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CM/ECF FAQs

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  • Can the general public view CM/ECF cases and the documents in those cases?

    Yes, the public can access case data in CM/ECF unless it has been sealed by the court. The user must enter a PACER username and password. For those currently not registered with PACER, use the following link: http://www.pacer.gov/reg_pacer.html.

  • Can any member of the public use CM/ECF to file documents with the court?

    Access to the filing portion of CM/ECF is available to authorized users only. Authorization and training of users is provided by the practicing CM/ECF court. Check with the individual court for details on filing privileges.

  • Are there separate usernames and passwords for PACER and CM/ECF?

    Yes. The system requires two separate usernames and passwords; however, once the court implements the next generation (NextGen) CM/ECF system, you can use the same username and password for both.

    Go to the court links page on this website to find out if your court has upgraded to NextGen.

  • How do I register to be a filer in an appellate court?

    Registration for appellate ECF is separate from and in addition to PACER registration. PACER registration allows you to view docket reports and documents from a courts database, while ECF registration allows you to file documents electronically.

    If your court has transitioned to the next generation (NextGen) CM/ECF system, you will need to upgrade your PACER account and apply for filing privileges with your upgraded PACER account. Visit the court links page to see if your court has transitioned to NextGen.

    If you have a legacy PACER account, you must complete a separate ECF registration to request filing privileges via this website. You will not have to register at each court's website separately; however, you must request e-filing privileges from each court in which you wish to file.

    Click here to register for an appellate filer account.

  • How does an attorney become an authorized e-filer?

    In order for an attorney to be authorized to e-file and to receive email notices of documents that are filed, he or she must be admitted to practice in the court and registered to e-file with the specific court.

    For district and bankruptcy courts:

    Each district/bankruptcy court has its own requirements and procedures for registering. Visit the court's website for more information.

    For appellate courts:

    You may register to become an e-filer in appellate courts and bankruptcy appellate panels through this website. Check the court rules to find out who is permitted. Click here to view more information about the registration procedures.

    Please note that attorneys from all court types must register for PACER in addition to requesting e-filing privileges in order to fully utilize the capabilities of the CM/ECF system.

  • I have registered for an ECF filer login in an appellate court. How do I register for ECF filer status in other appellate courts?

    To register for filing status in an appellate court that uses the legacy CM/ECF system, you will need to log in here.

    If your court has transitioned to the next generation (NextGen) CM/ECF system, log in to Manage My Account on this website and click the Maintenance tab to register.

    Visit the court links page to see if your court has transitioned to NextGen.

  • What are the rules and procedures for electronic filing?

    Each court has its own procedures and requirements. Check with the court website for more information.

  • What type of training is available for CM/ECF?

    Contact your local court to see what training sessions may be offered. Most courts offering CM/ECF access will provide an online tutorial, training database, FAQs, and a user manual. If a training database is provided, participants should use it to practice filing before filing a document in the live database.

  • My firm already has a PACER username and password. Do I need to establish a separate PACER account, or can I use the firm account?

    The firm PACER account can be used for the query component of CM/ECF. However, the next generation (NextGen) CM/ECF allows you to use the same username and password for both PACER and e-filing. Therefore, you must register for your own PACER account at http://www.pacer.gov/reg_pacer.html.

  • I am changing firms. Do I need to establish a new e-filing username and password?

    You do not need to register for CM/ECF more than once. Even if you change firms, your username and password remain valid. However, you must update your contact information (address, email, etc.).

    In CM/ECF, click on Utilities and select Maintain Your CM/ECF account.

    For appellate courts on the legacy CM/ECF system:

    Make updates through the Manage My Appellate Filer Account section on PACER's website..

    For appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts on the next generation (NextGen) CM/ECF system:

    Make updates through the Manage My Account section of PACER's website.

    To find out if your court uses a legacy or NextGen CM/ECF system, go to the court links page on the PACER website.

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