Jurisdiction information summary for the Maryland bar admission process.
Bar Admission Agency
Maryland State Board of Law Examiners
Judiciary A-POD, 580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone:(410) 260-3640
Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees
| ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required | No (Details) |
|---|---|
| Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility | Yes (Details) |
| Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines |
Details
|
| Bar Exam Application Filing Fees | Details |
Score Portability
| Accepts Legacy UBE Score | Yes |
|---|---|
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 266 |
| Accepts NextGen UBE Score | Yes |
| Minimum NextGen UBE Score | TBA |
| Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score | July 2026 |
| Maximum Score Age | 3 years (Details) |
| Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | Yes |
| Accepts Transferred MBE Scores | No |
Character & Fitness Investigations
NCBE conducts investigations for some application types.
Character & Fitness Services for MD
MPRE Requirements
| MPRE Required | Yes |
|---|---|
| MPRE Minimum Passing Score | 85 |
| MPRE Score Time Parameters | Details |
Admission on Motion
| Rules Provide for Admission on Motion | Yes |
|---|---|
| Number of Years of Practice Required | 3 of past 5 or 10 total |
Bar Exam
| Legacy UBE | Yes |
|---|---|
| Date Final Administration (Legacy UBE) | February 2026 |
| Legacy UBE Minimum Passing Score | 266 |
| Legacy UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | Yes (Details) |
| NextGen UBE | Yes |
| Date First Administration (NextGen UBE) | July 2026 |
| NextGen UBE Minimum Passing Score | TBA |
| NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement | Yes (Details) |
| Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam | No |
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Character & Fitness Investigations
Overview of NCBE character and fitness investigations for Maryland bar applicants.
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.
To review the fees associated with NCBE character and fitness investigations, view the NCBE fee schedule.
How to Apply
Please visit your jurisdiction’s website for submission instructions. If your jurisdiction requires you to complete an NCBE application, it can be accessed from your NCBE Account.
Submit all requested documentation with the application. Incomplete or inaccurate responses will cause delay.
Processing by NCBE
NCBE may contact the schools, employers, courts, and other sources 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.
Bar Admission Agency
Maryland State Board of Law Examiners
Judiciary A-POD, 580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-3640