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South Dakota Bar Reciprocity
South Dakota offers admission on motion to qualified attorneys who have practiced law for 3 of the past 5 years in qualifying jurisdictions. Applicants who meet South Dakota’s admission requirements can seek admission without taking the South Dakota bar exam.
Written & Reviewed By:
Hamid Kohan
Last Updated: September 10, 2026
South Dakota’s Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice
| Requirement | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| Admission on Motion | Yes |
| Practice Requirement | 3 of the past 5 years |
| Admission on Motion Fee | $650 + C&F fee |
| Is the MPRE required? | No, for admission on motion |
Note: Admission requirements vary by state. Review each state’s page for additional eligibility requirements and conditions.
What Work May Qualify as Practice in South Dakota?
- Government agency
- Military
- In-house corporate
- Judicial court of record
- Sole practitioner or member of a law firm
I’m Licensed in South Dakota: Where Can I Apply for Admission on Motion?
Attorneys licensed in South Dakota may qualify to apply for admission on motion in:
Can Attorneys From Other States Apply for Admission on Motion in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota’s admission-on-motion pathway is based on reciprocity. Qualifying jurisdictions include:
Other South Dakota Admission on Motion Requirements
- Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? Yes
- Is South Dakota admission on motion based on reciprocity? Yes
- Are attorneys admitted by diploma privilege eligible? Yes
- Must I be in good standing? Yes
- Is character and fitness review required? Yes
South Dakota UBE Score Transfer Requirements
South Dakota does not accept transferred Legacy UBE scores but began accepting qualifying NextGen UBE scores in July 2026. This pathway is separate from the 3-of-5-year admission-on-motion pathway.
| Requirement | South Dakota |
|---|---|
| UBE Score Transfer | NextGen UBE only |
| Minimum Legacy UBE Score | Not accepted |
| Maximum UBE Score Age | TBA for NextGen UBE transfers |
| NextGen UBE | First accepted for transfer in July 2026; South Dakota first administers the NextGen UBE in July 2027 |
| Minimum NextGen Score | 620 |
Looking to Practice or Expand in South Dakota?
Whether you’re expanding into South 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 South Dakota?
South Dakota does not accept transferred Legacy UBE scores. It accepts qualifying NextGen UBE scores of at least 620 beginning with the July 2026 administration.
Can I waive into the South Dakota Bar?
Yes. Qualified attorneys may seek admission without examination after practicing law for at least 3 of the past 5 years in jurisdictions that provide substantially similar admission privileges to South Dakota attorneys.
Does South Dakota require reciprocity for admission on motion?
Yes. South Dakota requires the applicant’s qualifying practice to have occurred in a jurisdiction that allows South Dakota attorneys substantially similar admission without examination.
Explore Bar Reciprocity Requirements by State
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