Illinois bar exam requirements
Illinois gives the legacy Uniform Bar Exam through July 2027, with a passing score of 266, and switches to the NextGen UBE in February 2028 with a passing score of 620. Fees rise sharply the later you apply: $1,200 to $1,875 for first-time takers for February 2027, with deadlines of September 15 and November 30.
Sources: Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | First deadline: September 15; late: November 30 |
| July exam | First deadline: February 15; late: April 30 |
| Exam fee | $1,200-$1,875 first-time and attorneys; $650-$1,125 repeaters |
| Laptop | $135 |
| Admission on motion | $1,500 |
Source: NCBE (February 2027 listing); Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar.
Requirements
- Education: an ABA-approved JD; foreign law graduates may be eligible, per NCBE.
- MPRE: 80 or higher; proof is needed before you’re recommended for admission.
- Score transfers: legacy UBE 266+ up to 4 years old; NextGen transfers accepted from July 2026; MBE scores from other states aren’t accepted.
- Character and fitness: a questionnaire in the Illinois application, handled by Illinois.
Official source & community discussion
Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar (official) →
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