Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below for more information.

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How do I log into OASIS if I’ve never logged in before?
If you had an email address on file with the Lawyer Registration Office previously, you will have one on file for the new OASIS portal. Click “Forgot your password?” Follow the instructions to receive a password reset link via email. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder. If you still do not have an email, contact the office at lawyerregistration@mbcle.state.mn.us to request your email be set up.
Do the fees I pay to the Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) cover my Minnesota lawyer registration fees?
No. This office is not associated with the Minnesota State Bar Association. You must pay your annual registration fees to this office or your license will be suspended.
How do I transfer from an Inactive status to an Active status?

Click here for instructions on transferring from an Inactive to Active (Practicing) status.

My professional liability insurance information has changed; how do I update it?

Click here for instructions on updating your professional liability insurance.

Do I need to complete the Minnesota trust account information on the Lawyer Registration statement?
Yes. All lawyers must complete and sign the Minnesota trust account information every year.  Only lawyers with Retired or Disabled status do not need to complete the Minnesota trust account information.  If the registration statement is received without the Minnesota trust account information completed and signed, both the statement and payment will be returned for completion.
What if my Minnesota trust account information has not changed from my last registration statement? Do I still need to complete this section?
Yes. The Minnesota trust account information (including the firm name, name of financial institution, and all Minnesota trust account numbers) must be reported every year.
Does the Lawyer Registration Office accept electronic payments?
Yes.  Please see Lawyer Registration Fees section for more information.
What credit cards are accepted for online payments?
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Does the affidavit for Retired or Disabled status need to be notarized?
No.  Effective October 1, 2006, the Retired and Disabled affidavits are no longer required to be notarized.
What happens if I do not complete all the required steps and sign my registration statement?
If an incomplete statement is received, the fee will not be processed, and both the statement and payment will be sent back for completion.  To reduce the possibility of this happening, complete and pay for the annual registration fees online.
What happens if I do not complete all the required steps and pay the annual fee by the due date?
If your annual registration fee is not received on or before the due date, you will be assessed a late penalty of $75.  If the annual registration fee and late penalty payments are not received before the first day of the month following the due date, you will be placed on suspension for non-payment status on that date. Your right to practice law in Minnesota will be automatically suspended and you will be assessed a $100 reinstatement fee in addition to the late penalty.
Why did I receive a Certificate of Registration letter instead of a license card?
For lawyers in an Inactive status, a Certificate of Registration is issued instead of a license card.  Only lawyers authorized to practice in Minnesota courts are issued license cards.  Inactive statuses includes any lawyer who is under the CLE Restricted status, Resident-Not Practicing in Minnesota, Out-of-State Not Practicing in Minnesota, Retired, or Disabled.
How do I confirm that my registration payment has been processed?
The date of the last payment processed is included on each lawyer’s record if you search for your name in the Lawyer Registration Database. We recommend looking at this record for confirmation of payment before calling the Lawyer Registration Office.
Where can I find the registration terms?
Click here for registration terms.
What is the process for resigning from the Minnesota bar?
Click here for instructions.
How do I request a fee waiver?

Lawyers may request a fee waiver by submitting a written request to the Lawyer Registration Office stating the basis for the request.

The Lawyer Registration Rules state:

“The Lawyer Registration Office may, in hardship cases, waive payment of delinquent lawyer registration fees, late penalties, and reinstatement fees.” (Rule 17)

The lawyer should include in the request for waiver sufficient information for the Lawyer Registration Office to make a determination.  Factors that the Board office considers include the following:

  1. The diligence of the lawyer in resolving the issue;
  2. Whether there is a compelling reason for the lawyer’s delay, such as a serious medical condition that impacted timely filing, or other serious circumstance outside of the lawyer’s control;
  3. The reason for non-payment of fees;
  4. The compliance history of the lawyer;
  5. Whether financial hardship will result if the waiver is denied; and
  6. Whether the lawyer complied with the requirement to update the lawyer’s contact information with the Board office.

The initial determination is made by Board office staff.  The lawyer may appeal the staff’s determination to the Director.  The lawyer may appeal the Director’s determination to the Board of Continuing Legal Education (which oversees the Lawyer Registration Office’s functions) by submitting a written request within 10 business days of receipt of the Director’s determination.