Once you have taken your oath, it is important to promptly submit your form since your oath date is also your admission date.
If you choose to sign your form through DocuSign, it will be automatically submitted to the State Bar. Make sure to keep a copy of your completed form for your own records. However, if you decide to download your form, you will need to scan and email the completed and signed form to OathCard@calbar.ca.gov. Remember to submit the form in PDF format. If you downloaded the form, please retain the original for your records.
Note: As soon as you have submitted your completed form, you are eligible to practice law in California.
After you have submitted your completed form, please expect a processing time of 30 days for the State Bar to process your New Licensee Registration and Attorney Oath forms. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to individual requests for confirmation, status updates, or expedited processing.
You can check the State Bar website's Attorney Search to confirm your enrollment has been processed and obtain your bar number. If after 30 days your bar number has not been assigned, please email a copy of your completed and signed form to OathCard@calbar.ca.gov. Please also indicate the original date your form was submitted to the State Bar.
A fee notice will be issued within 30 days of your bar number being assigned. Although your bar number will not be assigned until your completed form has been received by the State Bar, your official date of admission will be the date you take your oath, and annual fees for your year of admission will be calculated based on that date.
- Payment of annual fees will be due 45 days from the invoice date.
- Future annual fees will be billed for the following full year’s fees in December and due February 1 of each year. You will receive notice by email only, so please calendar these dates.
Please be aware that you can only obtain a bar card once you have initiated the payment of your annual license fees. If you have not yet initiated the payment of your annual fees, you will not be able to order a bar card.
Once a payment has been initiated, go to your My State Bar Profile and click “Bar Card, Payment Receipt(s), and Other Documents” to download a paper bar card or order a plastic bar card.
Note: Make sure to thoroughly review the "What to know about your license" section of this guide. It provides important information about your rights and responsibilities as a licensee, reporting requirements, and deadlines that you need to be aware of.
Questions? Contact us at OathCard@calbar.ca.gov.