The Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel in Colorado has announced several administrative and fee-related changes that will affect CLE accreditation and related payments beginning January 1, 2026. These updates stem from amended CLJE Regulations issued by the Colorado Supreme Court and from statutory requirements governing payment processing. CLE providers operating in Colorado should be aware of both the new fee structure and the changes to how payments may be submitted.
Providers navigating changes to fee structures, payment systems, and accreditation timelines may find it useful to review their internal processes alongside the applicable CLE regulations. In practice, this often includes confirming provider status, submission timing, payment methods, and reporting obligations across jurisdictions. Support from CLE accreditation and compliance professionals can help ensure that administrative adjustments are implemented consistently and in accordance with applicable rules.
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Introduction of a 2 Percent Credit Card Processing Fee
Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 5-2-212, the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel will begin phasing in a 2 percent administrative processing fee for payments made by credit card. This fee is intended to offset the costs charged by financial institutions to process credit card transactions.
The fee will apply to a range of services administered by OARC offices, including CLE accreditation, annual attorney and LLP registration, fees for services, fines, and eventually admissions-related payments. Payments made by ACH transfer, check, or debit card will not be subject to the 2 percent processing fee.
OARC has indicated that it and several related agencies are funded entirely by fees and do not receive taxpayer funding. When fees are collected by credit card, a portion exceeding 2 percent is generally paid to financial institutions, which explains the rationale for the new processing charge.
Updated Payment Options for Certified and Registered Providers
Certified CLE providers who receive monthly invoices for accreditation will now have additional payment options. Invoices may be sent by email, allowing providers to submit payment online by credit card, ACH transfer, or debit card. Providers may continue to pay by mailing a check if they prefer.
For administrative efficiency, OARC has stated a preference for email invoicing rather than accepting payments over the phone. Providers with questions about payment methods may contact the designated staff member for assistance. November billing statements are expected to be distributed by email as part of this transition.
Registered providers who use online forms for program accreditation should also anticipate changes. These forms are expected to migrate to the new payment system over the coming month, which will standardize payment processing across accreditation submissions.
Revised Accreditation Fee Schedule Effective January 1, 2026
In addition to payment processing changes, amended CLJE Regulations will introduce a revised fee schedule for CLE accreditation. These changes affect registered providers, certified providers, attorneys, and LLPs.
For individual accreditation requests submitted by lawyers, judges, or LLPs for live out-of-state programs that have not been submitted to the CLJE Office, the Form 1B fee will be 15 dollars.
Registered providers that qualify as government agencies, local bar associations, or nonprofit legal services organizations as defined in Rule 250.9(2) will be subject to reduced fees. For these providers, Form 1 submissions received 21 days prior to the program start date will be assessed a 30 dollar fee, while late submissions will be assessed 60 dollars. Form 4 submissions will be assessed 30 dollars.
Other registered providers will be assessed higher fees. Form 1 submissions received at least 21 days before the program will be assessed 60 dollars, while late submissions will be assessed 120 dollars. Form 4 submissions will be assessed 60 dollars.
Certified providers will continue to be subject to a one-time, non-refundable application fee of 250 dollars and an annual certified provider fee of 2,500 dollars. Program submission fees will vary depending on timing and format, with higher fees applying to late live program submissions.
Clarification on Nonprofit Fee Eligibility
OARC has noted an increase in requests for nonprofit accreditation rates following publication of the new fee schedule. Providers should review Rule 250.9(2) carefully, as the reduced rate applies only to organizations whose purpose includes providing pro bono representation to indigent or near-indigent individuals and that conduct financial eligibility determinations.
Planning Considerations for CLE Providers
These changes do not alter the substantive CLE accreditation standards, but they do affect budgeting, invoicing, and internal payment processes. Providers may wish to review submission timelines, preferred payment methods, and nonprofit eligibility criteria in advance of the January 2026 effective date to avoid delays or unexpected costs.
As administrative requirements evolve, providers may wish to assess whether their accreditation and payment practices remain aligned with current CLE regulations, particularly when operating in multiple jurisdictions.