Frequently Asked Questions

The D.C. Bar will transition to hybrid operations on April 29, 2022 while prioritizing member service, health, and safety by welcoming fully vaccinated visitors only to the D.C. Bar Headquarters building for a limited number of in-person events. Review the Bar’s COVID Guidelines & Visitor Policy.

We continue to encourage you to utilize the forms provided on our website as well as the services available within your online member account to manage your membership record and/or remit payment to avoid processing delays. You may also contact Member Services by phone during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm EST (closed from 1pm - 2pm daily) or email [email protected] for assistance.

Please refer to the Membership Classes & Fees for the most up to date information on the current year license fees.

In compliance with Article III, Section 8, D.C. Bar License renewals are due and payable on July 1.  Members must remit their completed registration and payment by July 15 to avoid a late fee. If your license renewal is not postmarked and/or received by September 30, your membership will automatically be administratively suspended for nonpayment. See Membership Classes & Fees for current license fee amounts.

Effective May 1, 2020, the D.C. Bar will no longer mail paper invoices for the collection of license fees.  All notifications will be sent to the member’s primary email address on record. If you do not see notifications on/after May 1, please be sure to check your spam/junk folders.  Contact Member Services if messages are not being received.

The D.C. Bar’s fiscal year is July 1 to June 30 each year.

License renewal fees for the fiscal year are due and payable on July 1. Members must remit their payments by July 15 to avoid a late fee.

Please contact the District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710, or by email at [email protected]. It is located at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001. 

The District of Columbia Court of Appeals’ Committee on Admissions reviews all applications for admission to the District of Columbia Bar. To become a member, whether by exam, motion, or special legal consultant, visit the Committee on Admissions of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for application information. The Law School Certification form must be filled out and signed by your law school’s dean or registrar. Learn more about the different classes of membership at the D.C. Bar.

The Committee on Admissions reviews all applications for admission to the District of Columbia Bar. See D.C. App. Rule 46. For further information, please contact the Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710 or by email at [email protected] or visit their office at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001.

Please contact the Committee on Admissions by phone at 202-879-2710 or by email at [email protected]. It is located at 430 E Street NW, Room 123, Washington, DC 20001.

You will receive a Bar number no more than 30 days after the submission of your initial registration statement. Your Bar number is listed on the main page of your D.C. Bar online account once logged in. You will also receive an invoice to your primary address on record, as specified on the registration statement that lists your Bar number under “Member Number.” Additionally, you will receive a Bar card with your Bar number. If you provided an email address on your registration statement, you should receive an email from the D.C. Bar with your Bar number and information on your new member account.

The D.C. Bar does offer a number of membership benefits which can be found here.

Please go to the Attorneys area.

The D.C. Bar offers a variety of resources to attorneys including guidance on the interpretation of the rules of professional conduct, practice management advice, fee dispute resolution services, and free and confidential lawyer assistance program to assist lawyers, judges, and law students with issues such as mental health, addiction, and stress. These and other resources can be found here.

The D.C. Bar sympathizes with the family, friends, and colleagues of our members who have passed. To report the death of a member, please contact Member Services by phone at 202-626-3475 or email to [email protected]. In order to appropriately update the member profile, we request you to provide the member’s date of passing. In some instances, you may also be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate or where the obituary is located.

Effective May 1, 2020, license renewal invoices will no longer be mailed.  However, members are required by Rule II, Section 2, of the D.C. Court of Appeals Rules Governing the District of Columbia Bar to update their address information within 30 days of any change. A U.S. Postal Service forwarding notice sent to the Bar is not a substitute for the member’s explicit written notice.

Yes, by contacting Member Services at 202-626-3475. Changes also can be submitted online, or via email at [email protected].

In order to change your name on our official Bar records, you must complete the Change of Name Request Form and provide supporting documentation, such as a copy of your certified marriage certificate, court approved divorce declaration, court approved name change documentation or other court ordered certified document affirming the requested change. Your notarized form and supporting documents may be returned via email to [email protected] or by fax to 866-550-9331.

Any updates to your contact information should be included with this request. New bar cards may be requested for a $10 fee from within your online member account.

Members who need their D.C. Bar Membership card replaced may log into their online member account to submit a replacement request. Bar cards are printed offsite and require 2-3 weeks for order processing and delivery. There is a $10 fee for the replacement of D.C. Bar membership cards.