Start earlier than you think
Accounts and portals
Most jurisdictions have an online applicant portal, and many require you to create an account with a state board and, in some cases, with NCBE. Keep your login information safe and use an email address you will still have after graduation.
The document checklist
Common requirements include proof of identity, an official transcript, certification of your degree from the law school or dean, fingerprints, a photograph, references and a fee. Each has a source and a lead time. Request transcripts and school certifications early, and expect that a school may not be able to certify a degree until after graduation.
Employment, addresses and references
Applications commonly ask for years of employment and addresses. Gather the details before you start, since guessing wastes time and creates inconsistencies. Choose references who know you and will respond promptly, and tell them what to expect.
Names and identification
The name on your application must match the identification you will use at the exam. If you have changed your name, or your ID shows a different form of it, fix the mismatch early or ask the board how to handle it.
Amending, correcting and withdrawing
If you find an error, tell the board promptly and use its amendment process. If you need to withdraw, check the refund rule, which may allow a partial refund before a set date, and ask whether you can defer to a later administration.
Late applications and emergencies
Many boards accept late applications for a higher fee until a final deadline, and some allow exceptions for emergencies with documentation. Do not rely on that, and contact the board if you have a genuine problem.
Exam application versus admission application
In some jurisdictions the application to sit for the exam is separate from the application for admission after you pass, with its own forms, fees and deadlines. Keep track of both.
Common questions
When should I apply for the bar exam?+
As soon as your jurisdiction's application opens. Deadlines are often months ahead of the exam, late fees are higher, and some steps like fingerprints and character review take weeks.
What documents do I need for a bar application?+
Commonly an official transcript, law school certification, identification, fingerprints, a photograph, references, employment and address history, and the fee. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
What if my name on my ID does not match my application?+
Resolve it before the exam. Contact the board to ask how to document the difference, since a mismatch can cause problems at check-in.
What to do next
- 1
Put your jurisdiction's deadlines in a calendar today.
- 2
Make a document checklist with lead times.
- 3
Save a copy and a confirmation for every submission.