When is your California MCLE due?
California moved every compliance group to a March 30 reporting deadline. Enter your last name to see your exact due date, your compliance period, and how much time you have left.
Every California MCLE deadline.
Groups 2 and 3 received a one-time 38-month cycle to move to March. After that, each group runs on a standard 36-month cycle starting March 30.
| Group | Last names | Current period | Report by | Next period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | A – G | Mar 30, 2025 – Mar 29, 2028 | Mar 30, 2028 | Mar 30, 2028 – Mar 29, 2031 |
| Group 2 | H – M | Feb 1, 2024 – Mar 29, 2027 One-time 38-month transition cycle | Mar 30, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 – Mar 29, 2030 |
| Group 3 | N – Z | Mar 30, 2026 – Mar 29, 2029 | Mar 30, 2029 | Mar 30, 2029 – Mar 29, 2032 |
Source: State Bar of California, MCLE Requirements. Confirm your group with the State Bar's lookup.
25 hours, five specialty categories.
Every compliance period, active California attorneys need 25 hours of MCLE — at least 12.5 of them participatory — including 10 hours across five required categories.
Legal Ethics
Professional responsibility and the California Rules of Professional Conduct.
Elimination of Bias
At least 1 hour must focus on implicit bias and bias-reducing strategies.
Competence
At least 1 hour on preventing and detecting substance use disorders, mental illness, and other impairments.
Technology
Technology in the practice of law — AI, cybersecurity, e-discovery, remote practice.
Civility
Civility in the legal profession.
General
Any approved MCLE activity, including extra hours in the specialty categories.
Knock out all 25 hours — every category included.
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California MCLE deadline questions.
How do I know which compliance group I'm in?
Your group is based on the first letter of your last name when you were admitted: A–G is Group 1, H–M is Group 2, N–Z is Group 3. Your group stays the same even if your last name changes. You can confirm it with the State Bar's lookup.
Why did California's MCLE deadlines move to March?
The State Bar moved all three groups from a February 1 deadline to a March 30 reporting deadline. To make the switch, Group 2 (H–M) and Group 3 (N–Z) each received a single 38-month compliance cycle. After that transition, every group runs on a standard 36-month cycle beginning March 30.
How many hours do I need?
25 hours every three years, including 4 hours of legal ethics, 2 hours of elimination of bias (at least 1 on implicit bias), 2 hours of competence (at least 1 on prevention and detection of impairment), 1 hour of technology in the practice of law, and 1 hour of civility. At least 12.5 hours must be participatory.
I was just admitted. What's my deadline?
Your first compliance period begins when you're admitted and ends with your assigned group's period. If it's shorter than 36 months, your requirement is reduced proportionally — though the bias and competence-prevention requirements can't drop below 1 hour each.
What happens if I miss my deadline?
Licensees who don't comply on time owe late fees and can be enrolled as not entitled to practice law until they come into compliance. Don't wait for the last week.
Is this site run by the State Bar?
No. California MCLE Due Date is a free guide published by TalksOnLaw, an approved California MCLE provider. Always confirm your obligations with the State Bar of California.
California MCLE Due Date is a free guide published by TalksOnLaw. It is not affiliated with the State Bar of California and is not legal advice.