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.
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.
No e-filer or other person may knowingly permit or cause to permit an e-filer's user ID and password to be used by anyone other than an authorized agent of the person assigned the user ID and password. All documents filed with the e-filer's user ID and password will be presumed for all purposes, including Fed.R.Bankr.P. 9011, to have been filed by the person assigned the user ID and password. Furthermore, when a person places his/her electronic signature on a document but then uses another e-filer's user ID and password 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 whose user ID and password were used.
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
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.