Obtaining copies of documents in a case via SmartScan

Official Procedure Last Change July 22, 2016

Obtaining copies of documents in a case via SmartScan

General Information

  • Shortly after a case containing paper documents is closed, it is shipped to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).  Copies of paper documents in cases that have been shipped to the National Archives must be obtained directly from that facility. Note that documents in cases closed fifteen years or more ago may have been destroyed. Contact the National Archives for more information on such cases.
  • The SmartScan service is offered by the Federal Records Center (FRC) of NARA, and allows for FRC staff to scan paper documents in their possession, and e-mail them to the requestor via the court as a PDF file. Requests for copies of 100 pages or less can be submitted by this service, which is typically cheaper and faster than obtaining paper copies - requests received early enough in the day are typically processed the same day.
  • Requests for copies that exceed 100 pages must be submitted the traditional route for requesting paper copies.
  • Copies cannot be provided of cases or documents that are sealed or otherwise restricted.
  • The cost of obtaining copies via SmartScan is calculated as follows:
    • Retrieval of electronic records from the Federal Record Center fee plus
    • Retrieval of electronic records from the Federal Record Center copy costs (per page) fee

View current fees

To Order Copies via SmartScan

  1. ​​​​​​Contact the appropriate divisional office, which will process the request for you. You will need to provide:
  • Your name
  • The debtor's Social Security Number, case number, or full name
  • Determination of the documents to be copied
  • A phone number where you can be contacted once the copies arrive at the court
  • An e-mail address to which the copies can be sent (or you can visit the court and provide a flash drive for copying purpose, or receive hard copies for an additional fee)
Case number format Divisional Office Office Phone Number

xx-0xxxx

Indianapolis (317) 229-3842
xx-7xxxx Evansville

(812) 434-6481

xx-8xxxx Terre Haute

(812) 434-6481

xx-9xxxx New Albany

(812) 542-4552

 

  1. Once the copies arrive at the court, you will be contacted and advised of the final cost. You can pay the amount using an approved payment method. As soon as payment is received, the copies can be e-mailed to the address you provided or sent hard copy (note: additional cost will be incurred for hard copies and postage).