Why Washington Suspends Architect Licenses and What You Can Do
Washington's Department of Licensing suspends architect licenses for specific violations — unpaid child support, failure to pay taxes, criminal convictions, or violations of the state's professional conduct rules. A suspension is temporary: your license is inactive, but you can petition to restore it once you've met the conditions. You cannot legally practice architecture or use the title "architect" while suspended, and you cannot renew your license until the suspension is lifted.
The suspension itself is not a permanent revocation. Washington distinguishes between the two: suspension pauses your right to practice for a defined period or until you satisfy certain requirements, while revocation ends your license entirely. Most suspensions come with a clear path to reinstatement, though the timeline and requirements depend on why the license was suspended in the first place.
Key Takeaways
- Washington suspends architect licenses most often for unpaid child support, tax debt, criminal convictions, or violations of the state's professional conduct standards.
- You cannot practice architecture, sign plans, or use the title "architect" while your license is suspended, and clients or employers can verify suspension status through the Department of Licensing's public database.
- Reinstatement requires you to satisfy the underlying condition — paying back child support or taxes, completing probation, or demonstrating compliance with conduct rules — and then filing a formal petition with the Department of Licensing.
- The Department of Licensing charges a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long it has been in effect.
- If you dispute the suspension or believe it was issued in error, you have the right to request a hearing before the Department of Licensing's disciplinary board.
The Most Common Reasons for Suspension in Washington
Child support debt is the leading cause of professional license suspension in Washington. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) reports non-payment to the Department of Licensing, which then suspends the license automatically. You do not need to be behind on current payments — even arrears from years ago can trigger suspension if they remain unpaid.
Tax debt to the state or federal government also triggers automatic suspension. The Department of Revenue or the IRS reports the debt, and the Department of Licensing suspends your license without a separate hearing. This applies to both income tax and business tax obligations.
Criminal convictions related to dishonesty, fraud, or crimes of moral turpitude can result in suspension or revocation. A conviction does not automatically end your license, but the Department of Licensing will open a disciplinary case to determine whether suspension or revocation is appropriate. You have the right to a hearing before that information is made.
Violations of professional conduct rules — such as negligence in design, failure to carry liability insurance, misrepresentation of qualifications, or violations of building codes — lead to disciplinary action. These cases are investigated by the Department of Licensing's enforcement staff and decided by the disciplinary board after a hearing.
How to Check If Your License Is Suspended
The Department of Licensing maintains a public database where you can search any architect's license status. Visit the Department of Licensing website and use their license lookup tool. Enter your name or license number, and the result will show whether your license is active, suspended, revoked, or expired.
If your license shows as suspended, the database entry should indicate the reason — for example, "suspended for non-payment of child support" or "suspended pending disciplinary hearing." The entry may also show the date the suspension took effect. This information is public, meaning employers, clients, and other professionals can see it too.
If you believe the suspension is an error — for instance, you paid the child support debt but the Department of Licensing has not yet processed the payment — contact the Department of Licensing directly. Bring documentation of your payment (a receipt, bank statement, or letter from DSHS confirming the debt is satisfied). Processing times vary, but the Department typically updates the database within 5 to 10 business days after receiving proof of payment.
Steps to Reinstate Your License After Suspension
The reinstatement process depends on the reason for suspension. For child support or tax debt, the steps are straightforward: pay the debt in full, obtain written confirmation from DSHS or the Department of Revenue that the debt is satisfied, and submit that confirmation to the Department of Licensing. Once the Department receives proof of payment, it will lift the suspension automatically — you do not need to file a separate petition or pay an additional reinstatement fee.
For criminal convictions or professional conduct violations, reinstatement requires a formal petition. You must file a written request with the Department of Licensing's disciplinary board, explaining why your license should be restored. The petition should address the underlying violation — for example, if you were suspended for negligence, explain what steps you have taken to prevent similar errors, such as additional training or changes to your practice. The board will review your petition and may grant reinstatement, deny it, or require conditions (such as a period of probation or mandatory continuing education).
The Department of Licensing charges a reinstatement fee, typically between $100 and $300 depending on the type of suspension and how long it has been in effect. Some suspensions — particularly those for unpaid child support or taxes — may not require a fee once the debt is paid, but confirm this with the Department before submitting payment.
Your Right to a Hearing If You Dispute the Suspension
If your license was suspended for a reason other than unpaid child support or taxes, you have the right to request a hearing before the Department of Licensing's disciplinary board. This right applies to criminal convictions and professional conduct violations. You must request the hearing within a specific timeframe — usually 20 days from the date you receive notice of the suspension — so act quickly if you plan to contest it.
At the hearing, you can present evidence, call witnesses, and argue why the suspension should not be imposed or should be lifted. The board will consider your evidence and the Department's evidence, then issue a written decision. If you lose at the hearing, you have the right to appeal to the Washington Court of Appeals, though appeals are expensive and rarely successful unless the Department made a clear legal error.
If your suspension is for unpaid child support or taxes, you generally do not have a right to a hearing on the suspension itself — the debt is a matter of fact, not professional conduct. However, if you dispute whether the debt is actually yours or whether it has been paid, you can request a hearing to present that evidence.
What You Cannot Do While Suspended
While your license is suspended, you cannot legally practice architecture in Washington. This means you cannot design buildings, prepare construction documents, stamp plans with your architect's seal, or represent yourself as an architect to clients or employers. Doing so is a violation of state law and can result in criminal charges or additional disciplinary action.
You also cannot renew your license while it is suspended. If your license expires during the suspension period, it will lapse, and you will need to go through the full reinstatement process plus a renewal process once the suspension is lifted. This can add time and cost to getting back to practice.
Some employers will not hire you in any capacity — even as a drafter or junior designer — if your license is suspended, because they want to avoid any appearance of unlicensed practice. Others may hire you for non-licensed work, but you must be clear with your employer about your suspension status and cannot perform any tasks that require a licensed architect's seal or signature.
How Long Suspensions Typically Last
Suspensions for unpaid child support or taxes last until the debt is paid. There is no fixed timeline — the suspension remains in place indefinitely until you satisfy the obligation. Once you pay, the Department of Licensing lifts the suspension within days.
Suspensions for criminal convictions or professional conduct violations vary widely. Some are for a fixed period — for example, one year or two years — after which you can petition for reinstatement. Others are indefinite, meaning you must petition the board to consider reinstatement, and the board will decide whether you have demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation or compliance with conduct standards.
The Department of Licensing's disciplinary board considers factors such as the severity of the violation, whether you have completed any required remedial training or probation, your history of compliance with professional standards, and whether you pose a risk to the public. There is no set formula, so timelines vary significantly from case to case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an architect in another state while my Washington license is suspended?
No. Your Washington suspension does not automatically suspend your license in other states, but if you explore for licensure in another state, you must disclose the suspension. Most states will deny your process or impose conditions if you have an active suspension in another state. Once your Washington license is reinstated, you can pursue licensure elsewhere.
Will my suspension show up on background checks for jobs?
Yes. The Department of Licensing's public database is accessible to employers, and many conduct background checks that include professional license status. Your suspension will appear until it is lifted. Some employers will not hire you while suspended; others may hire you for non-licensed work.
What if I cannot afford to pay the child support or tax debt right away?
Contact DSHS (for child support) or the Department of Revenue (for taxes) to discuss a payment plan. Many agencies will work with you to set up installment payments. Once you have a signed agreement and are making payments on schedule, you can request that the Department of Licensing lift the suspension temporarily while you complete the plan, though this is not may provide.
Do I need a lawyer to petition for reinstatement?
You are not required to hire a lawyer, but the process can be complex, especially if you are disputing the reason for suspension or petitioning after a conduct violation. A lawyer familiar with Washington's professional licensing rules can help you prepare a strong petition and represent you at a hearing if needed.
How long does reinstatement take after I pay the debt or file a petition?
For child support or tax debt, reinstatement is usually automatic within 5 to 10 business days of the Department receiving proof of payment. For petitions after conduct violations, the board may take 30 to 90 days to review and decide, depending on their caseload and whether a hearing is required.