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District of Columbia - Admission, Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees and Scores

Bar Admission Agency

Committee on Admissions
D.C. Court of Appeals

430 E St. NW, Rm. 123
Washington, DC 20001

Phone: (202) 879-2710
Fax: (202) 879-2794
Email: coa@dcappeals.gov

Visit Website

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required ✕ No
Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility ✓ Yes
Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines
July 2026: First filing deadline March 31
July 2026: Late filing deadline
February 2027: First filing deadline Nov. 21
February 2027: Late filing deadline
Bar Exam Application Filing Fees

Score Portability

Accepts Legacy UBE Score ✓ Yes
Minimum Legacy UBE Score 266
Accepts NextGen UBE Score ✓ Yes
Minimum NextGen UBE Score 616
Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score July 2026
Maximum Score Age 5 years
Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement ✕ No
Accepts Transferred MBE Scores ✕ No

Character & Fitness Investigations

NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.

Process Overview

Submission

Requirements, deadlines, and processing times vary among jurisdictions. Application processes are determined solely by the jurisdiction to which you are applying. Contact your jurisdiction for specific application instructions and deadlines.

Application and Fee

Completing and submitting a character and fitness application is only part of the bar application process.

View NCBE Fee Schedule

How to Apply

Please visit your jurisdiction’s website for access to the online application and submission instructions.

Submit all requested documentation with the application. Incomplete or inaccurate responses will cause delay.

Processing by NCBE

NCBE may contact the schools, employers, courts, etc., identified in your application to gather relevant information. A prompt response to any inquiries from NCBE staff is required to prevent delays. The jurisdiction to which you are applying may also contact you and others to gather information. If NCBE conducts an investigation, you may log in to your NCBE account to view status updates and you should monitor your email, NCBE Account, and text messages in case our investigators need additional information.

Final Review

The jurisdiction will review your application materials and, in some instances, NCBE's investigation report, and may require you to provide additional information or explanation or to appear for a personal interview. NCBE makes no determinations or recommendations regarding who is eligible or ineligible to practice law. Jurisdictions make this determination.

Character & Fitness Services for District of Columbia

MPRE Requirements

MPRE Required ✓ Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score 75
MPRE Score Time Parameters

Admission on Motion

Rules Provide for Admission on Motion ✓ Yes
Legal Education and Reciprocity Requirements
Number of Years of Practice Required 3

Bar Exam

NextGen UBE ✓ Yes
Date First Administration February 2028
Minimum Passing Score 616
NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement TBA
Legacy UBE ✓ Yes
Date Final Administration July 2027
Minimum Passing Score 266
Legacy UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement ✕ No
Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam ✕ No
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