instructions on using the elicense feature.

Big Q graphic Can I come to the Department and pay in person?
Big A graphic Yes, our offices are located at 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, Michigan; see the map. The hours the Department can accept your payment are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We may not have change for large bills, so correct cash or check/money order is preferred.

Big Q graphic Why is it sometimes difficult to get through to the Department's staff by telephone?
Big A graphic The call volume between July and December, during the renewal cycle, increases dramatically. We ask that you be patient and keep trying or attempt to get your question answered by methods such as this website.

Big Q graphic When is my license up for renewal?
Big A graphic Architect's license's lapse October 31st. A renewal notice will be sent to you in the mail approximately 2 months prior to this date. It is the responsibility of the licensee to notify the Board office of address changes to ensure the renewal will be sent to the appropriate address.

Big Q graphic How do I apply for relicensure?
Big A graphic Please fill out the Application for Relicensure (BCS/LAR 800) and return with fee and appropriate documentation to the Board of Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909 with the appropriate documentation and fees. The form may be obtained off this website.

Big Q graphic The time period to apply for renewal has passed, may I still send in my renewal card to the Department or must I submit a Relicensure Application?
Big A graphic You must fill out the Application for Relicensure (BCS/LAR 800) and submit to the Department.

Big Q graphic Does the State of Michigan require continuing education?
Big A graphic There are no continuing education credits required at this time in order to keep your license active.

Big Q graphic How can I verify a person's license status?
Big A graphic Click here

Big Q graphic How do I file a complaint against a professional licensed by the Department?
Big A graphic A complaint form may be requested by contacting the Enforcement Division at
517-241-9202 or may be downloaded from this website.


Firm Requirements

Big Q graphic I am starting a firm, is there anything I must do to register the firm with the Department?
Big A graphic At least two-thirds of the principals must be licensed in the State of Michigan as Architects, Professional Engineers or Professional Surveyors. If all the principals are not licensed in the State of Michigan, an Application for Non-Licensed Principal Approval must be submitted to the Department. The application may be downloaded from this website.

If all principals are licensed in the State of Michigan, there is no need to register with the Department or fill out and submit the Application for Non-Licensed Principal.

Big Q graphic Is there a fee involved for a Non-Licensed Principal Application?
Big A graphic No, there is no fee to file this application.


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Related Content
 •  Consent to Service of Process PDF icon
 •  Request for Disciplinary Action Information PDF icon
 •  Request for Conviction History PDF icon
 •  Architects Examination

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