Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Business
Lawyer Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Lawyer in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$177,210 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NYS Department of State~Division of Licensing Services~One Commerce Plaza and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $177,210, Lawyers in New York earn 17% above the national median of $151,160. New York ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$177,210Hourly estimate
$85.2017% above national median
Difference: +$26,050
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLawyer Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $197,790 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | $179,050 |
| #3 | New York | $177,210 |
| #4 | Delaware | $172,710 |
| #5 | Colorado | $167,970 |
Nearby States Comparison
Lawyer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $177,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $101,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $179,050 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $159,240 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $158,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $127,940 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Massachusetts | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY, 12201
Phone: 5184744429
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $98,580 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $63,640 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $101,780 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $102,440 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Lawyer in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Lawyers in New York?
New York lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.
What education do you need to become a Lawyer in New York?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Lawyer licensure in New York.
What is the typical Lawyer salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in New York is $177,210.
How does the Lawyer salary in New York compare to the national average?
Lawyers in New York earn 17% above the national median of $151,160, with a state median of $177,210.
How many Lawyers work in New York?
New York employs approximately 91,440 Lawyers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Lawyer license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of State / Division of Licensing Services / One Commerce Plaza. Review agency details at https://www.dos.ny.gov/.
How often do you renew a Lawyer license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.