Before you can take the LSAT or apply to law school, you need an LSAC JD account. Inside it you will find your LSAC number, your LSAT registration, and the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which builds the report law schools see. Not sure you qualify? See the LSAT requirements.
This guide explains what each part is, how to set it up, and how to send your transcripts and letters the right way.
What Is LSAC?
LSAC stands for the Law School Admission Council. It is the nonprofit group that makes the LSAT and runs the main application system for U.S. and Canadian law schools. LSAC and the LSAT are not the same thing: LSAC is the organization, and the LSAT is the test it gives.
What Is an LSAC JD Account?
Your JD account (also called JD Services) is your home base for the whole process. You use it to:
- Register for the LSAT and see your scores
- Apply for a fee waiver
- Buy and manage CAS
- Request transcripts and letters of recommendation
- Apply to law schools and track your applications
How to Create an LSAC Account
- Go to lsac.org and choose to create a JD account.
- Use your legal name, exactly as it appears on your ID. Your name must match on test day.
- Use an email address you will keep for years.
- Write down your username and save your password in a safe place.
What Is an LSAC Number?
When you create your account, LSAC gives you an LSAC account number. It starts with an “L” followed by digits. Schools use it to match documents to your file, and some school fee waiver forms ask for it. You can find it at the top of your JD account after you sign in.
What Is CAS?
The Credential Assembly Service collects your application documents in one place and turns them into a report for each law school. Almost all ABA law schools require it.
CAS includes:
- Your transcripts from every college you attended
- Your LSAC GPA, calculated on LSAC’s scale
- Your LSAT scores and writing sample
- Your letters of recommendation
How Much Does CAS Cost?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| CAS subscription (lasts 5 years) | $219 |
| Each CAS law school report | $45 |
So applying to 8 schools costs $219 plus $360 in reports. A fee waiver can cover CAS and several reports. See all fees in our LSAT cost guide.
What Is a CAS Report?
The CAS report is the file each law school receives. It shows your LSAT scores, your academic summary with your LSAC GPA, copies of your transcripts, your writing sample, and your letters. A school gets its report after you apply and pay the report fee.
How to Send Transcripts to LSAC
- Inside your JD account, open the Transcripts section.
- Print or download a Transcript Request Form for each college.
- Send the form to each school’s registrar and ask them to send an official transcript to LSAC. Many schools can send it electronically.
- Check your account to confirm LSAC received and processed each one.
You need transcripts from every college where you earned credit, even community college or summer classes, and even if the credits show on another school’s transcript. LSAC can take about two weeks to process a transcript after it arrives, so request them early.
How to Send Letters of Recommendation
Add each recommender in your JD account. LSAC emails them a link to upload the letter. You can choose whether each letter goes to all schools or only certain ones. Read our tips in law school letters of recommendation.
How Long Is CAS Good For?
A CAS subscription lasts five years. Your LSAT scores can be reported for about five years as well. See how long LSAT scores are valid.
LSAC Account FAQ
Is LSAC the same as LawHub?
No. LawHub is LSAC’s prep platform, where you take official practice tests. Your JD account handles registration and applications. See free LSAT prep on LawHub.
Do I need CAS if I only apply to one school?
Almost always yes. Nearly all ABA schools require CAS.
Can I open a second LSAC account?
No. Keep one account. Having two can cause problems with your scores and file.
Once your account is set up, set a target score. Use our free LSAT score calculator to see your percentile and matching schools.