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South Dakota - Admission, Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees and Scores

Bar Admission Agency

South Dakota Board of Bar Examiners

500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone (605) 773-4898
Fax (605) 773-8479
Website Visit Website

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required ✓ Yes
Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility ✓ Yes
July 2025: First filing deadline May 1
July 2025: Late filing deadline
February 2026: First filing deadline Nov. 1
February 2026: Late filing deadline
Bar Exam Application Filing Deadlines
Bar Exam Application Filing Fees

Score Portability

Accepts Legacy UBE Score ✕ No
Accepts NextGen UBE Score ✓ Yes
Minimum NextGen UBE Score 620
Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score July 2026
Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement (Score Transfer) ✕ No
Accepts Transferred MBE Scores ✓ Yes

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

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

How to Apply

Please visit your jurisdiction’s website for 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 South Dakota

MPRE Requirements

MPRE Required ✓ Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score 85
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 of past 5

Bar Exam

Legacy UBE ✕ No
NextGen UBE ✓ Yes
Date First Administration (NextGen UBE) July 2027
Minimum Passing Score (NextGen UBE) TBA
NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement TBA
Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam ✓ Yes
Jurisdiction-Drafted Minimum Passing Score

Visit the NCBE Study Aids Store for official test prep materials.

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