Architectural License by Reciprocity

Reciprocity 

If you have a license in another state and have an active NCARB certificate, you may be eligible for a reciprocal license.

The Architect Licensure by Reciprocity application is accessed online. 

Applicants must have a current NCARB Certificate.

The completed Iowa application and payment should be submitted through the online licensing system. Please do not submit your application until you have received notice from the Iowa Board that your NCARB transmittal has been received. Please note that we must receive your completed application within three months of receiving your NCARB transmittal.  

Once completed applications are received by the board office in the online portal, staff is typically able to review them within 2-3 business days. Fees for the license are paid after the applications has been reviewed and approved.

The $200 fee is valid until the next renewal date and is not pro-rated, thus if an applicant applies in April for a registration that should be renewed by June 30, the license may be valid for less than three months. Individuals whose last name begins A-K renew in even numbered years; L-Z renew in odd numbered years.

Notice of Intent to Offer Architectural Services Prior to Licensure

Applicants who intend to offer services in Iowa prior to receiving a license may do so if the applicant complies with subrule IAC193B-2.2(2). 

Applicants are required to contact NCARB and have a copy of their council certificate record (blue cover) transmitted to the Iowa Board. NCARB will transmit the certificate record to the Iowa board office.

Alternative Pathways

There may be additional paths to licensure. If you do not have an NCARB certificate, please contact the Board office. Please note the paths require board review.

Felony Convictions

If you have a felony conviction and wish to obtain a prelicensure determination, please contact the Board office.

List of Potentially-Disqualifying Criminal Convictions

In accordance with Iowa Code section 272C.15(2), the department provides the following list of specific convictions that may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license, permit, or registration. In addition, any offense specified in the laws of another jurisdiction or prosecuted in a municipal, federal, military, or foreign court that is comparable to a conviction listed herein may disqualify an applicant from receiving a license or registration.

Please be advised that just because you have been convicted of one of the offenses listed does not mean you are automatically prevented from obtaining a license or registration. The following offenses are only disqualifying if:

  1. The actions taken in furtherance of the offense are customarily performed within the scope of practice of the profession; or
  2. The circumstances under which the offense was committed are circumstances customary to the profession. 

Additionally, even if your conviction is disqualifying, you are entitled to submit proof of rehabilitation to the licensing authority to demonstrate your current fitness to safely practice in the profession.

If you are interested in applying for a license, permit, or registration and have been convicted of an offense on this list, you may petition the licensing authority for an eligibility determination, or submit all relevant information as part of your application for licensure or registration, pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 481. If you have questions about what criminal history information to include with your license or registration application or how to submit a petition for eligibility determination, please contact staff for assistance.