Annual license fees are those fees that any licensee must pay to maintain an active or inactive status in the calendar year. All licensed attorneys (active or inactive) pay annual license fees. Continue reading below for answers to the following questions:
- How much do I need to pay for my first year's annual fees?
- When are my first year's annual fees due?
- How can I submit payment for my annual fees?
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Are there any options for individuals facing financial hardship to receive fee waivers?
How much do I need to pay for my first year's annual fees?
As shown below, your first year’s fees are based on your date of admission.
Note: Your date of admission is the date when you take your oath. This is the date that determines your first annual fees assessment amount.
*Annual fees will be waived for the year you are admitted. For example, for a licensee that takes the oath December 15, 2023, the 2023 annual fees will be waived. However, the full-year active fees for 2024 will be assessed.
There are two classes of licensing: active and inactive. New licensees are enrolled with an active license and will be billed active fees for the calendar year in which they are admitted. Active and inactive annual license fees rates can be viewed online on the Schedule of Charges and Deadlines.
Note: While transfers to inactive status may be done at any time, new licensees are not eligible for the inactive billing rate during the calendar year in which they are admitted.
When are my first year's annual fees due?
Once you have submitted your completed New Licensee Registration and Attorney Oath form, allow 30 days for processing and assignment of your bar number.
Then, after your bar number has been assigned, within 30 days the State Bar will mail your first fee notice to your address of record. Additionally, if you have provided an email address, an email with notice of the mailing will also be sent.
For newly admitted licensees, fees are due within 45 days of the date on your notice, or a late penalty is assessed on the 46th day.
Note: If you did not provide a public email address on your New Licensee Registration and Attorney Oath form and you do not register your My State Bar Profile to provide an email address for State Bar communications, you may miss important notices and reminders from the State Bar regarding your State Bar licensing requirements, including notice that payment of annual fees is due. As such, please ensure you register online for your My State Bar Profile. As a first-time user you will require a personal access code to register your online profile. Your access code will be provided with your first mailed annual fees notice. However, after your bar number has been assigned, you may contact us at 888-800-3400 to obtain your access code.
How can I submit payment for my annual fees?
The State Bar encourages licensees to pay their annual fees online through their My State Bar Profile.
When will the annual fees for future years be assessed?
Future annual fees will be billed for the following full year’s fees in December and due February 1 of each year.
After your first year's annual fees assessment, subsequent payment notices are sent by email only, so please calendar these dates.
Are there any options for individuals facing financial hardship to receive fee waivers?
The State Bar offers the following financial hardship waivers:
- Fee scaling, which is a 25% reduction in annual fees.
- Fee wavier, which is a 50% reduction in annual fees.
To review any waiver or fee scaling eligibility, refer to the Rules of the State Bar of California, rule 2.15 and 2.16. View more information.
Questions? Contact the Division of Regulation at AttorneyRegulation@calbar.ca.gov.