Do You Need a License to Be an Interior Designer in the US?

When embarking on a career as an Interior Designer in the USA, one of the first questions many aspiring professionals ask is: Do I need a license? The answer isn’t simple. The licensing landscape for interior design in the USA is complex, varied from state to state—and it matters for both practitioners and clients alike. In this article, we’ll explore licensing vs. certification, why it matters (especially in California), what you should know, and what it means if you choose to work as an Interior Designer in the USA. We’ll include a deep dive into the specific situation in California, since that is our location for Shelby Design Group. We’ll also answer 10 frequently asked questions.

What Does “Licensing” Mean for an Interior Designer?

The term license can carry several meanings in the world of interior design. Broadly, when we talk about licensing for an Interior Designer in the USA, we refer to:

Practice-Acts: Laws that require a designer to hold a license (or registration) to practice interior design in certain settings (especially commercial or code-impacted spaces).
Title-Acts: Laws that restrict the title you can use (such as “Registered Interior Designer” or “Licensed Interior Designer”), even if the practical work is not restricted.
Certification (voluntary): Credentials offered by professional bodies that signal a certain level of knowledge or competence (e.g., the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) exam).

For example, the CIDQ administers the NCIDQ Exam which covers building systems, codes, professional practice, construction standards and more. cidq+2asid.org+2
In many states, passing the NCIDQ is a key step for those seeking registration or license to practice in regulated jurisdictions. cidq+2allartschools.com+2

What’s the National Picture?

Here’s how things look across the USA:

In most states, you do not need a license simply to work as an interior designer in residential settings; anyone can call themselves an interior designer in many states. Houzz+2Dakota Design Co+2
Some states do require registration or licensure for commercial design practice or code-related work (especially for health/safety, building code compliance). For example: Louisiana, Nevada, Florida, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have stronger regulation for commercial interior design practice. allartschools.com+2Wikipedia+2
Some states have title restrictions, meaning you must pass certain exams or meet credentials if you want to call yourself “Certified Interior Designer” or “Registered Interior Designer”. Office of the Professions+1
According to one source, 24 states plus D.C. have some form of licensure or registration requirement (though the type and scope vary). Coohom
Importantly: Because there is no federal license for interior designers in the USA, everything is governed at the state (or local) level. Dakota Design Co+1

So, if you are working as an Interior Designer in the USA, your licensing obligations depend heavily on which state you are in, what type of interior space you are working on (commercial vs residential), and whether you want to use a protected title.

California’s Landscape (Our Focus)

Since this article is oriented to California, let’s zoom in.

In California, there is a voluntary certification offered by the California Council for Interior Design Certification (CCIDC). This allows qualified practitioners to call themselves “Certified Interior Designer (CID)” and gives them limited permitting privileges in certain jurisdictions. Architectural Digest+1
However, California does not have a state-wide practice act mandating that all interior designers must be licensed to practice in residential settings. In other words, for many residential interior design services in California, you may be able to operate without state licensure, though you still must comply with building codes, zoning, local permits, business licenses, etc. (and you cannot use protected titles you’re not qualified for).
Because California is a large and complex state, local municipalities may have additional business licensing, registration, or permit requirements when design work touches building systems, structural changes, or commercial spaces.
For a firm like Shelby Design Group in California, claiming the title “Interior Designer in the USA” (or “Interior Designer in California”) is fully acceptable provided you are transparent about your credentials, scope, and any local permit requirements.

In short: If you are a residential interior designer in California, you often do not need a state license per se—but you must still observe other regulatory frameworks, hold appropriate business licenses, maintain professional competency, and if you wish to call yourself a “Certified Interior Designer (CID)”, you must meet the certification standards.

Why It Matters: Clients & Practitioners

For Clients:

Hiring someone who is certified or licensed (where applicable) can provide an added layer of confidence in their knowledge of building codes, safety, regulatory compliance.
Especially for commercial interiors, healthcare facilities, multi-unit residential, areas involving structural changes or mechanical/electrical work—having a designer with credentials may reduce risk.
For residential projects in states without license requirements, you’ll still want to look at portfolio, experience, references—credentials alone are not the whole story.

For Practitioners:

As an Interior Designer in the USA, earning credentials (like NCIDQ certification) can broaden your market, allow you to do code-based work, stamp drawings in some jurisdictions. cidq+1
Certification/title recognition can help with marketing, client trust, higher fees, and ability to perform more complex work.
If you do work in multiple states, you must check each state’s requirements; some states might not recognize your credentials, or your work may require a locally licensed professional.
Operating without required local business licenses or ignoring building-code requirements can expose you to liability—even if interior design per se isn’t licensed.

What Are the Typical Requirements for Certification/Licensure?

For states where interior designer licensure or registration exists, expected requirements often include:

A relevant degree in interior design (often from a program accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) or equivalent) or a combination of education & experience. allartschools.com+1
A specified number of hours of work experience under supervision (ranging from a few years to more). allartschools.com+1
Passing the NCIDQ exam (or another state exam) which covers technical knowledge, codes, standards, practice. cidq
Maintaining continuing education (in some states) to keep credentials current. Indeed
Submitting application, fees, sometimes demonstration of “good moral character,” etc. Office of the Professions

So if you are looking to work as an Interior Designer in the USA, especially in commercial or regulated settings, meeting those criteria is a strong foundation—even if your state does not legally require the license for residential work.

When Is a License or Certification Most Important?

While many residential projects may not legally demand licensure, there are key scenarios where credentials are critical:

Commercial interiors: offices, restaurants, hotels, multi-tenant buildings, public buildings. Here code compliance, accessibility standards (ADA in the U.S.), egress, fire safety matter. Without proper credentials the designer may not be permitted to sign off drawings. allartschools.com+1
Permitting: If your design involves structural changes, relocation of mechanical/electrical systems, walls removed/fired, load-bearing changes, you may need to work with an architect or licensed professional. The designer’s credentials may affect which drawings require sign-off. Reddit+1
Title protection: If the state restricts the use of “Registered Interior Designer” or “Licensed Interior Designer” unless you meet specific credentials, and you use the term improperly, there could be legal issues. Coohom+1
Interstate practice: If you work remotely or across state lines (as “Interior Designer in the USA”), you must check each state’s laws. Some states require out-of-state practitioners to hold local credentials or work under local licensed professionals. My Florida License

So…Do You Need a License to Be an Interior Designer in the USA?

Short answer: Not always—but maybe.
Here’s a breakdown:

If you operate in a state that does not require licensure for residential interior design, and you are doing residential work only, you typically can work without a state license.
If you wish to use protected titles, or work in commercial/code-based settings, then you may need to obtain certification or registration depending on the state.
Even if not legally required, earning credentials (e.g., NCIDQ) is professionally beneficial and may open up more opportunities.
If you plan to call yourself an Interior Designer in the USA and work across jurisdictions (including commercial work), it’s wise to treat yourself as if you are operating under best-practice standards for licensing/certification.

For our firm, Shelby Design Group in California, if we are focusing on residential interior design, no mandatory state license might be required—but we still must maintain excellent professional practice, hold any local business licenses, comply with building permits/regulations, and consider certification to enhance our credibility as an Interior Designer in the USA.

Best Practices & What to Check If You Want to Work or Hire an Interior Designer

For designers:

Check your state and local laws: the regulation may differ between cities or counties.
Pursue a strong education and build a portfolio of experience.
Consider obtaining the NCIDQ certification (or state equivalent).
Understand your scope of practice: know when you should collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors—especially for structural or mechanical work.
Maintain ongoing education in codes, safety standards, accessibility, materials, sustainability, etc.
Be clear in your contract with clients about scope, deliverables, permitting responsibilities.

For clients hiring a designer:

Ask about credentials, but more importantly ask about experience relevant to your project type (residential vs commercial).
Check whether the designer has worked with building permits and code-compliance if your project is structural or complex.
Make sure the designer’s scope and contract are clear: will they coordinate contractors, handle drawings, sign off on permits, manage timelines, etc?
For large projects, consider asking if the designer has NCIDQ certification or membership in recognized organizations (e.g., American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)).
Clarify cost, deliverables, timeline, changes, and who is responsible for building/contracting/permits.

The Value of Certification Even When License Is Not Mandatory

Even in states where licensure is not mandatory for residential interior design, certification matters. Why?

Certification signals to clients that you have met a recognized standard of knowledge and practice (e.g., NCIDQ). asid.org
It may allow you to expand into commercial design or sign drawings in jurisdictions that allow it.
It may help you market yourself as a high-end or expert designer—the title “Certified Interior Designer” carries weight.
It may enhance your ability to collaborate with architects/contractors who often prefer working with credentialed professionals.

As such, even though your state may not require a license to be an Interior Designer in the USA, pursuing certification can significantly improve your career prospects.

Key Considerations for Shelby Design Group (California Based)

Given that you’re based in California and operating as a design firm:

Ensure you are compliant with California’s business licensing laws for your city/county.
Make sure you understand when your design work might trigger building permits, code compliance or structural changes—and whether you need an architect/engineer or certified interior designer collaboration.
Use the title “Interior Designer” or “Certified Interior Designer (CID)” appropriately: if you hold the CCIDC certification, you may use “CID”; if not, avoid titles that imply regulated status you don’t have.
Clearly define your services: Are you strictly providing aesthetic and design services (furnishings, finishes, space-planning)? Or are you handling structural/permit drawings? Clients should know what is within your scope and what is outside your scope.
Consider obtaining NCIDQ certification (or state-approved credential) as part of your strategic business growth—especially if you want to branch into commercial design or cross-state work.
Highlight your credentials, portfolio and expertise in marketing so that as an Interior Designer in the USA, you stand out for professionalism and reliability.

Recap

The term Interior Designer in the USA covers a wide range of services, from furniture and finish selection to full interior architectural design and code-compliant commercial projects.
In most states, licence for residential interior design is not mandatory—but there are many exceptions, and for commercial/code-based work licensing or registration may be required.
California does not require a state-wide license for interior design in many residential cases, but certification is available and local permitting/business licenses still apply.
Certification (like NCIDQ) is optional but highly recommended for credibility and expanded practice opportunities.
Whether you’re hiring or working as a designer, check credentials, experience, scope of service, local regulation, and clarify responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a license to call myself an “Interior Designer” in California?
No, in California you generally do not need a state-issued license to use the title “Interior Designer” for residential work. However, if you want to use “Certified Interior Designer (CID)”, you must meet the certification criteria set by the CCIDC. Also, for construction-related or commercial projects you should check local permitting and code requirements.
What is the difference between a license and a certification for interior designers?
A license (or registration) is a legal requirement in some states: it gives you the legal right to perform certain design services (especially in regulated settings). A certification is generally voluntary and demonstrates that you meet recognized standards of education and experience (e.g., NCIDQ certification). See the guide from Harbor Compliance. Harbor Compliance+1
Does every state in the USA require interior designers to be licensed?
No. Many states have no licensure requirement for residential interior design. Some states have limited requirements for commercial or code-related interior design. According to Coohom, where they report 24 states + D.C. have some form of regulation. Coohom
What about when I design for a commercial project?
If your design involves code-compliance, structural or mechanical systems, egress, fire safety, etc., you are more likely to encounter states where registration/licensure is required. For example, Florida requires registration for commercial interior design. My Florida License+1
What is the NCIDQ exam and why does it matter?
The NCIDQ exam is the premier benchmark exam for interior designers in North America. It tests knowledge in building systems, codes, construction standards, professional practice, etc. In regulated jurisdictions, passing it is often required for licensure or registration. cidq+1
If I just want to do home decorating (furniture, color, finishes) do I still need credentials?
For purely aesthetic or decorative work in many states, no licensure is required. However, you should still check local business licensing, zoning/permit requirements (especially if installation or construction is involved), and you will benefit from credentials for marketing.
What happens if I work across multiple states (e.g., as an Interior Designer in the USA)?
You must check each state’s laws. Some states may require you to hold local registration or collaborate with a licensed professional. The lack of federal licensing means each jurisdiction can have its own rules. For example, in Florida if you are from another state you may still need registration for commercial work. My Florida License
Can I still call myself an interior designer even if I’m not licensed?
Yes—in many states you can call yourself an “Interior Designer” or “Interior Design Consultant” for residential work even if you are not licensed. But you should not use titles that are reserved for licensed or registered practitioners (e.g., “Registered Interior Designer”) unless you are qualified and your state allows. Houzz+1
What if my work requires building permits or structural changes?
If your project involves structural walls, mechanical/electrical changes, egress, fire safety—then you may need to engage an architect, engineer, or licensed interior designer who has permitting authority. The designer without certain credentials may not be able to sign drawings or assume liability. Reddit+1
As a client, how do I know I’m hiring a qualified interior designer?
Ask for portfolio and references; check their education and credentials (e.g., NCIDQ certificate or state registration if required); clarify scope of services (what is included: space-planning, furniture, finishes, drawings, contracts, permits); verify they have business licensing in their locality; ask about insurance (professional liability, general liability). Credentials provide a useful indicator but experience and clarity matter equally.

Final Thoughts

As a leading firm like Shelby Design Group operating in California and positioning yourselves as professional Interior Designer in the USA, you have a strong opportunity. The absence of mandatory state licensure for residential design (in many contexts) means fewer regulatory barriers—but it also means you must lean into professionalism, credentials, clarity of service, and best-practice standards.

If you take the time to gain certification, highlight your expertise, and clearly define your scope (especially for higher-complexity projects), you’ll set yourselves apart. Whether you’re advising clients, working on bespoke homes in California, or considering expanding into commercial or multi-state work, understanding the licensing landscape will help you navigate risk, compliance and growth.

To summarize: you do not always need a license to be an interior designer in the USA—but to maximise your opportunities, protect your practice, and market confidently as an Interior Designer in the USA, pursuing credentials, understanding local regulation and defining your niche strongly will serve you well.

Do You Need a License to Be an Interior Designer in the US?