When will I get my examination results?
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 Bureau of Commercial Services to sit for the examination prior to May 1, 2002, your examination results will be sent by the Bureau of Commercial Services. The Bureau of Commercial Services may be contacted at (517) 373-7353. The examination scores cannot be given over the telephone.

Application was made to NCARB for an IDP Record, do I need to do anything else to be able to sit for the examinations?
  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 seven divisions of the examinations are complete. Do not file the Application for Architect's License with the Michigan Bureau of Commercial Services, Architects 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 Bureau of Commercial Services, Architects. You will need to submit the Application for Licensure  to the Bureau of Commercial Services, Architects.

How do I change my address on my license?
Address changes may be made by email at  bcslic@michigan.gov , by telephone at (517) 373-7353 or in writing at Bureau of Commercial Services, 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.

How do I change my address if I am currently sitting for the examinations?
  If you filed to sit for the examinations prior to May 1, 2002, changes may be made by contacting the Bureau of Commercial Services office by email at  bcslic@michigan.gov , by telephone at (517) 373-7353 or in writing at Bureau of Commercial Services, 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.

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

How long does it take for my license to arrive?
  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 Check a License link in the Quick Links section. If it indicates "pending", the license number has not been issued.

How do I notify the Department of a name change?
All name changes must be placed, in writing, via fax at 517-373-1044, email at bcslic@michigan.gov   or mailed to the Bureau of Commercial Services, Architects, P.O. Box 30018, Lansing, Michigan, 48909. A $10 fee must be included in order to re-issue the license.

I lost my license. How do I request a duplicate license?
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.)

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

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

How do I request a verification of exam scores?
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

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

Can I pay for my renewal on-line or with a credit card?
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.

Can I come to the Department and pay in person?
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.

Why is it sometimes difficult to get through to the Department's staff by telephone?
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.

When is my license up for renewal?
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.

How do I apply for relicensure?
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.

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?
You must fill out the Application for Relicensure (BCS/LAR 800) and submit to the Department.

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

How can I verify a person's license status?
Click here

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

Firm Requirements

I am starting a firm, is there anything I must do to register the firm with the Department?
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.

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