* **Attorney Registration Number:** You will need your unique NYS Attorney Registration Number. If you do not know your number, you can look it up using the public attorney search tool on the Unified Court System website. * **Portal Credentials:** You must have your username and password for the NYS Attorney Online Services portal. If you have not yet created an account, you will need to register for online access using your registration number. * **Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Records:** You must know the number of CLE credits you have completed during your biennial reporting cycle. Ensure you have met the minimum requirements for your practice status. * **Payment Method:** Prepare a valid credit card or electronic check details to pay the required biennial registration fee. ## Step-by-Step Instructions for Online Renewal The online portal is the standard method for renewing your registration. Follow these steps to complete the process: ### 1. Access the Attorney Online Services Portal Navigate to the official website of the New York State Unified Court System. Locate the section dedicated to attorneys and select the link for "Attorney Online Services."

### 2. Log In to Your Account Enter your portal username and password. If you are a new user, follow the on-screen instructions to register for an account. You will need to verify your identity using your Attorney Registration Number and personal details. ### 3. Review and Update Contact Information Once logged in, select the option to renew your registration. The system will display your current contact information, including your business address, email address, and phone number. Under New York law, attorneys are required to maintain accurate contact information with the OCA. Update any fields that have changed since your last renewal. ### 4. Complete the Required Certifications You will be prompted to answer a series of certification questions. These questions cover: * **Child Support Obligations:** You must certify whether you are subject to any child support orders and whether you are in compliance with them. * **CLE Compliance:** Certify that you have completed the required CLE credits for your reporting period or that you qualify for a specific exemption. * **Pro Bono Reporting:** Report any voluntary pro bono hours or financial contributions made to legal service providers during the preceding two calendar years. ### 5. Submit the Biennial Fee After completing the questionnaire, you will proceed to the payment screen. The standard biennial registration fee must be paid unless you qualify for an exemption, such as being fully retired from the practice of law. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your payment details.

### 6. Confirm and Save Your Receipt Once your payment is processed, the system will generate a confirmation screen and a receipt. Print this page or save it as a PDF for your professional records. The OCA will also send a confirmation email to your registered address. ## Alternative Renewal Methods While the online portal is the preferred method, some attorneys may require alternative options. If you cannot access the online portal or require a paper registration form due to specific administrative exemptions, you must contact the Attorney Registration Unit directly. Keep in mind that processing paper registrations takes significantly longer than online submissions. It is important to request paper forms well in advance to avoid missing the 30-day post-birthday deadline.

## How to Verify Your Registration Status After submitting your renewal, you should verify that your status has been updated in the public record. You can check your status by using the NYS Attorney Search directory on the Unified Court System website. Enter your name or registration number to view your public profile. Once the OCA processes your renewal, your status should display as "Registered," and the next registration date will reflect the new deadline two years in the future. Online renewals typically update in the public directory within a few business days. ## Frequently Asked Questions

### What happens if I miss the registration deadline? If you fail to register within 30 days of your birthday in your renewal year, your status may eventually be updated to "Delinquent." The OCA routinely refers delinquent attorneys to the Appellate Division for potential disciplinary action. ### Are retired attorneys required to renew? Yes. Even if you are retired from the practice of law in New York, you must still file your biennial registration form. However, retired attorneys are exempt from paying the biennial registration fee and are not required to complete CLE credits. You must certify your retired status on the renewal form. ### How do I request a replacement registration card? Once your renewal is processed, you can download and print your registration card directly from the Attorney Online Services portal. The OCA no longer automatically mails physical plastic cards to registered attorneys.