How Long Do I Have to Transfer a UBE Score?
How Long Do I Have to Transfer a UBE Score?
A common misconception of the UBE is that, once you pass it, you can transfer a UBE score to a new jurisdiction at any time. However, this is untrue!
Depending on the state you want to transfer your score to, you may have as little as two years to transfer your score! You also may have to pass a state-specific exam to be admitted to the bar.
Below, we break down exactly how long you have to transfer a UBE score in each state that accepts the UBE. We also note if there are any other special considerations to be aware of!
Updated 11/6/23, check the NCBE for the most up-to-date information on score transfer timelines and state-specific components.
How Long Do I Have to Transfer a UBE Score?
Alabama
Alabama allows lawyers to transfer their UBE scores for 25 months of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Alaska
Alaska allows lawyers to transfer their UBE scores with 5 years (60 months) of passing the exam.
Arizona
Arizona allows lawyers to transfer their UBE scores with 5 years (60 months) of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Colorado
Colorado allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores with 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. This state also allows scores up between 3 and 5 years old to be transferred. However, the lawyer must show 2 years of active law practice preceding their application for Colorado to qualify.
Connecticut
Connecticut allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 5 years of passing the exam.
D.C.
D.C. allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 5 years (60 months) of passing the exam.
Idaho
37 months.
Illinois
4 years.
Indiana
5 years.
Iowa
Iowa allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 2 to 5 years of passing the exam. This state also requires these lawyers to show the active practice of law for 2 of the 3 years proceeding their attempt to transfer their score.
Kansas
Kansas allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores for 5 years of passing the exam.
Kentucky
5 years.
Massachusetts
3 years. This state will also require anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Michigan
Michigan allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. There is a state-specific component.
Minnesota
Minnesota allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam.
Missouri
Missouri allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 5 years of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Montana
Montana allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Nebraska
Nebraska allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 5 years (60 months) of passing the exam.
New Hampshire
3 years/5 years.
New Jersey
The state of New Jersey allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam.
New Mexico
3 years.
New York
The state of New York allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to pass a state-specific exam.
North Carolina
3 years.
North Dakota
North Dakota allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 2 years (24 months) of passing the exam.
Ohio
5 years.
Oklahoma
3 years.
Oregon
3 years. This state will also not require anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Pennsylvania
30 months.
South Carolina
South Carolina allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
Texas
5 years.
Utah
Utah allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years/5 years of passing the exam. This is the rule for 5 years: “the UBE may be transferable for up to five years from the administration of the UBE in which the passing score was earned if the Attorney Applicant can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they have been admitted to a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia and has been actively engaged in the Full-time Practice of Law as defined in Rule 14-701 for at least one-half of the time period since the score was earned.”
Vermont
Vermont allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the exam. This state also allows scores to be transferred up to 5 years (60 months). This, however, requires the applicant to show they practiced law full-time in the intervening years.
Washington
Washington allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 40 months of passing the exam. This state also requires anyone applying to transfer a score to pass a state-specific exam.
West Virginia
West Virginia allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 years (36 months) of passing the bar exam.
Wyoming
Wyoming allows lawyers to transfer UBE scores within 3 to 5 years of passing the bar exam.
Virgin Islands
3 years.
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