Official Procedure Last Change April 12, 2010
You do not have to be an attorney to sign up for electronic filing as a limited user. However, limited users have rights to file only certain types of documents electronically. See list of what document types you will be able to file
Registering to be an electronic filer has several advantages:
File your documents at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere that has internet access
Easier to get a document filed before a deadline
No mailing costs
Receive immediate confirmation that your document has been filed successfully
(1) Ensure that your computer system meets the minimum requirements
(2) Sign up for a PACER account
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records and allows you to view case dockets and documents online. There is a small charge for each case or document that you view; however, there is no charge for filing a document yourself.
To sign up for a PACER account, go to the PACER sign up page and follow the instructions.
(3) Sign up for a ECF login and password
ECF stands for Electronic Case Filing and is the system used by the court to allow documents to be filed electronically. You will need to create this account in addition to the PACER account shown above. You will, therefore, have two different login names and passwords.
To sign up for an ECF login, fill out the login/password request form and send in via e-mail and regular mail (with original signature) as directed at the bottom of page 1 of the form.
(4) Familiarize yourself with the Administrative Procedures Manual
The Administrative Procedures Manual contains important information on the correct way to prepare and file documents. For example, it outlines the correct format that should be used for electronic signatures (used when a document is converted directly to PDF without printing it out and scanning it).
(5) Follow individual step-by-step instructions in the Procedures Manual for filing your document
Instructions for filing a Proof of Claim
Instructions for other document types that a limited user can file