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.
Written & Reviewed By:
Hamid Kohan
Last Updated: September 5, 2026
Alabama Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice
| Requirement | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Admission on Motion | Yes |
| Practice Requirement | 5 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:
Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama currently recognizes these jurisdictions as reciprocal:
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.
| Requirement | Alabama |
|---|---|
| UBE Score Transfer | Yes |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 260 |
| Maximum UBE Score Age | 36 months |
| NextGen UBE | First accepted for transfer in July 2026; Alabama first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2028 |
| Minimum NextGen Score | Varies |
Looking to Practice or Expand in Alabama?
Whether you’re expanding into Alabama or growing an existing practice, Legal Soft helps law firms build legal teams with experienced paralegals, legal assistants, and other legal professionals across the United States.
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.
