How to Apply for the February 2025 Uniform Bar Exam - Registration Instructions and Filing Requirements

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by dhado

Guide to applying for the February 2025 Uniform Bar Exam, detailing the registration window from November 1 through November 21, 2024 and the strict 5:00PM Easter Time deadline. Explains admission eligibility responsibilities, key governing rules, and why applicants must follow all procedures and pay nonrefundable fees. Covers proper electronic filing items, required forms and notarization, photo requirements, accommodation documentation, and payment steps, plus special instructions for applicants from non-ABA approved law schools.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Registration Period and Core Rules

Admission Responsibilities and Rule References

Application Deadline and Fee Policies

Eligibility and Special Requirements

Non-ABA Approved Law School Degree Pathways

26 Credit Hour Audit Guidance

Proper Application Filing Process

Completed Electronic Application and Supplemental Documents

Authorization and Release (A&R) Notarization

Accommodations, Photo, and Fee Payments

How to Register and Apply for the Exam

Create an Account and Eligibility Screening

ReApplication and Online Submission

Filing Fee and NCBE Background Investigation Payments

Supplemental and Declaration Forms

How to Apply for the FEBRUARY 2025 Uniform Bar Exam Registration Period November 1 through November 21, 2024 *****Registration Closes at 5:00PM Easter Time on November 21st ***** Please read all of the information in these instructions. Rules Regulating Admission to the Bar in the District of Columbia You are responsible to read and understand the rules governing admission and unauthorized practice of law: D.C. App. Rule 46 and DCCA Rule 49. Changes have been made to application procedures. Do not rely upon instructions from other websites and sources or from prior application periods to the District of Columbia. You are responsible for all information published on this website regarding the February bar exam. The volume of applications and the timeframe for exam preparation prohibit special exceptions for individuals who do not follow all instructions and deadlines. Your application is subject to administrative termination if you do not complete your application and pay fees according to the directions. Fees are not refundable. Applicants with law degrees from Non-ABA Approved Law Schools If you did not obtain a JD or LLB from an ABA approved law school, please also read Guidance Regarding 26 ABA Credit hour Requirement for Graduates of non-ABA Approved Law Schools. Pursuant to Rule 46(c)(4), the Committee on Admissions will audit credits from an ABA approved law school transcript to determine if “all such 26 credit hours [have been] earned in courses of study, each of which is substantially concentrated on a single subject tested on the Uniform Bar Examination.” DC requires that LLB or non-ABA approved JD transcripts demonstrate that the applicant completed a degree that is substantially equivalent to a Juris Doctor degree that would be awarded by a law school approved by the ABA. Please note: this requirement may differ from the non-ABA approved LLB and JD degree requirements. Please review these instructions for additional information. Proper Application Filing Process For your application to be properly filed for the bar exam, you must complete these items (details follow). Your application is not complete until you have followed all of the steps below. You must complete all of these steps by the deadline of November 21, 2024, 5:00 pm Eastern Time. There is no late filing period. There are NO EXCEPTIONS. A completed application must have all of the following: 1. Completed electronic application 2. Any required supplemental documents 3. The District of Columbia authorization and release form 4. Your accommodation request and supplemental documentation if you wish to apply for accommodations 5. Your photo (see requirements below to avoid photo being rejected.) 6. Application fee of $405 due at the time the application is submitted AND The background investigation fee paid to NCBE due no later than January 3, 2025. Please do not wait until the last minute. Please note that this is a deadline imposed by the District of Columbia for the purposes of exam registration. The later deadline given by NCBE does not apply if you wish to sit for the February 2025 exam. *NOTE: If you paid the NCBE background investigation fee for a prior application to the District of Columbia, you will not pay this fee as long as the background investigation was completed on or after June 1, 2022. How to Register and Apply for the Exam 1. Create an Account – You must first create an account and complete screening questions to determine your eligibility for the exam. 2. Electronic Application-Complete and submit the application online. If you completed the character and fitness questionnaire on the NCBE website within the past four years AND your background investigation was completed on or after June 1, 2022 for a prior application to the District of Columbia, you will complete the abbreviated ReApplication. 3. Filing Fee-After completing all steps you will be prompted to pay the filing fee, either by credit ca

FAQs

What is the registration period and final deadline for the February 2025 Uniform Bar Exam application?

The registration period runs from November 1 through November 21, 2024, and registration closes at 5:00PM Easter Time on November 21, 2024. There is no late filing period and no exceptions.

What documents and steps are required for a complete DC bar exam application?

A complete application requires a completed electronic application, any required supplemental documents, the signed and notarized District of Columbia authorization and release (A&R) uploaded as a PDF, accommodation request documents if applicable, your photo meeting requirements, and payment of the $405 application fee plus the NCBE background investigation fee due by January 3, 2025.

What additional requirements apply if my JD or LLB is from a non-ABA approved law school?

Applicants without an ABA-approved JD or LLB must review guidance on the 26 ABA credit hour requirement and upload multiple declarations and documentation, including declarations related to graduation and completion of 26 credit hours, copies of diplomas, official transcripts, and course descriptions from both non-ABA and ABA approved institutions as required.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by dhado