The instructions below will assist you in completing the Bar Examination Applications.
Click the links below to access further information or to print certain forms. Your goal should be to submit a package that includes ALL required documentation.
Click 
to open a printable version of these instructions, print it and then close window to return here.
STEP 1 - READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS/RULES BEFORE STARTING
Instructions below will assist you in preparing the Bar Examination Applications. Please read them carefully before you begin the application process.
Contained in the Download (see Step 3 below) are forms you will complete using the VBBE Forms Wizard and links to PDFs that may be required. The downloadable forms include all Applications, Character & Fitness Questionnaire (Sample), Character & Fitness Update, Petition for Non-Standard Testing, and other miscellaneous required forms for the following types of admissions:
- Admission by Bar Examination: (includes new applicants, re-applicants and carry forward applicants)
Carefully read the Rules of the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners (Rules) before going on to step 2.
STEP 2 – GATHER AND PREPARE REQUIRED MATERIALS
Certain items are required to be attached to your various applications. Before you begin completing the applications, request the documents you are required to submit. Many items are required for all applications, although some items noted are only required depending upon your responses to certain questions. Requesting the items in advance will ensure you can submit a COMPLETE Application and/or Character and Fitness submission.
Additionally, your responses to certain questions may indicate that other documents, not listed below, are required. You should start your application process early enough to ensure you can secure all required documents.
The following items are required with EVERY Bar Exam Application, Reapplication, Carry Forward, etc. Click the link below for further information regarding each requirement.
The following items are required for first-time applicants who have never applied for a previous bar exam in Virginia.
The following items may be required depending upon your response to certain questions.
- Petition for Non-Standard Testing with ALL attachments (part of the downloadable forms)
- Certificates of Good Standing (for all jurisdictions in which you are licensed, if any.)
- Concurrent Transfer Form and Fee
- Name Change Order - For those who have legally changed their name (not via marriage)
- DD214 - Military Report of Separation documents
- Non-US Citizen - Immigration documents (previous applicants must provide current status)
- Court Records for all Felony Charges
- Court Orders in regard to creditors, tax liens, judgments
- Bankruptcy Petitions
- Defaulted student loan documentation
- Character & Fitness Healthcare Form, completed by Licensed Healthcare Professional (part of the downloadable forms)
STEP 3 – ACCESSING AND COMPLETING THE APPLICATIONS
_____1. |
Download Application Click the link above to access the downloadable application forms. |
_____2. |
Once downloaded, start by answering the questions asked. After completing your answers, the Form Wizard should tell you the forms required. |
_____3. |
Complete ALL required forms. Forms will not print until all items are completed. |
_____4. |
Print and Proofread Application Forms |
_____5. |
Complete the handwriting sample on the Character and Fitness Questionnaire/Update Form. |
_____6. |
Make one (1) photocopy of the Application and attachments for YOUR records. Submit the Original to VBBE. |
____7a. |
If Character & Fitness Questionnaire (CFQ) required - make two (2) photocopies of the CFQ and ALL attachments. The Original CFQ and One (1) photocopy are to be submitted to VBBE, both with ALL attachments. One (1) photocopy is for YOUR records. |
____7b. |
If Character & Fitness Update (C&F Update) required - make one (1) photocopy of the C&F Update and ALL attachments for YOUR records. Submit the Original to VBBE. |
_____8. |
Attach passport photos to Application IDs, sign both Applicant Signature lines on IDs. |
_____9. |
Sign the Application, have your signature notarized. |
____10. |
Sign the Character & Fitness Questionnaire forms (both Original and Copy require original signature and notary) or Character & Fitness Update form, have your signature notarized. |
____11. |
Export all data from Form Wizard to USB, CD or floppy disk. (Only required when submitting a Character & Fitness Questionnaire) |
STEP 4 – GATHER MATERIALS
As you package your application, check off each item below confirming that you have completed and included each required item. Your application will not be considered complete until all required attachments have been received.
STEP 5 – MAILING YOUR APPLICATIONS
Your application should be submitted in the following order. NOT all of these items are required for every application. Submit your REQUIRED documents in the following order:
_____ |
USB, CD or floppy disk (Only required when submitting a Character & Fitness Questionnaire) |
_____ |
Fees - certified check, money order (NO personal checks) |
_____ |
Fingerprint Card |
_____ |
Application/Re-Application/Carry Forward Application |
_____ |
Photo Page w/photos attached |
_____ |
Education Enrollment/Graduation documentation |
_____ |
Certificates of Good Standing (for all jurisdictions in which you are licensed, if any) |
_____ |
MPRE Score Report |
_____ |
Petition for Non-Standard Testing Forms and ALL attachments (Original & 1 copy)
|
_____ |
Non-Standard Testing Update Form (Original Only) |
_____ |
Character & Fitness Questionnaire (Original & 1 copy)
|
_____ |
Character & Fitness Update form (Original Only) |
| (The following should be included with both the Original and Copy of your Character & Fitness Questionnaire, if applicable) |
_____ |
Name Change Order | |
_____ |
Birth Certificate/Naturalization/Immigration Documentation | |
_____ |
DMV records | |
_____ |
DD214 | |
_____ |
Credit Report | |
_____ |
Court Records for all Felony Charges | |
_____ |
Court Orders in regard to creditors, tax liens, judgments | |
_____ |
Bankruptcy Petition | |
_____ |
Defaulted Student Loan Documentation | |
_____ |
Character & Fitness Healthcare Form |
Statutory Filing Deadline
See § 54.1-3925 of the Code of Virginia. If your application is not actually received in the Secretary's office by the filing deadline, it may be deemed to be timely filed only if it has been transmitted expense prepaid to the Office of the Secretary of the Board by Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service, or by a third party commercial carrier for Next-Day Delivery AND the official receipt therefor issued by the United States Postal Service or by such third party commercial carrier, which shall be exhibited on demand of the Secretary, shows such transmission or mailing to the Secretary's office on or before the prescribed deadline.
Priority, Express, Registered or Certified mail via the United States Postal Service or Next-Day Delivery by a third party commercial carrier are the ONLY methods of transmission or mailing authorized by the statute. Thus, an application sent by any other form of mail, such as First Class mail, CANNOT be accepted if it is received after the filing deadline, even if it is postmarked before.
Mail all applications to:
Office of the Secretary
Virginia Board of Bar Examiners
2201 W. Broad Street
Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23220