New Mexico bar exam requirements
New Mexico’s February 2027 exam is its last legacy Uniform Bar Exam, with a passing score of 260; it switches to the NextGen UBE in July 2027 with a passing score of 610. The exam fee is $750 ($500 for some repeaters); for February exams apply by November 1, or by the late deadline in December. A New Mexico law requirement must be completed before admission.
Sources: New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners and NCBE’s Comprehensive Guide, checked October 11, 2026. Late fee, transfer fee and the course format as reported. Confirm with the Board before applying.
Deadlines and fees
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| February exam | First deadline: November 1; late: mid-December (about $200 late fee, reported) |
| July exam | First deadline: May 1; late: May 15 |
| Exam fee | $750 first-time and attorneys; $500 / $750 repeaters |
| UBE score transfer | About $1,700 (reported); legacy 260+ or NextGen 610+, up to 60 months old |
| Laptop | About $100, paid to the software vendor (reported) |
Source: NCBE; New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners. Late fee and transfer fee as reported.
Requirements
- New Mexico law requirement: required before admission; reported as a one-day, in-person course on New Mexico law.
- MPRE: 80 or higher.
- Education: an ABA-approved JD isn’t strictly required, and foreign law graduates may be eligible, per NCBE.
- Character and fitness: NCBE hosts the form, but New Mexico investigates.
- Admission on motion: available, per NCBE.
Official source & community discussion
New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners (official) →
See related questions on Quora →