What happens when you explore for an architect license after a suspension
If your architect license in Washington was suspended, you cannot straightforward reapply as though the suspension never happened. The Washington State Department of Licensing (WSDOL) maintains a record of the suspension, and any new process will require you to address it directly. You will need to show that the grounds for the original suspension have been resolved, provide documentation of what you have done since the suspension, and in many cases wait until the suspension period has ended before the department will consider a new process.
The path forward depends on why your license was suspended. Suspensions typically result from unpaid continuing education requirements, failure to renew on time, disciplinary action by the Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Board (AELSB), or non-payment of fees or fines. Each reason has different requirements for reinstatement or reapplication.
Washington distinguishes between a suspended license (temporarily inactive but potentially restorable) and a revoked license (permanently canceled). A suspension can sometimes be lifted without a full new process. A revocation requires you to reapply from the beginning and may carry additional barriers depending on the cause.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the WSDOL directly to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what steps are required to address it.
- If the suspension was for non-renewal or unpaid fees, you may be able to restore the license without reapplying by paying what is owed and meeting current continuing education requirements.
- If the suspension resulted from disciplinary action, you will likely need to reapply and demonstrate that the underlying conduct has been corrected.
- Washington's AELSB reviews all applications involving a prior suspension and may require additional documentation, references, or a hearing before approval.
- The timeline for reinstatement or reapplication can range from weeks to months depending on whether the board must hold a hearing.
Suspension versus revocation: what the difference means for your next step
A suspension is a temporary removal of your license. It remains on the books but is inactive. Once the reason for suspension is resolved, you may be able to restore it without going through the full process process again. Common suspension reasons include failure to pay renewal fees, lapsed continuing education hours, or failure to renew by the important date.
A revocation is permanent cancellation. Your license is struck from the register. If your license was revoked rather than suspended, you must submit a complete new process as if you were explore for the first time. The AELSB will review your entire history, including the reason for revocation, and may deny the process if they determine you remain unfit to practice.
You can find out which status applies to you by contacting the WSDOL's Architects and Engineers section directly. Have your license number ready. They will tell you the suspension or revocation date, the stated reason, and whether any conditions must be met before the license can be restored or a new process considered.
How to find out why your license was suspended
The WSDOL maintains records of all license actions. You can search the license lookup database on the WSDOL website to see your license status and any public disciplinary history. However, the database does not always explain the reason in detail, especially if the suspension was administrative (such as non-renewal) rather than disciplinary.
Call the WSDOL Architects and Engineers Program at the phone number listed on their website. Provide your name and license number. Ask for the specific reason the license was suspended, the date it was suspended, and whether any conditions must be met before you can restore it or reapply. Request written confirmation of this information via email or mail.
If the suspension was due to disciplinary action, the AELSB may have issued a formal order. Ask the WSDOL whether an order exists and request a copy. This document will spell out what conduct led to the suspension and what you must demonstrate to show the problem has been corrected.
Restoring a suspended license without reapplying
If your suspension was administrative—meaning it resulted from non-renewal, unpaid fees, or lapsed continuing education—you may be able to restore your license by paying what is owed and meeting current requirements. This is faster than reapplying.
The steps are typically: (1) pay any outstanding renewal fees or fines; (2) complete any continuing education hours required since the suspension date; (3) submit proof of completion to the WSDOL; and (4) request reinstatement in writing. The WSDOL will review your submission and, if everything is in order, restore your license to active status.
The cost and timeline vary. Renewal fees in Washington are set by the AELSB and change periodically. Continuing education requirements are 24 hours per two-year renewal cycle, though the exact hours you owe depend on how long the suspension lasted. Once you submit everything, reinstatement usually takes two to four weeks.
Reapplying after a disciplinary suspension
If your license was suspended due to disciplinary action—such as a complaint about your work, violation of the professional code of conduct, or failure to comply with a prior board order—you cannot straightforward restore it. You must reapply and address the disciplinary history head-on.
Your reapplication will include the standard requirements: proof of education (typically a professional degree from an NAAB-accredited program), documentation of work experience under a licensed architect, passage of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), and proof of Washington residency or intent to practice in Washington. You will also need to submit a written statement explaining the circumstances that led to the suspension, what you have learned, and what steps you have taken to prevent the same conduct from happening again.
The AELSB will review your process and the disciplinary record together. They may request additional references, documentation of corrective action, or evidence that you have completed ethics training or other remedial work. In some cases, they will schedule a hearing where you can present your case in person or by video. This process typically takes three to six months.
What the AELSB looks for when reviewing a reapplication after suspension
The Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors Board does not automatically deny reapplications from people with a prior suspension, but they do scrutinize them carefully. They are looking for evidence that you understand what went wrong and have taken concrete steps to correct it.
If the suspension was for poor quality of work or failure to follow professional standards, the board wants to see documentation that you have completed additional training, worked under closer supervision, or had your work reviewed by another licensed architect. If the suspension was for dishonesty or violation of client trust, they want evidence of ethics training, character references from people who know your current practice, and a clear explanation of how your conduct has changed.
The board also considers how much time has passed since the suspension. A reapplication submitted years after the suspension ended, with a strong record of practice in another state or in a related field, is viewed more favorably than one submitted when ready after the suspension period ends.
Timeline and costs for reapplication
The timeline depends on whether the AELSB must hold a hearing. If your process is straightforward and the board has no questions, you may receive a decision within six to eight weeks of submission. If the board schedules a hearing, add another four to eight weeks.
The reapplication fee is set by the AELSB and is separate from the renewal fee. As of the most recent published rates, the reapplication fee is less than the cost of a new initial process, but you should confirm the current amount with the WSDOL. You will also need to pay for any continuing education courses you take, exam fees if you must retake the ARE, and potentially the cost of obtaining certified copies of your education records.
If the board denies your reapplication, you have the right to request a hearing or appeal. This adds further time and may require you to hire an attorney familiar with professional licensing law in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice architecture in Washington while my reapplication is pending?
No. Once a license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally practice architecture or use the title "architect" in Washington until the license is restored or a new license is issued. Practicing without a license is a violation of state law and can result in criminal charges and civil penalties.
Do I have to retake the ARE if I reapply after a suspension?
Not necessarily. If you passed the ARE before the suspension and your education and experience records are still valid, you will not need to retake it. However, if the AELSB has concerns about your competence, they may require you to retake one or more sections. Ask the WSDOL whether retesting is required before you submit your reapplication.
What if I was suspended in another state? Can I still get a license in Washington?
Washington will consider your out-of-state suspension history. You must disclose it on your process. The AELSB will review the reason for the suspension and may request documentation from the other state's licensing board. A suspension in another state does not automatically disqualify you in Washington, but it will be examined as part of your process review.
How long do I have to wait after a suspension before I can reapply?
There is no fixed waiting period set by Washington law. However, the AELSB is more likely to approve a reapplication if some time has passed and you have a record of continued professional activity or corrective action. If the suspension order itself imposed a waiting period, you must wait until that period ends before reapplying.
What should I include in my statement explaining the suspension?
Be honest and specific. Explain what happened, take responsibility for your role, describe what you have learned, and detail the steps you have taken to prevent it from happening again. Avoid making excuses or blaming others. If you completed ethics training, took additional courses, or worked under supervision, mention it. If you sought counseling or addressed a personal issue that contributed to the problem, you may include that if relevant. Keep the statement to one or two pages.