Legal Soft > Resources > Bar reciprocity by state > Alabama

Alabama Bar Reciprocity

Alabama offers admission on motion to qualified attorneys from reciprocal jurisdictions who have actively practiced law for 5 of the past 6 years. Applicants who meet Alabama’s admission requirements can seek admission without taking the Alabama bar exam.

Alabama Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice

RequirementAlabama
Admission on MotionYes
Practice Requirement5 of the past 6 years
Admission on Motion Fee$875 (plus Character & Fitness fee)
Is the MPRE required?Yes. Minimum score of 75.

Note: Admission requirements vary by state. Review each state’s page for additional eligibility requirements and conditions.

What Work May Qualify as Practice in Alabama?

  • Law teaching
  • Government agency
  • Military
  • In-house corporate
  • Judicial court of record

I’m Licensed in Alabama: Where Can I Apply for Admission on Motion?

Attorneys licensed in Alabama may qualify to apply for admission on motion in:

AK, CO, CT, DC, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in Alabama?

Yes. Alabama currently recognizes these jurisdictions as reciprocal:

AK, CO, CT, DC, GA, IL, IN, IA, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NH, NM, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI

Attorneys from jurisdictions not listed above may still apply by submitting a Certificate of Jurisdictional Reciprocity for Alabama to review.

Other Alabama Admission on Motion Requirements

  • Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? Yes
  • Is Alabama admission on motion based on reciprocity? Yes
  • Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible? No
  • Must I be in good standing? Yes
  • Is character and fitness review required? Yes

Alabama UBE Score Transfer Requirements

Alabama accepts qualifying UBE scores transferred from other jurisdictions. This pathway is separate from admission on motion and does not use the 5-of-6-year practice requirement.

RequirementAlabama
UBE Score TransferYes
Minimum Legacy UBE Score260
Maximum UBE Score Age36 months
NextGen UBEFirst accepted for transfer in July 2026; Alabama first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2028
Minimum NextGen ScoreVaries

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alabama have bar reciprocity with every state?

No. Alabama’s admission without examination pathway is based on reciprocity. Applicants must generally show that the jurisdiction connected to their admission or practice offers Alabama attorneys a similar admission pathway.

How many years must I practice law to qualify for Alabama admission on motion?

Alabama generally requires applicants to have been primarily engaged in the active practice of law for at least 5 of the 6 years immediately before applying.

What UBE score does Alabama accept for transfer?

Alabama accepts qualifying legacy UBE scores of 260 or higher, and the transferred score generally must be no more than 36 months old when the applicant completes the applicable admission requirements.