Iowa Architect Licensure SAVE Verification Requirements

Architects

Topics:

Other Professional Licensure

On this page...

• Individual Licenses
• Firm/Business Entity Licenses
• Other Applications

• Renewal Overview

• Laws & Rules for Architects

• Resources

• How to File a Complaint
  The Architectural Examining Board was created in 1927 and the Code was amended to provide a practice Act in 1961. The practice of architecture affects the public health, safety and welfare and is subject to regulation and control in the public interest.  Both the board and licensed architects strive at all times to protect the public interest by promoting the highest standards of architecture.

Back to top

Individual Licenses

• License by exam (initial license)
• License by reciprocity
• Reinstate your license
• Certification of Licensure/Registration (169.34 KB).pdf

My Iowa PLB

Apply for and Renew Licenses

Certified Public Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants, Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Landscape Architects.

My Iowa PLB Login
Back to top

Firm/Business Entity Licenses

Iowa no longer registers firms; it only registers individual architects. Any architectural work done in Iowa must be completed by or under the responsible charge of an Iowa–licensed architect.

The Board does not have any limits on the type or ownership of the company. Contact Iowa Economic Development and the Iowa Secretary of State for general business regulations.

Back to top

Other Applications

The following applications are also available online. Log into your account to complete the application checklist and submit for review:

• Architect Change of Status
• Architect Retired Status
• Notice of Intent to Offer Architectural Services Prior to Licensure in Iowa (136.93 KB).pdf
• General Forms: Change of Contact Information, Mailing List Request, Waiver Request, Complaint Form, and Military Service Application Back to top ## Renewal Overview

When a registrant is eligible for renewal, AMCs have a few options for how to proceed. Below are summaries of those options.

Notice of Renewal & Available Options

Summary of Renewal Options

Back to top

Laws & Rules for Architects

Below are the statutes and administrative rules that pertain directly to the practice of architecture in Iowa.

Iowa Code

Iowa Administrative Code 193B

Iowa Code & Administrative Rules for Other Professional Licenses

The following Iowa Code chapters and administrative rules apply to licensing boards within the department.

Iowa Code Chapters Applicable to Licensing Boards

Iowa Administrative Code Chapters Applicable to Other Professional Licenses

Rulemaking Notices

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.

Drug Offenses

Sexual Offenses

Forcible, Violent, or Endangerment Offenses

Offenses Involving Dishonesty

Public Health Offenses

Other Offenses

Back to top

Resources

• Seal and Certificate of Responsibility Information (145.33 KB).pdf
  • Note: Since July 1, 2017, architects are in Iowa “licensed,” not “registered.”
• NCARB Rules of Conduct (2023)
  • Sample Form for Areas of Professional Competency (18.87 KB).pdf
  • Sample Checklist for Exempted Buildings (27.07 KB).pdf
• International Building Code (2015)
  • A copy of the 2015 International Building Code ® is also available in the State Library of Iowa and the Board office.
• 2025 List of Lapsed Architect Licenses (316.56 KB).pdf
• NCARB (National Council of Architecture Registration Boards)
• A.I.A. (American Institute of Architects)

• A.I.A. Iowa Chapter
  Back to top

  How to File a Complaint

• Fill out our electronic form to file a complaint.

  • Be sure to attach documentation that will support your complaint. Back to top ## Architecture

Location DIAL Headquarters 6200 Park Avenue
Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50321

Email Address ArchitectureBoard@iowa.gov Phone(s) Primary (515) 725-9022 x 3