RECENT UPDATES FROM THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF LAW EXAMINERS
Update for October 27, 2025 - SBLE is aware that the current federal government shutdown has impacted the ability of the DC Committee on Admissions to open registration for the February 2026 Uniform Bar Examination in DC and that the DC Committee on Admissions has recommended that prospective DC applicants seek alternative test arrangements for February 2026. SBLE does not have sufficient physical space available to absorb DC’s expected exam population for February 2026.
Therefore, please take careful note that the Supreme Court of Maryland has entered an ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER limiting the total number of exam registrations for the February 2026 UBE in Maryland to 400, and providing a registration priority for applicants retaking the UBE in Maryland.
The February 2026 UBE in Maryland filing period will be divided into two sections as follows:
- Beginning on November 1, 2025, all individuals seeking to file for the February 2026 UBE in Maryland may log in to their eBar account and create their Maryland bar application and send or deliver their hard-copy materials and fees to SBLE’s office in Annapolis.
- During the first 10 days of the February 2026 filing period (November 1, 2025 - November 10, 2025), SBLE will process, on a first-come-first- served basis, completed applications (Notices of Intent, exam fees, and any required Character Questionnaire updates) received from applicants who will be retaking a bar examination in Maryland (“Repeat Applicants in Maryland”).
- During the remainder of the February 2026 filing period (November 12, 2025 - December 1, 2025), SBLE will process, on a first-come-first- served basis, completed applications delivered to SBLE during the entire February 2026 filing period (November 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025) from all applicants without applying any preferences.
UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 1, 2025 - SBLE expects to open the registration period for the February 2026 UBE in Maryland on November 1, 2025. The filing deadline for the February 2026 UBE in Maryland will be December 1, 2025. Further information on filing for the February 2026 UBE in Maryland may be found HERE.
UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2023 - The Supreme Court of Maryland entered an Administrative Order, today, adopting the NextGen Bar Exam currently being developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Details regarding the decision to adopt the NextGen Bar Exam as well as a link to the Administrative Order are available HERE.
Welcome. The State Board of Law Examiners coordinates the receipt and filing of applications for admission to the Maryland bar, administers the bar examination in Maryland, investigates the legal competence and character and fitness of persons who seek a license to practice law in the state courts of Maryland, and recommends to the Supreme Court of Maryland those candidates qualified for admission to the Maryland bar.
This site is designed to provide helpful information to understand the process for bar admission in Maryland and to assist you in the application process. It is our experience that applicants who read the information thoroughly, ask questions early, and apply early find that the bar admissions process is very manageable. Good luck in your pursuit to become an attorney in Maryland. In the event you need to contact us, our information is provided in the banner.