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Washington Bar Reciprocity

Washington offers admission on motion to qualified attorneys who have practiced law for at least 1 of the past 3 years. Applicants who meet Washington’s admission requirements can seek admission without taking the Washington bar exam.

Washington’s Admission on Motion: Years of Practice and Qualifying Practice

RequirementWashington
Admission on MotionYes
Practice Requirement1 of the past 3 years
Admission on Motion Fee$970 + 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 Washington?

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

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

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

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, 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, WV, WI, WY

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

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

Other Washington Admission on Motion Requirements

  • Must I have graduated from an ABA-approved law school? No
  • Is Washington 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

Washington UBE Score Transfer Requirements

Washington accepts qualifying Legacy UBE and NextGen UBE scores earned in other jurisdictions. This pathway is separate from the 1-of-3-year admission-on-motion pathway.

RequirementWashington
UBE Score TransferYes
Minimum Legacy UBE Score260
Maximum UBE Score Age40 months
NextGen UBEFirst accepted for transfer in July 2026; Washington first administered the NextGen UBE in July 2026
Minimum NextGen Score610

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I waive into the Washington Bar?

Yes. Qualified attorneys may seek admission on motion after completing at least 1 year of active legal experience during the 3 years immediately before applying and meeting Washington’s other admission requirements.

Can I transfer my UBE score to Washington?

Yes. Washington accepts qualifying Legacy UBE scores of at least 260 and NextGen UBE scores of at least 610. A transferred score cannot be more than 40 months old.

Does Washington require reciprocity for admission on motion?

No. Washington does not limit admission on motion to attorneys from reciprocal jurisdictions. Attorneys licensed in any U.S. state may apply if they meet Washington’s other requirements.