After getting some emails and in-person questions about the DC bar exam, I figured I’d post my experiences with the application process and requirements to help others out. I hand-delivered my application to the Bar Examiner’s office at the Courthouse in DC so I can confirm that my application was done correctly.
First and foremost, the application and the character and fitness are one in the same. It’s the NCBE online application that’s available at ncbex.org. You fill this out online, finalize the application, and print it out. (NOTE: The instructions say that it must be “typewritten”, but simply printing out the completed online form is what they are looking for)
The DC Specific Forms (Filename: ExamInstructionsAndForms.pdf) are also required. Unless you have special testing requirements, you will only need 2 pages from these forms: 1) The BAR EXAMINATION TESTING REGISTRATION QUESTIONNAIRE, and 2) CERTIFICATE “A”. Certificate “A” must be completed by your law school. Both of these DC Specific Forms may be handwritten. So, basically, there is no need for a typewriter for any of the DC Bar Exam Application.
Take your completed application (which will have 3 release forms and 1 attestation form) to a notary and get all 4 of those pages notorized. Then, make a photocopy of the entire thing. This is what is required when you submit your application. (NOTE: If you want any sort of “proof” or “receipt” of submission, then make ANOTHER photocopy of the entire application. They will stamp this copy “RECEIVED” and give it back to you as your proof of submission.)
Finally, for payment, you will need FOUR separate money orders. (NOTE: Be careful with certified checks, no form of payment that has an expiration date less than 1 year will be accepted by the DC Bar Examiners. My bank’s certified/bank checks had a 90-day expiration so I had to get money orders instead.) So, I would recommend going to the post office and getting Money Orders from them. And remember, even though 3 of the checks are made payable to the same payee, the National Conference of Bar Examiners, they must all be separate. Do NOT combine them into one large money order.
The deadline without a late fee for the application is Monday Dec 15, 2008.
That’s about it. Any questions, feel free to send me an email or leave a comment here on the blog.
9 replies on “DC Bar Exam Application Instructions and Requirements”
Hello
I am following your blog as I plan on taking the DC Bar Exam in July. I graduated from law school a number of years ago and have started the “re-educating” process of the law. I appreciate the “details” of applying for the DC exam and the processes involved!!
All The Best
Anthony
I used cashier’s checks from my bank with the 90 days expiration and they made it through the system. I kept waiting for the call that they needed different checks but it never came.
Definitely a good idea to have that third copy of your application to get it stamped- that is the only “receipt” that you can get for proof of your submission. Copies at the courthouse are something like $.25 a page, so copying it yourself/printing an extra copy will likely save you some dough.
Midwesterner: Consider yourself lucky! They denied me… Maybe it’s just luck of the draw :)
I finally got all my paperwork done and in one place; just have to get notarizations and money orders before I walk it over. You said there are FOUR money orders, including three to NCBE– I only see two to NCBE (three total): $400 to Clerk, DC Ct of Appeals, $250 to NCBE, $25 to NCBE… what am I missing? I really don’t want to be turned away when I am so close…
To Anonymous poster on Jan 3rd:
How many money orders you need depends on a few things.
1) Are you waiving in? (i.e. – Did you pass the bar in another state)
2) Are you only taking the essays? (i.e. – Are you transferring over your MBE score?)
If you are taking the full DC Bar exam, you need the following money orders:
A $ 100: “Clerk, D.C. Court of Appeals” for filing the examination application. (Regular deadline was Dec 15th. $300 if you are late filing, deadline was Dec 30th)
(2) $40: “NCBE” for the MEE/MPT
(3) $50: “NCBE” for the MBE
(4) $VARIABLE: “NCBE” for the character report
I’m guessing you are paying $25 to transfer your MBE score from another state, but you’d still need 2 more NCBE checks: $40 for the essays, and probably $250 for the character and fitness.
I asked for a copy of my application but they do not give it. Is there a reason you cannot request a COMPLETE copy of your application? I got the one from ncbe but not my supporting documents.
Do I need a typewriter to take the DC bar? They say I should. Then do I buy or borrow a typewriter? Do you know where I can borrow one?
It is not a requirement, you can either hand write the exam or use a typewriter.
Ah, either handwrite or type write. Since Handwriting is troublesome, I should get a typewriter. Thank you.