Updated: Sept. 11, 2026

Admission Requirements and Lawyer Bar Exam Statistics


Applicants who passed the February 2026 bar exam must complete all of the requirements through the online admissions site. See the New Admittee Process Instructions for more information.

After an applicant has met all the requirements for admission, the applicant will be recommended to the Washington Supreme Court for admission to the practice of law in Washington. Upon receipt of the Admission Order from the Court, the WSBA will assign the new member a license number and send the member by mail a Bar card and a certificate from the Court. Applicants are not permitted to practice as a lawyer until the Court signs the Admission Order.

Applicants who have passed the Washington UBE have 40 months from the date of the examination to complete the New Admittee Process and be licensed as a lawyer. Admission by Motion and Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) Transfer applicants have one year from the date of the application submission to become licensed in Washington.

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Please Note : All applicants are subject to a character and fitness review prior to being admitted to practice law in Washington.  Factors considered by Admissions staff and Bar Counsel when determining whether an applicant should be referred to the Character and Fitness Board are set forth in Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rules (APR)  20-24.2(a). 

Any discrepancy or conflict between the information provided here and the rules and regulations set by the Washington Supreme Court, or the Bylaws and policies of the Washington State Bar Association, is unintentional and will be resolved in favor of strict compliance with the rules, regulations, Bylaws and policies.