The California Architects Board (CAB) Board has approved proposed legislation to accept individual taxpayer ID numbers in lieu of social security numbers for foreign-licensed professionals pursuing licensure in California.
In conjunction with the CAB’s vote in December 2011 to recognize the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect Program via a regulatory amendment, the Board also voted to evaluate and/or pursue a legislative proposal to recognize the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in lieu of a Social Security Number (SSN) for purposes of facilitating the licensure of foreign-licensed professionals. Currently, Business and Professions Code section (BPC) 30 (attached) requires that an individual hold an SSN in order to obtain and maintain a professional license in California.
The intent of the legislative proposal would be to permit foreign-licensed professionals (those who hold a current and valid NCARB Certificate) to become licensed in California, if they are not eligible for an SSN at the time they apply for licensure and they are not in noncompliance with a judgment or order for support pursuant to section 17520 of the Family Code..
CAB staff has drafted language (below) as proposed legislation which will be inserted into the Board’s existing “term staggering” bill (AB 1822 – Berryhill).
Section XXXX.X is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
XXXX.X. Notwithstanding Section 30 of this code and Section 17520 of the Family Code, the California Architects Board may accept for processing of an original or renewed license to practice architecture, an application from an individual containing a federal tax identification number, or other appropriate identification number as determined by the Board, in lieu of a social security number, if the individual is not eligible for a social security account number at the time of application and is not in noncompliance with a judgment or order for support pursuant to Section 17520 of the Family Code.
Have questions about this legislation or comments, please let me know.
