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Colorado Bar Reciprocity

Colorado offers admission on motion to qualified attorneys admitted by examination in another U.S. jurisdiction who have actively practiced law for 3 of the past 5 years. Applicants who meet Colorado’s admission requirements can seek admission without taking the Colorado bar exam.

Colorado Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice

RequirementColorado
Admission on MotionYes
Practice Requirement3 of the past 5 years
Admission on Motion Fee$1,800
Is the MPRE required?Yes. Minimum score of 85.

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

What Work May Qualify as Practice in Colorado?

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

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

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

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

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

Yes. Attorneys licensed in any U.S. state may apply for Colorado admission on motion. It is not limited to attorneys from reciprocal jurisdictions.

Other Colorado Admission on Motion Requirements

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

Colorado UBE Score Transfer Requirements

Colorado accepts qualifying UBE scores transferred from other jurisdictions. This pathway is separate from admission on motion and does not use the 3-of-5-year practice requirement for scores earned within the standard transfer period.

RequirementColorado
UBE Score TransferYes
Minimum Legacy UBE Score270
Maximum UBE Score Age3 years; up to 5 years with qualifying practice
NextGen UBEFirst accepted for transfer in July 2026; Colorado first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2028
Minimum NextGen ScoreTBA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colorado require bar reciprocity for admission on motion?

No. Colorado does not require an attorney’s licensing jurisdiction to provide reciprocal admission privileges to Colorado lawyers.

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

Colorado requires applicants to have been primarily engaged in the active practice of law for at least 3 of the 5 years immediately before applying.

What UBE score does Colorado accept for transfer?

Colorado accepts Legacy UBE scores of 270 or higher for examinations administered beginning in February 2023. Scores are normally transferable for up to 3 years, or up to 5 years if the applicant also satisfies Colorado’s additional practice requirement.