Architecture firm licensing. State-specific requirements.
Architecture firms must register at the firm level in addition to individual architect licensure. Requirements vary by state but typically include majority architect ownership and designated responsible architect.
Start here.
Most states require architecture firms to register at the firm level.
Most states require 51%+ ownership by licensed architects.
Each firm typically must designate a responsible licensed architect.
Most states mandate PLLC or Professional Corporation structure.
NCARB facilitates multi-state licensure for individuals.
The full picture.
Firm registration basics
Architecture firms must register with the state architecture board in each state where they practice. Registration confirms: ownership structure compliant with state law, designated responsible architect, firm name complies with naming rules.
Ownership requirements
Most states require majority (51%+) ownership by licensed architects. Some states require 100% ownership. A few states (Colorado, others) allow more flexible ownership with at least one licensed architect on staff.
Entity structure
Most states require PLLC or Professional Corporation. Standard LLC typically not permitted for architecture practice. PLLC formation includes board approval in some states.
Designated responsible architect
Most firms must designate a licensed architect responsible for the firm's professional work. This architect signs and seals drawings on behalf of the firm.
Firm naming rules
Many states have specific rules: name must include "Architects" or "Architecture" or initials; some prohibit non-architect names; some require all named partners to be licensed.
Multi-state operations
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) facilitates individual architect licensure through state reciprocity. Firm licensure must be separately obtained in each state.
Continuing requirements
Annual firm registration renewal; individual architect license renewal with continuing education; periodic audits or audits-on-demand by state boards.
Common firm structures
Sole practitioner PLLC: single-architect firm. Multi-architect PLLC: 51%+ architects own. Corporation: less common; subject to similar rules.
Common compliance issues
Operating without firm registration; using a firm name that violates rules; allowing unlicensed individuals to sign drawings; majority ownership shifting below 51%.
Common questions.
Do I need to register my architecture firm?
What ownership is required?
Do I need PLLC?
What is NCARB?
Can a non-architect own equity?
What about partnerships?
How often does the firm renew?
Penalty for operating without firm license?
Set up your professional firm.
PLLC formation, registered agent, ongoing compliance. We handle entity-level requirements; you handle the professional practice.
Professional licensing is handled by state boards. File.Business handles entity formation and ongoing compliance.
How we deliver, end-to-end.
Four-step path from request to confirmation. State and IRS turnaround varies; our steps run in parallel where possible to compress the timeline.
Intake + scope
You tell us what you need through a short intake form (or a call for complex matters). We confirm scope, surface any gating issues (deadlines, missing documents, entity status), and quote any state fees that pass through at cost.
Prepare + verify
Our specialists draft the filing, verify entity details against state databases, run internal QA, and route any items needing your sign-off. You see drafts before anything gets submitted.
File with the authority
We submit directly to the state Secretary of State, FinCEN, IRS, USPTO, or whichever authority your filing requires. We pay state fees at cost and track the submission identifier in your account.
Confirmation + vault
Stamped certificate, IRS notice, or filing receipt arrives in your SOC 2 encrypted document vault the moment we receive it. Next filing deadline auto-added to your compliance calendar where applicable.
Built on the same infrastructure used by 220,000+ businesses.
SOC 2 Type II audited
Independent annual security audit covering access control, change management, incident response, and data handling. Current report on request.
All 51 US jurisdictions
Every state plus DC plus Puerto Rico - direct filings, not third-party reseller. We hold registered-agent qualifications in every state we operate.
Deadline guarantee
If we miss a filing deadline on a service you pay us to manage, we pay the state penalty. Specific to each plan and the filings it includes.
4.9 from 8,200+ verified reviews
Independently verified by Trustpilot + Google + our own NPS infrastructure. Customer success team within reach by email, chat, or phone.
60-day money-back promise
Change your mind in the first 60 days and we refund our service fee in full. State filing fees pass through at cost and are non-refundable once paid to the state.
E&O insured
Errors and omissions coverage protects you from service errors. Carrier and certificate available on request for enterprise clients.
Recommended add-ons
Most customers add these to keep their business compliant year-round.
Registered Agent
Most orderedRequired for every registered business entity in every state.
Compliance Monitoring
Best valueTrack every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline.
Annual Report Filing
RecommendedAuto-file your state annual report. Never miss a deadline.
Premium compliance, no service-fee markup.
Trust you can verify
SOC 2 Type II audited platform. 220,000+ businesses served. 60-day money-back on service fees. State fees passed through at cost with no hidden markup. Explicit AUP on restricted industries.
A compliance partner, not a transaction
Most providers go quiet after checkout. We auto-track every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across your entities. The Business OS dashboard keeps your compliance score visible year-round.
Premium experience competitors cannot match
Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state or federal filings. Premium positioning, transparent pricing, no service-fee markup on state filings.