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Washington - Admission, Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees and Scores

Bar Admission Agency

Washington State Bar Association

1325 4th Ave., Ste. 600
Seattle, WA 98101-2539

Phone: (206) 727-8209
Fax: (206) 727-8313
Email: admissions@wsba.org

Visit Website

Bar Exam Eligibility, Deadlines, and Fees

ABA-Approved Law School J.D. Required: ✕ No

Foreign Law Graduate Eligibility: ✓ Yes

July 2026: First filing deadline – March 5; late filing deadline – April 5

February 2027: First filing deadline – Oct. 5; late filing deadline – —

View Filing Deadlines and Fees

Score Portability

Accepts Legacy UBE Score: ✓ Yes

Minimum Legacy UBE Score: 260

Accepts NextGen UBE Score: ✓ Yes

Minimum NextGen UBE Score: 610

Date First Acceptance NextGen UBE Score: July 2026

Maximum Score Age: 40 months

Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement: ✓ Yes

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 Washington

MPRE Requirements

MPRE Required: ✓ Yes

MPRE Minimum Passing Score: 85

View Details

Admission on Motion

Rules Provide for Admission on Motion: ✓ Yes

Number of Years of Practice Required: 1 of past 3

View Details

Bar Exam

NextGen UBE: ✓ Yes

Date First Administration: July 2026

Minimum Passing Score: 610

NextGen UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement: ✓ Yes

Legacy UBE: ✕ No

Date Final Administration: February 2026

Legacy UBE Jurisdiction-Specific Requirement: ✓ Yes

Jurisdiction-Drafted Exam: ✕ No

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