Frequently Asked Questions

What is our current design law?

As of April 20, 2023, the Registered Interior Designers Act - HB 4715 (you can read the full text here) - was finalized. This provides Registered Interior Designers in Illinois the ability to stamp and seal their own interior, nonstructural construction plans for permitting.

We encourage all certificate holders in Illinois to register their credentials with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Board of Interior Design. This is the best way to show support for continued regulation of the interior design profession and independent practice rights.

CAN REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNERS (RIDs) NOW APPLY FOR AND SECURE A STAMP WITH THEIR REGISTRATION?

Yes, as of April 20, 2023, RIDs have the right to secure a stamp for use on applicable technical submissions that require a seal/stamp.

I’M NCIDQ CERTIFIED. DO I AUTOMATICALLY GET A STAMP?

No. If you are a current, active NCIDQ certificate holder, you must register and submit your application to become a Registered Interior Designer with the IDFPR Board of Interior Design to receive the Registered Interior Designer title. Once you are registered, you may procure a stamp. You may register with the Board at the IDFPR website.

WHAT SHOULD THE STAMP LOOK LIKE?

Rules for Illinois RID seals, listed below, allow some flexibility in design. However, IIDA-Illinois and ASID-Illinois have determined that using a seal that is in keeping with the exact graphic design of the Illinois architects and engineers will allow for easy recognition, as well as demonstrate alignment with these allied professions.

There are four recommended elements of the Illinois RID seal:

1. Top of Seal: The phrase “Registered Interior Designer”:

2. Center of Seal: Your name above and your registration number below;

3. Bottom of Seal: The phrase “State of Illinois”;

4. The specific dot-and-tick pattern shown below.

Pursuant to Section 1255.45 of the Rules for the Administration of the Registered Interior Designers Act, an RID stamp must contain: the name of the registered interior designer; registration number, the words “Registered Interior Designer, State of Illinois”. RIDs must also place their written signature and date of signing, along with the date of registration expiration, adjacent to the seal. These must be placed on the first sheet of any bound set or loose sheets of technical submissions. The shape listed is a suggestion of what the seal should look like for the RID profession. Size, color, etc. are open for personal taste/expression.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO SECURE A STAMP?

Because IDFPR does not work with vendors to issue stamps, active RIDs may procure a stamp from any license seal vendor. However, IIDA-IL and ASID-IL have sourced vendors who offer the exact design shown above, including Winmark Stamp and Sign and Pro-Stamps.

Winmark has an active purchasing page set up for purchasing HERE.

CAN I USE AN EMBOSSED STAMP?

Per the final rules, the RID seal must be reproducible. Embossed seals would not meet the IDFPR’s requirements.

DO I HAVE TO REAPPLY WITH IDFPR FOR MY RID TITLE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE STAMP?

No, you do not have to reapply to be eligible for the stamp. If your NCIDQ Certification and RID registration are in active status, you can obtain a stamp.

ARE CODE OFFICIALS IN ILLINOIS AWARE THAT RIDs CAN NOW STAMP THEIR OWN CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PERMITTING?

IDFPR has notified the Illinois Association of Code Officials that rules governing interior design registration were amended to include permitting privileges. The Department has requested they share the information with their members; however this does not guarantee that all code officials in Illinois are aware of the change. In instances where code officials are unfamiliar with the changes, RIDs may consider sharing the final rules.

Does Illinois State registration require any CEU's to stay active?

Beginning August 21, 2025, RIDs will be required to complete 10 hours of continuing education per 2 year renewal cycle. All of those hours should be relevant to the profession of interior design, with one hour of CE required in each sexual harassment prevention training and professional conduct/ethics. You can refer to Section 1255.61 of the Rules for the Administration of the Registered Interior Designers Act for more information about CEUs.

Why should I keep my NCIDQ certificate active?

Keeping your NCIDQ certificate Active (renewed) provides you with the opportunity to register with the State as a Registered Interior Designer and to use the appellation “NCIDQ”. If your certificate is not renewed the State may choose to revoke your licensure if you are currently registered with the State. It also provides portability should you choose to relocate to a different jurisdiction and need to go through a registration, or licensing, process, and last, but not least, your renewal fee contributes to the advancement of the exam/profession. The portability issue is key for anyone who anticipates a move to a different state. A current certificate holder can obtain proof of exam passage by contacting CIDQ and requesting the documentation to submit with their registration application. If your certificate is not current you will need to pay a reinstatement fee to obtain documentation.

Stay active to:

Use the NCIDQ appellation to display your professionalism, expertise, and commitment. Example: Amy Smith, FASID, NCIDQ, LEED AP
Be included in a searchable public directory of NCIDQ Certified interior designers, available to prospective clients.
Have your verified information provided to any regulatory board you wish.

Your support by paying yearly dues to CIDQ enables them to:

Complete a practice analysis to identify current knowledge and skills that define a competent professional in interior design.
Conduct an item bank audit that provided insight, and allows us to continue to build and strengthen the exams.
Educate the public and legislators about the health, safety, and welfare impact of interior design and the importance of the NCIDQ Exam.
Successfully complete a digital download, moving certificate holders information to their online MyNCIDQ accounts, making them accessible as needed.
Engage a full-time digital design contractor to aid in refining the graphic standards of the exam, improving the image quality of exhibits, and accelerating our capacity for developing Practicum case studies.
Develop new tools and resources to better convey the value of the NCIDQ Exam.

WHAT IF MY NCIDQ CERTIFICATION IS INACTIVE OR MY RID REGISTRATION IS EXPIRED OR LAPSED?

If your NCIDQ certification is inactive, you will need to reinstate your certification to be eligible to use the appellation and qualify for the RID title. You can reinstate your certification through your MyNCIDQ account, more information on renewal and reinstatement can be found on the CIDQ website.

If your RID registration is expired or lapsed, you will need to renew your registration. The renewal link is only available for active registrations and is only open during the pre-renewal window – incidentally, the pre-renewal window should be open on our near June 1st.

Depending on how long someone is inactive or not renewed will determine how to proceed. Under five years is considered a reinstatement and requires the reinstatement form and a check for the applicable amount. Over five years is a restoration and requires forms, fee, and a few additional items.

You can renew your registration at the IFDPR website. Follow this link www.idfpr.com/Renewals/defaultSSL.asp . Select Online credit card renewal. You must provide your License Number and ONE of the following 1) Your date of birth 2) Your social security number OR 3) Your PIN number used for prior renewal. Your PIN number will be in the email sent to you from the State. If you do not have your PIN you may renew with the other two options. After renewed the State will send you an updated license certificate. Keep your certificate on file and please do not lose it. Write down your license number in a safe place so you can always reference it.

WHAT IF I AM AN RID AND DO NOT NEED TO STAMP MY OWN DRAWINGS?

Based on the revised law, all RID’s will be required to adhere to the CEU requirements. However, you are not required to obtain a stamp for use if it does not pertain to your day-to-day work.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT STAMPING MY OWN DOCUMENTS?

Your signature and expiration date of your registration should be adjacent to any documents you stamp. Consider carrying the final rules from IDFPR with you, in case building officials are unaware of the new legislation. New or small business owners should consider carrying errors/omissions insurance and general liability insurance when stamping drawings. It’s also helpful to stay up to date with building code changes in your jurisdictions.

Quick Links:

Watch our Webinar Recording “Illinois Stamp & Seal: Registration Made Easy”

Final Rules for Illinois Interior Design Title Act

Apply for an RID registration

Reinstate your NCIDQ certification