View frequently asked questions related to the Annual Renewal – Fee Payment.
1. Will I be assessed fees from the State Bar?
Yes. The 2026 annual fees will be available to calculate and pay online through My State Bar Profile effective February 1, 20226.
2. How and when will I receive notice of the annual fees?
You will be notified by email when you can access your annual fees through My State Bar Profile. It’s very important to update your contact information for official State Bar use so you’ll receive these and other important notifications. Group payments must be made through Agency Billing.
3. I didn’t receive an email notice of the annual fees. How do I submit payment?
Starting February 1, 2026, the 2026 annual fees will be available to calculate online through My State Bar Profile. If you forgot your password or need assistance accessing your online profile, please use the Help Guide or view our video tutorial for step-by-step instructions to reset your password and access your account.
4. Do I have to pay online?
The State Bar encourages individual licensees to pay their annual fees online through My State Bar Profile. When it is necessary to mail a payment, you must include either a copy of your invoice which can be generated online in your profile, or a copy of your fee statement, which is available to download in My State Bar Profile. The only exception to this is if your payment clearly indicates your bar number and VAK (your VAK is an additional bank validation code provided on your invoice and fee statement).
Failure to include a copy of your invoice or fee statement with your mailed payment may result in your payment being rejected and subject you to nonconforming payment penalties.
The State Bar no longer accepts cash payments, and we do not accept payments in person or over the phone.
5. Where do I send my payments if I want to mail a check?
Payments submitted by mail are required to include either a copy of your invoice or fee statement. Send the invoice/fee statement and check to:
The State Bar of California
P.O. Box 842142
Los Angeles, CA 90084-2142
6. What do the fees for active and inactive attorneys include?
Fees for active attorneys
The total fees will be $598. This includes a $478 base fee (Bus. & Prof. Code, §6140, 6140.10, 6140.11, 6140.13, and 6140.14) and the following legislatively mandated fees:
$25 for disciplinary activities (§6140.6)
$40 for the Client Security Fund (§6140.55)
$10 for the Lawyer Assistance Program (§6140.9)
$45 for legal aid (§6140.03)
Fees for inactive attorneys
The total fees will be $205. This includes a $120 base fee (Bus. & Prof. Code, §6140) and the following legislatively mandated fees:
$25 for disciplinary activities (§6140.6)
$40 for the Client Security Fund (§6140.55)
$10 for the Lawyer Assistance Program (§6140.9)
$45 for legal aid (§6140.03)
7. What else can I pay through My State Bar Profile?
You may also pay for your California Lawyers Association Section fees. All licensees will also have the opportunity to donate to the Greg E. Knoll Justice Gap Fund, California ChangeLawyers (formerly the California Bar Foundation), the Legislative Activities Fund, and the California Supreme Court Historical Society.
8. When are the annual fees due?
The due date is by March 30, or the next business day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, each year during the annual license renewal process. The 2026 annual deadline is March 30, 2026. If you miss the deadline, you will be charged a penalty ($106 for active attorneys, $32 for inactive attorneys).
9. Who do I contact if I have a question about a refund?
Please email refund@calbar.ca.gov.
10. How do I get my bar card?
You can download and print a paper bar card or order a plastic card after you log in to My State Bar Profile and pay your fees.
11. What is the Attorney Census?
The State Bar conducts an annual Attorney Census to gather demographic and employment data from the state’s licensees. The Attorney Census contains questions on demographic characteristics, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and veteran’s status. For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions about the Attorney Census.
Have a question? Contact us.