How to Guide: Registered Interior Designer
How To Apply
If you would like to apply as a Registered Interior Designer, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew every 2 years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application, getting it signed and notarized, and paying the required fee.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by June 30th of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is July 1 – July 31.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Interior Designer Reinstatement
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication for the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form >>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. See program information here >>
- If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
Application | $50 |
Reciprocity | $50 |
Reinstatement (same calendar year license expired) | $150 |
Inactive status | $150 |
Reactivation of status | $300 |
Renewal Biennial Fee - Expires March 31 of each Odd Numbered Year | $90 |
Renewal Biennial Late Fee – June 30 Ends Late Renewal Period | $100 |
Late renewal | $100 |
Roster of licensees | $50 |
Verification of licensure | $35 |
Decorative wall certificate | $50 |
Copies (over 10 pages) re uested from the Board | $0.025/page |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Interior Designer Licensure
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- Official College Transcripts
- Passed National Exam
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Interior Designer Endorsement
If you have previously held this license in another state and are planning to apply for licensure in Georgia, apply for licensure by endorsement. You must submit this application by mail.
If you have previously held this license in another state and are planning to apply for licensure in Georgia, apply for licensure by endorsement. You must submit this application by mail.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Passed National Exam
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Interior Designer Reinstatement
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than 2 years, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
If you have previously held this license and it has been expired for more than 2 years, you must re-take the exam and upon passing the exam, submit a reinstatement application and fee.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $150.
Interior Designer Reactivation
If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.
If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $300.
Interior Designer Renewal
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before June 30th of odd-numbered years to avoid late fees.
If you have previously held this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before June 30th of odd-numbered years to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Call 404-424-9966 and request a paper renewal coupon be mailed to you. When completed, please mail the renewal coupon, the required fee, and any supporting documents to:
Georgia Board of Architects and Interior Designers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
- After renewing online or by mail, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource American Society of Interior Designers
- Online Resource International Interior Designers Association
- Online Resource National Council for Interior Design Qualification