What Happens After I Submit My Moral Character Application?
After submitting a Moral Character application to the State Bar of California, the review process does not immediately move to a final decision. Instead, the application enters a structured, multi-stage evaluation designed to determine whether the record is complete and whether further inquiry is necessary.
Understanding what happens during this period can reduce uncertainty and help applicants respond appropriately if follow-up is required.
Completeness Review
The first stage is a completeness review conducted by the Office of Admissions.
The State Bar’s stated goal is to notify applicants within approximately 60 days whether the application is deemed complete or incomplete.
If the application is deemed incomplete, the notice will identify deficiencies that must be corrected within the specified period. Failure to cure deficiencies within the allowed timeframe may result in the application being deemed abandoned.
Only after an application is deemed complete does substantive review begin.
For timing expectations, see
How Long Does the California Moral Character Review Take?
Substantive Review and Investigation
Once deemed complete, the application is processed in the order received.
During substantive review, the Committee evaluates disclosures, supporting documentation, and any issues related to candor, financial responsibility, rehabilitation, or consistency across records.
In some cases, the State Bar may:
Assign an investigator
Request additional documentation
Seek clarification regarding disclosures
Contact third parties for verification
This stage may extend the overall timeline, particularly if supplemental information is required.
Supplemental Requests
If the State Bar requires additional information, a written request will be issued.
Applicants typically have up to 90 days to respond to supplemental requests. Failure to respond within that period may result in the application being deemed abandoned.
Common areas of follow-up include:
Court documentation
Financial records
Employment history clarification
Academic discipline records
Inconsistencies between prior applications
For more detail on response deadlines, visit
Moral Character Deadlines and Abandonment
Informal Conference (IF NEEDED)
If, after reviewing the written record, the Committee identifies concerns that warrant further clarification, the applicant may be invited to participate in an Informal Conference under Rule 4.46.
The conference provides an opportunity to present information directly before a final determination is issued.
Learn more on our
Moral Character Informal Conference page.
Determination
After review of the written record and any conference proceedings, the Committee will issue either:
A Positive Moral Character Determination, or
An Adverse Moral Character Determination
A positive determination is valid for a defined period, subject to update requirements. An adverse determination carries procedural options for review.