Electronic Signature and Signature Block

For documents filed electronically through CM/ECF, use of the e-filer’s user ID and password when filing documents electronically, combined with the use of the required signature format, serves as the e-filer’s signature for purposes of Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9011, the Local Rules of this Court, and any other purpose for which a signature is required in connection with proceedings before the Court.  All documents filed electronically (except proofs of claim filed using a Court program other than CM/ECF) shall include a signature block consisting of the e-filer’s electronic signature (/s/ typewritten name where the e-filer’s wet signature would otherwise appear); the e-filer’s typewritten name below the electronic signature; address; telephone number; facsimile number and e-mail address. This required format appears below.

/s/ (Typewritten Name of E-Filer)
Name of E-Filer
Address
City, State, ZIP Code
Phone: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
Fax: (xxx) xxx-xxxx
E-mail: xxx@xxx.xxx

The “/s/ (typewritten name)” format is also acceptable as a substitute for the wet signature of a party, such as the debtor, on an electronically filed document provided that the e-filer retains the document with wet signature according to the section below, Retention of Documents with Original Signatures.

A scanned, wet signature of the e-filer is also acceptable on an electronically filed document.  However, if for any reason the e-filer is filing a document non-electronically, then the document tendered to the Clerk must have a wet signature.

An e-filer may not knowingly permit their user ID and password ("ECF credentials") to be used by anyone other than their authorized agent. For the purposes of this policy, an authorized agent is limited to staff employed by the e-filer's firm/organization and does not include co-counsel.  All documents filed with the e-filer's ECF credentials will be presumed for all purposes, including Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9011, to have been filed by e-filer. Furthermore, when a person places their electronic signature on a document but then uses another e-filer's ECF Credentials to file the document, that filing will be treated by the Court for all purposes, including Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9011, as a document 'signed' by both the person whose name is on the document and the e-filer.

If the document is a joint or agreed filing, refer to "Joint or Agreed Pleadings" in Cases and Documents Subject to Electronic Case Filing.

NOTE:  On Official Forms, such as a Proof of Claim, signature blocks are not required.  An e-filer may use either a wet signature or the “/s/ (typewritten name).”


History of Changes

07/06/2023 - Allowable use ECF credentials updated in last paragraph. 

11/09/2011 - Provided a link for "Joint Pleadings."

12/21/2011 - Removed reference to Reaffirmation Agreements in the "Note" at the bottom of the page.

04/04/2012 - Underlined all occurrences of /s/ (typewritten name) to reflect the correct way of doing an electronic signature.

04/03/2013 - Added 'agreed' to 'joint' to make it 'joint or agreed filing' and 'Joint or Agreed Pleadings.'

05/30/2013 - Added language re: documents filed through CM/ECF and proofs of claim filed, amended, or withdrawn through a Court program other than CM/ECF.

11/12/2013 - Fourth paragraph totally revamped re: unauthorized usage of an ID/password and when a document is considered "signed."

04/11/2014 - Clarified what happens when a person places his/her signature on a document but uses another e-filer's ID and password.