Overview. A person who (1) is not incarcerated, (2) is a party to a civil action, and (3) is not represented by an attorney may apply to submit documents to the Clerk’s Office’s electronic inbox for filing. Approved electronic pro se filers are not given an ECF login and password to file documents directly in ECF. Instead, they are permitted to email documents to the Clerk’s Office for Clerk’s Office Staff to file in ECF. Documents must be submitted in PDF format. The system does not accept any other type of format. By registering to file electronically you are also consenting to be served electronically, in accordance with the provisions of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5(b)(2)(E), and you will no longer receive documents filed with the Court or by the Court in paper.

How to Apply. Prior to applying, you must confirm that you meet the system requirements needed to transmit and receive electronic documents. Please review the Pro Se Registration Form for Electronic Filing and attached instructions.  

The form requires an original signature. After the form has been completed and signed it can either be mailed or emailed to the address on the form for processing. Please note you can’t submit a completed registration form unless you are a party to a civil action. The form maybe submitted along with case opening documents (complaint), but not before. If handwriting, please print clearly.  

Once the form has been reviewed you will receive an email from the Clerk’s Office. Please read the email carefully. If accepted, the email will contain the next steps for processing.  

Note on Social Security Appeal and Immigration Cases. Per the E-Government Act and Judicial Conference Policy, certain documents in Social Security Appeal and Immigration Cases are restricted to counsel of record and public terminals (computers connected to ECF in the Clerk’s Office Intake Area). What this means as an electronic filer is you cannot view documents electronically unless you are using one of the Clerk’s Office’s public terminals. You can view a docket sheet on PACER, but when clicking on a document you will receive a message indicating the document is restricted. You may still register to submit documents electronically for filing, but you will receive all filings in paper.      

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). The public can access the federal courts’ public records through the PACER system. More information about PACER, including how to register to access federal court records, is available on the PACER website here. See also PACER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). A PACER account is not required but could be useful. In PACER you can view documents electronically and see upcoming deadlines.  

PACER Contact Information: ph. 1-800-676-6856; email: pacer@psc.uscourts.gov