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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 3Ch. 3Art. 3§ 5536 Unlicensed Architecture Practice Penalties

§ 5536 Unlicensed Architecture Practice Penalties

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 5536 Unlicensed Architecture Practice Penalties

Key Takeaways

  • •You can't call yourself an architect or do architect work in California if you don't have a license.
  • •You can't use a stamp or seal that makes people think you're a licensed architect if you're not.
  • •If you break these rules, you could pay a fine between $100 and $5,000 or go to jail for up to a year, or both.

Example

If someone who is not a licensed architect designs a house and calls themselves an architect, or uses a stamp that says 'State of California' to make it look like they are licensed.

This person is breaking the law because they are pretending to be an architect and using a fake stamp. They could get fined or even go to jail.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 5536 Unlicensed Architecture Practice Penalties

(a) It is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment, for any person who is not licensed to practice architecture under this chapter to practice architecture in this state, to use any term confusingly similar to the word architect, to use the stamp of a licensed architect, as provided in Section 5536.1, or to advertise or put out any sign, card, or other device that might indicate to the public that the person is an architect, is qualified to engage in the practice of architecture, or is an architectural designer. (b) It is a misdemeanor, punishable as specified in subdivision (a), for any person who is not licensed to practice architecture under this chapter to affix a stamp or seal that bears the legend “State of California” or words or symbols that represent or imply that the person is so licensed by the state to prepare plans, specifications, or instruments of service. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 376, Sec. 6. (SB 608) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

imprisonmentlicensefinemisdemeanorin california

Related Statutes

  • § 6980.10 Locksmith Licensing Requirements
  • § 7592.3 Unlicensed Security Business Penalties
  • § 7502.1 Repossessor Licensing Violations
  • § 7523 Private Investigator Licensing Requirements
  • § 1241.1 Primary Care Clinic Laboratories

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 5536.
View Official Source