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First Time Bar Exam Applicants

First Time Bar Exam

Application Processes

Your application will be processed in three steps.  The first portion of your application can be accessed and submitted when you register through the online application portal.  Steps two and three, which include items outlined in the “Steps after Application Acceptance,” will be sent to you after our office reviews and accepts the initial filing of your application. Please read and follow the instructions on this page.

Rules Governing Admission

All applicants must read and adhere to the Rules Governing Admission. Admission to the New Mexico Bar is governed by Rules 15-101 to 608 NMRA.

First Time Bar Exam

Qualifications & Deadlines

In order to apply to sit as a first-time bar taker in New Mexico, you must:

#1

Juris Doctorate Degree

Have graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree from an ABA (American Bar Association) approved school OR graduated with a Juris Doctorate Degree from a non-ABA approved school and have practiced law for four out of the last six years immediately preceding the application. 

Learn More

Pursuant to Rule 15-202(A)(2), all applicants must be “a graduate with a juris doctor or bachelor of laws and letters degree (at the time of the bar examination for which application is made or at the time of application for admission by transferred Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) score) of a law school formally accredited by the American Bar Association or is a graduate of any law school who has been engaged in the practice of law in another state or states for at least four (4) of the six (6) years immediately preceding the person’s application for admission to practice in New Mexico.” An L.L.M Degree, or equivalent, obtained from an ABA approved school is not sufficient to satisfy this requirement.

#2

Be of good moral character and be physically and mentally fit to practice law

#3

Good Standing

If ever admitted in any other jurisdiction, currently in good standing in that jurisdiction or resigned while in good standing and not under disciplinary investigation or suspension.

#4

If under any Orders for child or spousal support, be in compliance with those orders

Learn More

Pursuant to Rule 15-202(A)(4) NMRA, all applicants must be “in compliance with all child support and spousal support obligations imposed under a “judgment and order for support” as defined in the Parental Responsibility Act, Sections 40-5A-1 through 40-5A-13 NMSA 1978, or imposed under a child support or spousal support order entered by any other court of competent jurisdiction. If an applicant is not in compliance with child support or spousal support obligation, the applicant will not be recommended for admission to the bar until the applicant provides the board with evidence that the applicant is in compliance with the judgment or order. If the applicant has appeared on the Human Services Department’s certified list of obligors, the applicant shall submit a certified statement from the Human Services Department that the applicant is in compliance with the judgment and order for support. In all other cases, the applicant shall provide evidence acceptable to the board of compliance with all applicable child and spousal support orders.”

#5

Deadline Dates

   July Exam:

  • Applications open on: 
    February 1
  • Deadline to avoid paying a late fee:
    11:59 p.m. MT on May 1
  • Final Deadline (with late fee):
    11:59 p.m. MT on June 1

February Exam:

  • Applications open on
    September 1
  • Deadline to avoid paying a late fee:
    11:59 p.m. MT on November 1
  • Final Deadline (with late fee):
    11:59 p.m. MT on January 1

Please note: if you apply immediately before a deadline date and your initial application has missing or incorrect items, you may be assessed the late fee or have your application denied as untimely filed.

First Time Bar Exam

Bar Application Steps & Required Documents

Following are the basic steps for the application.

#1

Create an NCBE Account Number

Learn More

All examinees are required to obtain an NCBE Number and certify to the NCBE that they will be sitting for the Bar Exam in New Mexico.  To obtain an NCBE Number or find your NCBE number: Log into or create an NCBE account at www.ncbex.org

#2

Upload a copy of the NCBE Character and Fitness Application

#3

Register for the correct New Mexico Bar Exam through NCBE

Learn More

After logging in and obtaining an NCBE number, along the left side of the dashboard, click “Bar Exams”.  Select the appropriate bar exam date.  Select the Testing Jurisdiction of “New Mexico.”  Click “Add New.” 

#4

Upload the NCBE Acknowledgment of Complete Application Page

#5

Upload our Authorization and Release Form

#6

Upload our Certificate of Understanding

#7

Pay the required fee

The first-time bar exam application fee is $750.  The bar exam late fee is $500.

#8

Upload a copy of a current credit report

Credit reports must not be more than 30 days old and come from one of the major three credit bureaus.

Learn More

Your credit report must be from one of the three major credit reporting agencies: Transunion, Equifax, or Experian.  The credit report submitted cannot be more than thirty (30) days old.  Reports through third-party agencies like Credit Karma will not be accepted. Summary reports and reports with any missing pages will not be accepted. Please note that data on your credit report will be cross-referenced with disclosure on your application.  Please review in conjunction with your application and make any necessary amendments or changes. 

#9

If applicable, upload the Laptop Release of Liability Form

#10

If applicable, submit all required ADA testing accommodation forms and supporting documents.

Learn More

All ADA forms are due and must be complete at the time you file your application.  Please carefully review the requirements in the online portal and be sure that your document complies with all requirements.

See ADA Accommodation Requirements

First Time Bar Exam

Steps After Application Acceptance

After acceptance of your application, the following will be required:

#1

Take the MPRE, score at least an 80, and have the score reported to us

#2

Complete fingerprints and background check

All applicants must register with Identogo for fingerprint processing.  In-state applicants will have fingerprints processed digitally.  Out-of-state applicants must request fingerprint cards to be mailed.

Fingerprint Instructions →

#3

Send Law School Certification form to your law school and have the results sent to us

#4

Have your law school send your transcripts to us

Learn More

Your final and official transcript must be provided to the us directly from your law school.  The transcript should indicate that the applicant was awarded a Juris Doctorate, with the date of the confirmation of the degree.  We will accept a transcript from an applicant’s law school by mail or by any official transcript service the law school uses.  Student copies, unofficial transcripts, copies of your diploma, and photocopies of transcripts sent from the applicant are not acceptable. 

#5

Complete NM Law Class

#6

If licensed in other state(s), send Certificates of Good Standing from that state(s) to us

The certificate cannot be more than 30 days old.

#7

If licensed in other state(s), send Disciplinary History from that state(s) to us

The disciplinary history cannot be more than 30 days old.

#8

Send three (3) character and fitness forms to three (3) licensed attorneys, who are active and in good standing. Ensure those attorneys complete and send the form to us.

Have Questions?

We strive to have the information you are seeking. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.

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FAQ - First Time Exam

Check out our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for first-time exam applicants.