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North Dakota Bar Reciprocity
North Dakota offers admission on motion for qualified attorneys who have practiced law for 4 of the past 5 years. Applicants who have also been licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 5 years may seek admission without taking the North Dakota bar exam if they meet the state’s other requirements.
Written & Reviewed By:
Hamid Kohan
Last Updated: September 10, 2026
North Dakota’s Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice
| Requirement | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Admission on Motion | Yes |
| Practice Requirement | 4 of the past 5 years |
| Admission on Motion Fee | $400 + C&F fee |
| Is the MPRE required? | No, for the practice-based admission-on-motion pathway |
Note: Admission requirements vary by state. Review each state’s page for additional eligibility requirements and conditions.
What Work May Qualify as Practice in North Dakota?
- Law teaching
- Government agency
- Military
- In-house corporate
- Judicial court of record
- North Dakota requires applicants to have been licensed for at least 5 years and actively engaged in qualifying legal work for 4 of the 5 years immediately before applying.
I’m Licensed in North Dakota: Where Can I Apply for Admission on Motion?
Attorneys licensed in North Dakota may qualify to apply for admission on motion in:
Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in North Dakota?
Yes. Attorneys licensed in any U.S. state may apply for North Dakota admission on motion. It is not limited to attorneys from reciprocal jurisdictions.
Other North Dakota Admission on Motion Requirements
- Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? Yes
- Is North Dakota admission on motion based on reciprocity? No
- Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible? Yes
- Must I be in good standing? Yes
- Is character and fitness review required? Yes
North Dakota UBE Score Transfer Requirements
North Dakota accepts qualifying Legacy UBE and NextGen UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions. This pathway is separate from the 4-of-5-year practice-based admission-on-motion pathway.
| Requirement | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| UBE Score Transfer | Yes |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | 260 |
| Maximum UBE Score Age | 2 years; up to 5 years with qualifying practice |
| NextGen UBE | First accepted for transfer in July 2026; North Dakota first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2027 |
| Minimum NextGen Score | 610 |
Looking to Practice or Expand in North Dakota?
Whether you’re expanding into North Dakota 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
Can I transfer my UBE score to North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores of at least 260 and NextGen UBE scores of at least 610. Scores are generally transferable for 2 years, with an extension up to 5 years for applicants who meet the qualifying practice requirement.
Can I waive into the North Dakota Bar?
Yes. Qualified attorneys may seek practice-based admission on motion if they have been licensed for at least 5 years and have actively practiced law for at least 4 of the past 5 years.
Does North Dakota require reciprocity for admission on motion?
No. North Dakota does not limit its practice-based admission-on-motion pathway to attorneys from reciprocal jurisdictions. Attorneys licensed in any U.S. state may apply if they meet North Dakota’s other requirements.
Explore Bar Reciprocity Requirements by State
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