How to Verify a Landscape Architect License

What Is a Licensed Landscape Architect?

A licensed landscape architect has passed the LARE (Landscape Architect Registration Examination), completed supervised professional experience, and holds a state license to practice landscape architecture. Landscape architects design outdoor spaces including parks, plazas, stormwater systems, residential developments, and transportation corridors — and in most states, only licensed landscape architects may use the title or stamp plans for regulated projects.

Licensure is required in 49 states and Washington D.C. (Colorado does not license landscape architects). The title "landscape architect" is legally protected in most jurisdictions — using it without a license is a violation.

How to Verify State Licensure

1. Identify the state(s) where the landscape architect is licensed and practicing.
2. Navigate to the relevant state licensing board — most are hosted under the state's department of consumer affairs, professional licensing, or agriculture. Search "[State] landscape architect license lookup."
3. Search by name or license number. Confirm:
   • License type (Licensed Landscape Architect or equivalent state title)
   • Active/valid status
   • Expiration or renewal date
   • Any disciplinary actions or conditions

CLARB: National Records and Multi-State Verification

The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) at clarb.org is the national organization that administers the LARE exam and supports multi-state licensure through a Council Record. CLARB's national database is useful for:

• LARE exam records: Confirms the candidate has passed all LARE sections, which is a prerequisite for licensure in all states.
• Council Record: Landscape architects can maintain a CLARB Council Record that streamlines licensure applications across states — useful for verifying multi-state practitioners.
• Directory: CLARB does not maintain a public individual licensure directory (state boards remain authoritative for active license status), but the CLARB website provides links to all state licensing boards.

Landscape Architect vs. Landscape Designer

For projects requiring stamped landscape plans (commercial development, public projects, site plan approvals), only a Licensed Landscape Architect holds stamp authority. Verify that the individual holds the actual state license, not just a related credential.

ASLA Membership vs. Licensure

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) at asla.org is a professional association — not a licensing body. ASLA membership (including "ASLA" after a name) indicates professional association membership but does not confirm state licensure. Licensed members often use "RLA" (Registered Landscape Architect) or "ASLA" post-nominals, but ASLA membership alone does not verify licensure.

Always verify the state license directly — do not rely on ASLA membership as a proxy for licensure.

Continuing Education and Renewal

Most states require landscape architects to complete continuing education (CE) for license renewal, typically 24–40 hours per renewal cycle (usually 2 years). Some states require health, safety, and welfare (HSW) specific CE hours. Check the specific state board requirements when verifying credentials for a project or employment context.

Red Flags

• Uses title "landscape architect" but state licensing board returns no active license — in most states this is a legal violation.
• License listed as inactive, expired, or lapsed — cannot stamp plans or represent themselves as a licensed LA.
• Claims ASLA membership as evidence of licensure — ASLA is a membership organization, not a licensing board.
• Landscape designer or CLP credential presented for a project requiring stamped plans — these are not equivalent to a landscape architect license.