Michigan bar exam requirements
Michigan has given the Uniform Bar Exam since February 2023, with a passing score of 268, unique to Michigan, and plans to switch to the NextGen UBE in July 2028. The $400 exam fee is among the lowest in the country; for February exams apply by November 1, or by December 15 as a late filer. A Michigan-specific component is required before admission.
Sources: Michigan Board of Law Examiners and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. The component’s name and content as reported. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | Timely: November 1; late: December 15 (late fee applies) |
| July exam | Timely: March 1; late: May 15 |
| Exam fee | $400 first-time and attorneys (plus character and fitness fee); $300 repeaters |
| UBE score transfer | $400; scores of 268+ up to 3 years old; concurrent applications allowed |
Source: NCBE; Michigan Board of Law Examiners.
Requirements
- Michigan component: required before admission; reported as “Michigan Law Basics”, an online program covering Michigan civil litigation, criminal, family, probate, tort and no-fault law.
- MPRE: 85 or higher.
- Education: an ABA-approved JD isn’t strictly required, but foreign law graduates aren’t eligible, per NCBE.
- MBE transfers: accepted from reciprocal jurisdictions within 3 years, but don’t earn a portable UBE score.
- NextGen transfers: Michigan’s policy is still to be announced.
- Admission on motion: after 3 of the past 5 years in practice.
Official source & community discussion
Michigan Board of Law Examiners (official) →
See related questions on Quora →