Bar exam cost: there is no single fee, and it varies by state
There is no national bar exam application. Each jurisdiction sets its own fees, deadlines and late charges. The examples we found range from $515 in Nebraska to $850 in North Carolina for a timely application, before laptop fees, late fees and character and fitness costs.
Last checked October 2026. Based on a test-prep provider’s state pages summarizing each jurisdiction’s published fees. They may be out of date for your administration, so use your jurisdiction’s board of law examiners.
Examples by jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Reported fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $850 | Late fee of $250 reported; repeater $400 and laptop fee $125 reported. |
| New Jersey | $675 | Late fees rise in two tiers. |
| Nebraska | $515 | A $150 late fee reported; a UBE score transfer application is $925. |
Reported fees for the 2026 to 2027 administrations. Confirm each with the jurisdiction.
Score transfer applications, which let you use a UBE score in another jurisdiction, are priced separately and can cost more than sitting the exam, as Nebraska’s $925 example shows.
What else to budget for
- Late fees. They are strict and substantial in several jurisdictions.
- Laptop fees. Some jurisdictions charge to use a laptop for the written sections.
- Character and fitness. Applications and fees are separate.
- Bar prep. Typically the largest single cost.
Common questions
Is there one application for the UBE?
No. The UBE is coordinated by NCBE, but there is no UBE application. You apply to the jurisdiction where you want to be admitted.