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
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 – —
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.
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.
MPRE Requirements
MPRE Required: ✓ Yes
MPRE Minimum Passing Score: 85
Admission on Motion
Rules Provide for Admission on Motion: ✓ Yes
Number of Years of Practice Required: 1 of past 3
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