UBE Score Transfer Requirements by State

The Uniform Bar Examination lets you earn a portable score and transfer it to other UBE jurisdictions without retaking the bar. But each state sets its own minimum score, score age limit, fees, and local requirements. This guide covers all 42 UBE states.

How UBE Score Transfer Works

When you take the UBE in any jurisdiction, you earn a score on a 200–400 scale. That score can be transferred to any other UBE jurisdiction, as long as it meets their minimum and hasn't expired. You don't need to retake the bar exam — you apply to the new state, pay their transfer fee, complete any local requirements (like an online state law course), and go through character and fitness review.

The NCBE charges a separate $30 score service fee per transfer. Processing times vary from 3 to 12 months depending on the jurisdiction. Some states also require the MPRE, and each state sets its own MPRE minimum score and validity period.

Minimum UBE Scores by State

Minimum passing scores range from 260 to 270. The difference between a 260 and a 270 can mean access to 10+ additional jurisdictions.

260 Minimum (Most Accessible)

264–266 Minimum

270 Minimum

Score Age Limits: How Long Is Your UBE Score Valid?

Every UBE jurisdiction limits how old your score can be when you apply to transfer. This is one of the most critical — and most overlooked — factors in bar portability.

The shortest windows are North Dakota and Rhode Island at 24 months, and Alabama at 25 months. Pennsylvania is next at 30 months. Most states fall in the 36-month range. The most generous are states like Alaska, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, and Texas at 60 months.

Several states have dual score age policies. Colorado, Iowa, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming accept older scores (typically up to 60 months) under certain conditions, while their standard window is 36 months.

States That Are NOT Part of the UBE

Ten jurisdictions do not use the Uniform Bar Examination and will not accept UBE score transfers:

California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Dakota, and Virginia.

To practice in these states, you must either pass their state-specific bar exam or (for some) qualify for admission on motion. Georgia, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Virginia offer motion admission; the others require their own exam with no exceptions.

Local Components and Pre-Admission Requirements

Many UBE states require you to complete a state-specific component in addition to transferring your score. These are typically short online courses or multiple-choice tests covering that state's law. They're generally not difficult, but they add time and sometimes cost to the transfer process.

States with no local component include Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Transfer Fees

Fees range dramatically. Montana's transfer fee is only $155, while New Mexico charges $1,700. Most states fall in the $500–$1,000 range. Note that many states charge additional character and fitness investigation fees on top of the listed transfer fee, and the NCBE charges a $30 score service fee per transfer.

NextGen UBE: What Changes in 2026–2028?

The NextGen UBE launches in July 2026 with a new 500–750 scoring scale (recommended passing: 610–620). A limited number of states will administer it in July 2026, with most UBE jurisdictions transitioning by 2027–2028. Legacy UBE scores may still transfer during the transition period, but this is state-dependent. The BarReqs calculator tracks each state's NextGen adoption timeline.

All data verified against NCBE Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements: Charts 5, 6, and 7 (March 2026). Fees may not include separate C&F investigation charges. Always verify with the jurisdiction's bar admissions authority before applying. This is not legal advice.
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