Retake and Post-Deferral Applications

Uniform Bar Examination Courtesy Seating: Examinees who wish to sit in New Mexico only in order to transfer their scores to other states are no longer permitted to take the bar exam in New Mexico.

Step 1: Read the Following Documents

• New Mexico Rules Governing Admission 
• Bar Exam Retake/Deferral Application Instructions 
• Covid-19 Notices

Step 2: Gather and Complete the Forms for Your Application Packet

1. Bar Exam Retake/Deferral Cover Sheet & Instructions
2. Character and Fitness Application and Acknowledgement Page
3. NMBBE Authorization and Release Form
4. Current credit report 
5. Statement[s] of Discipline and Certificate(s) of Good Standing from any state in which you are or have been licensed
6. Confirmation of NCBE Number Certification
7. Laptop Release of Liability Form
8. Test Accommodation Request, if applicable. View the policy, instructions, and forms

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Fee

• This may be paid by check, money order, or by completing a Credit Card Payment Authorization Form

Step 4: Request Other Documents

The following documents must be requested by you and sent directly to our office by the issuing entity, unless they were already sent as part of a prior application:

• Transcript from law school with evidence of graduation
• Law School Certification Form [pdf]
• FBI and NM State Criminal Records [link]
• Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination Score (must be earned either before or within one year after passing the bar exam)

Step 5: Make Copies of All Documents from Steps 2 and 3

• This is for your records. Originals must be sent in your application packet.

Step 6: Mail Your Application

• All documents from Steps 2 and 3 must be sent as a single packet (incomplete packets will be automatically rejected) to:

New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners
Attn: Bar Examination Retake/Deferral
2440 Louisiana Blvd. NE, Suite 280
Albuquerque, NM 87110

• We recommend getting a tracking number for your packet as we cannot answer questions about whether materials have arrived.

• Deadline is not a postmark date, but when the application must be in our hands.

Step 7: Class in New Mexico Law

• This day-long, required class is scheduled for the Thursday immediately following the administration of the bar exam; you will be registered automatically upon receipt of your complete application. If you have already taken the class within three years of passing the exam, you do not need to take it again.