Legal Soft > Resources > Bar reciprocity by state > California
California Bar Reciprocity
California does not offer admission on motion or bar reciprocity for attorneys licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions. Out-of-state attorneys seeking full California licensure must generally pass either the California Bar Examination or, if eligible, the Attorneys’ Examination.
Written & Reviewed By:
Hamid Kohan
Last Updated: September 7, 2026
I’m Licensed in California: Where Can I Apply for Admission on Motion?
Attorneys licensed in California may qualify to apply for admission on motion in:
Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in California?
No. California does not offer general admission on motion or reciprocity to attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions.
Attorneys who have been active and in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 4 years may qualify to take California’s one-day Attorneys’ Examination instead of the general bar examination.
Other California Admission Requirements
- Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? No
- Is California admission on motion based on reciprocity? Not applicable
- Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible for admission on motion? Not applicable
- Must I be in good standing? Yes, for the Attorneys’ Examination pathway
- Minimum practice requirement for admission on motion? Not applicable
California UBE Score Transfer Requirements
California does not currently accept transferred Legacy or NextGen UBE scores for admission. California will begin administering the NextGen UBE in July 2028.
| Requirement | California |
|---|---|
| UBE Score Transfer | No |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | N/A |
| Maximum UBE Score Age | N/A |
| NextGen UBE | First administered July 2028; transferred scores not currently accepted |
| Minimum NextGen Score | TBA |
Looking to Practice or Expand in California?
Whether you’re expanding into California 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 California have bar reciprocity with other states?
No. California does not offer reciprocity or general admission on motion to attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions.
Can an out-of-state attorney waive into the California Bar?
No. California does not allow attorneys to waive into the State Bar based solely on admission or practice in another jurisdiction. Eligible experienced attorneys may instead qualify for the Attorneys’ Examination.
What is the California Attorneys’ Examination?
Attorneys who have been active and in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 4 years may take the one-day Attorneys’ Examination instead of the general California Bar Examination.
Explore Bar Reciprocity Requirements by State
Join our newsletter today Get instant updates
- © 2026 Legal Soft. All rights reserved.