## Step-by-Step Registration Instructions The New York State Unified Court System requires registrations to be completed online unless an attorney receives a formal waiver to submit a paper form. Follow these steps to complete the process: ### 1. Access the Attorney Online Services Portal Go to the official New York State Unified Court System website and navigate to the "Attorney Online Services" section. If you have not yet created an account, you will need to register for one using your Attorney Registration Number. ### 2. Update Contact and Employment Information Once logged in, review your current contact information. You are required to verify or update your primary business address, telephone number, and email address. The OCA uses this information for official correspondence, so accuracy is critical.
### 3. Complete the Required Certifications You must answer a series of certification questions. These typically include: * **CLE Compliance:** Certifying that you have completed the required number of CLE hours for your experience level and practice status. * **Child Support Status:** Certifying your compliance with any child support obligations. * **Pro Bono Reporting:** Reporting voluntary pro bono hours and financial contributions made during the registration period. ### 4. Pay the Biennial Registration Fee Submit the required registration fee through the secure online payment portal. The exact fee amount is subject to change, so you should verify the current rate on the official UCS website. Certain attorneys, such as those who are fully retired from the practice of law or on active military duty, may be exempt from this fee. ### 5. Print the Confirmation After completing the payment, save or print the confirmation page for your records. This serves as proof of your timely registration. ## How to Verify Your Registration Status
After submitting your registration, you can confirm that your status has been updated by using the public Attorney Search directory on the New York State Unified Court System website. You can search the directory by entering your first and last name. Once your record appears, check the "Registration Status" field. It should display "Registered," and the "Next Registration Date" should reflect your next renewal cycle. Note that it may take a few business days for the public database to update after you submit your online renewal. ## Common Questions ### Who is exempt from the biennial registration fee? Attorneys who certify that they are retired from the practice of law (and do not engage in any legal practice, including pro bono work) or those on active military duty may be exempt from the fee. However, retired attorneys must still complete the registration form biennially to maintain their retired status.
### What happens if I miss the registration deadline? Attorneys who fail to register within 30 days of their birthday in their registration year are considered non-compliant. Continued non-compliance can lead to referral to the appropriate Appellate Division for disciplinary action, which may result in suspension. ## Where to Find Help If you experience technical issues with the portal or have questions about your registration status, you can contact the OCA Attorney Registration Unit directly. Contact details, including official email addresses and phone numbers, are listed on the New York State Unified Court System website. Always rely on the official UCS portal for the most current forms, fees, and regulatory guidelines.
