Why the deadline falls so early
A board needs months to verify education, run character and fitness, schedule sites and order exam materials, which is why the median deadline is 119 days before the exam. For July 2026, 38 of 53 jurisdictions closed before April 29, which is 90 days out. For February 2027, 19 close in October and 16 in November.
What a late window costs
32 of 56 jurisdictions list a late window for the July exam and 31 for February; the rest list none, and several that do have a hard cutoff after it. The table shows the eight largest jurisdictions. Texas adds $150 for a late filing and $300 at its final deadline. Colorado charges $910 instead of $710. Washington adds $300 after the first deadline.
Deadlines that can be earlier than the general one
Accommodation requests are reviewed before registration closes, so the request is often due earlier than the application. NCBE states that MPRE accommodations must be decided before you register and schedule, and cannot be added to an existing appointment. Where character and fitness runs on its own clock, file it with or before the application.
Standard and late filing dates for the eight jurisdictions with the most July 2025 takers (NCBE Comprehensive Guide values)
| Jurisdiction | July 2026 exam: deadline (late) | February 2027 exam: deadline (late) | First-time applicant fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Mar 31 (late: none listed) | Oct 31 (late: none listed) | $250 / $750 |
| California | Apr 1 (late: June 1) | Nov 1 (late: Jan 1) | $878 |
| Texas | Feb 1 (late: Apr 1 / May 1) | Sept 1 (late: Nov 1 / Dec 1) | $450 / $640 / $1,290 |
| Florida | May 1 (late: June 1 / June 15) | Nov 15 (late: Dec 15 / Jan 15) | $1,000 |
| Illinois | Feb 15 (late: Apr 30) | Sept 15 (late: Nov 30) | $1,200–$1,875 |
| District of Columbia | Mar 31 (late: none listed) | Oct 21 (late: none listed) | $405 + C&F |
| Pennsylvania | Mar 31 (late: Apr 30 / May 15) | Oct 30 (late: Nov 30 / Dec 15) | $800 / $1,125 / $1,450 |
| Massachusetts | At least 75 days before exam (late: none listed) | At least 75 days before exam (late: none listed) | $815 |
What to do next
- 1
Look up your jurisdiction's standard deadline the week you start law school's last year.
- 2
Write a personal deadline three weeks before the official one.
- 3
File character and fitness with or before the application.
- 4
Check accommodations deadlines separately and file them first.
- 5
Treat any late window as a fee, not a plan.
Common questions
How far before the exam does registration close?+
The median standard deadline is 119 days before a July exam and 114 days before a February exam. The closest July deadline was 57 days out, and the farthest was 203 days out.
How many states offer a late registration period?+
32 of 56 jurisdictions list a late window for July and 31 for February. The rest list only one deadline.
Is the accommodations deadline the same as the application deadline?+
Often not. NCBE requires MPRE accommodations to be decided before registration, and a request cannot be added to an existing appointment, so file it before you register.
Which states close for the February exam in the fall?+
19 close in October, 16 in November and 10 in December. South Carolina closes first, August 31, and Georgia last, January 1.