Attorney License Guide 2026
Attorney licensing in 2026 is regulated state-by-state: pre-license education requirements vary by state, the exam is most commonly administered by NCBE (UBE), and published first-attempt pass rates run from 76.3% to 76.3%. A background check is required in 12 of 12 states with verified data.
By The LicenseFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Represents clients in legal matters. Requires a JD, passing the bar exam (NCBE) in the licensing state, and character and fitness review.
National overview — Attorney at a glance
| States with verified data | 12 of 51 |
| Pre-license education | varies by state |
| Most common exam vendor | NCBE (UBE) |
| Exam passing score | varies by state |
| National pass-rate reference | not published |
| Published state pass rates | 1 states · 76.3%–76.3% |
| Exam fee | $96–878 |
| Application fee | $250–1200 |
| Common renewal cycle | every 1 years |
| Background check | 12 of 12 states |
State-by-state essentials (top verified states)
Georgia
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Georgia Office of Bar Admissions
- Exam
- state exam
- First-attempt pass rate
- 76.3%
- Exam fee
- $96
- Application fee
- $550
- Renewal
- 1 yrs · 12 CE
California
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- State Bar of California
- Exam
- state exam
- Exam fee
- $878
- Application fee
- $900
- Renewal
- 3 yrs · 25 CE
Arizona
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- NCBE (UBE)
- Application fee
- $680
- Renewal
- 1 yrs · 15 CE
Florida
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- Florida Board of Bar Examiners
- Application fee
- $1000
- Renewal
- 3 yrs · 33 CE
Illinois
Full guide ↗- Exam vendor
- NCBE (UBE)
- Application fee
- $1200
- Renewal
- 2 yrs · 30 CE
How to get a Attorney license — step by step
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Minimum age is 18 in every state with a published figure. A criminal background check is required in 12 of 12 verified states.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Approved training hours are not published in our verified dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is most often administered by NCBE (UBE). Schedule through the vendor portal after your education is reported.
- 4Pay fees and submit your application
Expect an exam fee of $96–878 and an application fee of $250–1200. Submit any required background check results with your application.
- 5Maintain your license
The most common renewal cycle is every 1 years. Track continuing-education deadlines so your license never lapses.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of education do I need to become a Attorney?
Required training hours are not consistently published in our dataset — check your state board for the current figure.
How hard is the Attorney exam?
Published first-attempt pass rates range from 76.3% to 76.3% across 1 states. Only some states publish official figures.
What does a Attorney license cost?
Exam fees run $96–878 and application fees run $250–1200, not counting education or fingerprinting.
Who administers the Attorney exam?
The most common vendors are NCBE (UBE) (8 states), State Bar of California (1 state), Florida Board of Bar Examiners (1 state). Your state chooses one vendor — confirm on your state's licensing page.
Can I transfer my Attorney license to another state?
Reciprocity for Attorney licenses is decided state-by-state and is not uniformly published. Contact both state boards before moving to confirm whether your license transfers or requires an exam.
Dig deeper into Attorney licensing
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with your state licensing board (data retrieved 2026-08-20).