E-Filing Case Documents

The Northern District of California requires that all new civil cases be e-filed, except for cases that are filed by unrepresented (“pro se”) plaintiffs.  The court has prepared step-by-step training resources to assist attorney e-filers with the case opening process. There are three guides on this page:

Attorney Guide to E-filing New Civil Cases (Complaints / Notices of Removal)
This guide includes common e-filing information relevant to all the attorney case filings which includes adding party/attorney information, uploading documents, and submitting payment.

Attorney Guide to E-filing New Miscellaneous Cases
Effective December 2020, civil miscellaneous (MISC) cases filed by represented parties must be opened using the Attorney Miscellaneous Case Opening procedures in CM/ECF.

Attorney Guide to E-filing New Sealed Cases
Requests for sealing a partial complaint or to seal an entire case will follow the sealed docketing process. Once the case is assigned a Judge, the sealing request will be further reviewed by the Court.

Pro se litigants cannot open cases electronically. See The Court’s Pro Se Handbook for information on how to open a case.

NOTE: An application to proceed in the case anonymously or by pseudonym must be filed with your complaint when filing as a Doe/pseudonym plaintiff, or if your complaint includes Doe/pseudonym defendants.

This tutorial provides guidance on e-filing.  It does not provide an exhaustive list of events. 

Step 1: Login to ECF (you may ignore the client code)

The ECF menu bar appears at the top of the page with the following menu headings:

If you do not see the Civil and Criminal menu headings, contact the ECF Helpdesk at ecfhelpdesk@cand.uscourts.gov.

Next, you will select an ECF Event.  You have two options on how to proceed.

Selecting Event Type – Option One:

Select Search to bring up the Search Bar.

Enter a keyword. A list of matching results will appear.

If you do not see what you are looking for, try a different keyword.

Selecting Event Type – Option Two:

Select Civil.

This will give you a list of the categories and subcategories available to you to e-file. For this example, we will be looking under the category “Motions and Related Filings,” and choosing “Motions – General.”

Select Motions - General.

After you click on “Motions – General,” you will be taken to a page where you will select your event. You can either scroll through the alphabetical list of events, or start typing in the box titled Start typing to find an event field.

Once you see your event, click on it. This will populate the box that says Selected Events (click to remove events).

After Selecting Event Type:

Once you have selected your desired event, press the "submit" button.

On the following page, your case number should populate. If you have more than one case number, there will be a drop-down box listing all the cases you can e-file. Choose the case you wish to file in. Then press the "submit" button.

On the next page, you will see your case number hyperlinked in blue along with some acronyms. Do not click on the blue case number. If you do, the system will take you to PACER to view your docket sheet. Instead, click on the "submit" button.

The next page will ask you to choose the party that is filing. As a Pro Se, you will only have the option to choose yourself. Be sure to click on your name in the box on the right side titled "Select the Party." Do not click in the box on the left side of the screen.

Once you have highlighted your name, click on the "Next" button.

Now you are ready to upload your document. ECF only accepts PDF files. Be sure that your document is in PDF format and ready to be uploaded. The main document section must have a file, or you will not be able to move forward. Click on "Choose File" and find the file you wish to upload. If you are unsure how to find documents on your computer, you may search for the answer on the internet.

If you have multiple documents to upload, you will use the "Attachments" section. Click on "Choose File" and follow the steps for finding your document. Once your document is there, you will either (1) choose the best category that matches your document in the drop-down box,

or (2) you can type in your own description in the text box.

If you do not have more than one file, you may click on the "submit" button.

Some of the events allow you to link your entry to a previous entry in your case. If you wish to do so, and are presented with the screen, you may click the box that gives you the option to link your document.

If you choose the option to link your filing, the following screen will provide you a list of entries to which you may relate your current filing.

If you do not wish to link your filing, make sure the box is not checked. Click "submit."

You are now on the second to final screen. This screen will allow you to add text to your docket entry. You may type what you wish in the text box and it will appear on the docket.

When you are done, or if you do not wish to add additional text, hit the "submit" button.

During this process, if you wish to start over, or you are unable to finish your filing, your document will not be uploaded into your case until you press the final "submit" button on the last page.

Once you have clicked this final "submit" button, your document and any additional text you may have added will be on the docket.

Uploading your documents in the correct order is key to successful e-filing. Here is how to do it.

1. The main document This is the first document to be uploaded (example: Motion to Dismiss). The document description is populated from the ECF event you have selected. Some events also offer a free text box to supplement this description. Additional text typed into the box will be added to the docket text for your filing.

2. The attachments section Additional documents to your main document can be uploaded using the attachment section. Examples include declarations, exhibits and proposed orders.

3. Describe your attachments Use the category drop down menu and/or the description free text box to describe your attachments.

Category drop down menu. This menu contains commonly-used items such as "Proposed Order", "Exhibit", and "Declaration"; select the appropriate item.

Description text box. Further define your selection by entering text into this box. Example: after selecting "Declaration" in the drop-down menu, enter "of Jack Jones in Support of Motion to Dismiss" in the text box.

Different ways to use the attachment section

1. Option 1: The category drop down menu and description free text box together. 
2. Option 2: Use the category drop down menu for some attachments and the description free text box for other attachments. 
3. Option 3: Only use the category drop down menu to enter descriptive information regarding your attachments. 
4. Option 4: Only use the description free text box to enter descriptive information. 

E-filing a confidential document under seal is permitted by Civil L.R. 79-5. To avoid unintentionally disclosing confidential information, read all instructions and our FAQ on this page before you begin. If you make an e-filing mistake, follow the instructions on the Correcting E-Filing Mistakes page.

INTRODUCTORY NOTES:

• If another party has previously designated the documents as confidential, follow the separate procedures outlined below.
• If you want a ruling on your motion to seal before filing the main document, submit the administrative motion at least two weeks before the filing deadline, and notify the judge’s courtroom deputy by email.

1. In ECF, go to Civil → Motions:
2. Select Administrative Motion to File Under Seal:
3. Enter the case number and filer information.
   • Upload your Administrative Motion as the main document and include as attachments a Declaration and a Proposed Order.
   • No redacted version is required unless requested by the judge. If necessary, upload and label “Unredacted Version of [Document Name]" in the Description box.
4. On the next screen, check the "Give any documents a sealed restriction" box.
5. In the next step, you will be indicating that access should be restricted to the unredacted version of the document you seek to have sealed. You may also restrict access to the declaration if it is impossible to avoid specific reference to the confidential information therein. All other documents should remain unchecked and will be viewable by the public.
6. Complete the e-filing. The motion, declaration, proposed order, and redacted version (if any) will be viewable by the public, but the unredacted version and (if appropriate, the declaration) will be marked “Restricted” on the docket and will not be viewable by the public or the filer.
7. Email the Proposed Order to the Judge’s Proposed Order email address, available on each judge’s webpage. Links to each judge’s webpage.
8. File redacted copies of the documents separately using the regular ECF event (e.g., motion, response) after e-filing the Administrative Motion. For supporting documents you have sought to be filed entirely under seal (e.g., an exhibit to a motion), file a placeholder.
9. Manually serve non-ECF users (per Civil L.R. 5-1(h)(2)). Note that ECF users are automatically served but won’t have ECF access to sealed documents.

What to do When the Court Rules on the Administrative Motion

If your administrative motion is GRANTED in its entirety, the unredacted document remains under seal, and only the redacted version (if any) will be publicly accessible.

If your Administrative Motion is DENIED in its entirety, or GRANTED/DENIED IN PART, the Court will alert you whether it will consider the information sought for sealing if filed publicly, permit its withdrawal without considering the information, or otherwise direct your next step.

When the document was designated confidential by another party, you must additionally:

• Identify in your declaration which portions have been designated confidential, and the party who so designated.
• Serve the declaration on the designating party the same day it's filed.
• File a proof of service.

The designating party has 7 days to file a statement or declaration; failure to do so may result in the unsealing of the document.

Local Criminal Rule 56-1 permits sealed documents to be e-filed in existing criminal cases using the instructions on this page. Sealed documents submitted under these instructions will not be viewable by the public, attorneys, or parties. You, the filer, will not be able to review or access your document once it has been submitted under these instructions.

NOTE:  Failure to follow the below procedures may result in documents being accessible to the public.

STEP I: E-Filing the Administrative Motion to File Under Seal

Both prosecutors and defense attorneys must follow these instructions to ensure that sealed documents are properly restricted from public view. Failure to follow these instructions could result in documents being available on the public docket.  NOTE: This is not the procedure to use for documents related to (1) investigatory tools, (2) new case openings, or (3) cases/dockets that are entirely under seal.

1. In ECF, select Criminal → Motions
2. Select Administrative Motion to File Under Seal
3. Enter the case number and select the appropriate defendant(s)
4. When prompted, upload your documents in the following order:

• As the Main Document, upload the Administrative Motion to File Under Seal
• As an Attachment, upload the Supporting Declaration (use the pull-down menu to select "Declaration")
• As an Attachment, upload the Proposed Order (use the pull-down menu to select "Proposed Order")
• As an Attachment, upload the document(s) to be filed under seal.  Use the pull-down menu to select a description (e.g., "Exhibit") or use the description box to name your document (e.g., "Medical Report")

5. Bypass the hearing prompt. No hearing is required.
6. The Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) page completes your filing. Your entry is now sealed on the docket and will not be accessible by the public, attorneys, or parties. You will not be able to review or access your ECF entry once it has been submitted to the docket.

STEP II: What To Do after the Court Rules on the Administrative Motion

If your Administrative Motion is GRANTED in its entirety, the sealed and unredacted version of the document will remain under seal. NOTE: the presiding judge may also order that a redacted version be filed on the public docket.  If the judge orders that a redacted version be filed, you will be notified by the Courtroom Deputy, and will need to follow up by e-filing a redacted version of the document.

If your Administrative Motion is DENIED in its entirety, the document sought to be sealed will not be considered by the Court unless the Submitting Party files an unredacted version of the document within 7 days after the motion is denied.  See Criminal Local Rule 56-1(d)(2).

If your Administrative Motion is GRANTED in part and DENIED in part, the document sought to be sealed will not be considered by the Court unless the Submitting Party files a redacted version of the document which comports with the Court’s order within 7 days after the motion is denied. See Criminal Local Rule 56-1(d)(2).

What is an ECF event?

You have prepared to submit a document to the court in the form of a Notice, Motion, Stipulation, etc.

To e-file that document, you will have to select an "event" from the available menus in ECF. You may not necessarily find an event that exactly matches the caption on your filing and there are some similar-sounding events in ECF, so it is important to plan ahead so that you select the correct event when you are e-filing your document(s).

We recommend that you review the Index of ECF Events on this website when preparing your filing. This will enable you to consider all the possibilities and make the right choice when you are not under time pressure.

How to find your event in ECF

In ECF, you may either use the search feature or navigate the civil or criminal menus:

Search Feature.

Clicking on the Search Feature will open a text box. Searching for events works best when you search for the least uncommon word in your event name (i.e. telephone instead of motion).

ECF TIP: Once you receive your results, begin your e-filing process by clicking on the hyperlink.

Navigate the Civil or Criminal Menus.

Each menu includes respective e-filing categories. These categories contain events listed alphabetically that matches or is similar to the document title you would like to submit to the court. Once you have located your event, begin your e-filing process.

Note About Hearing Dates:

Motions marked * on these lists will not prompt you to set a hearing date.

Motions for Pro Se Prisoner will not prompt you to set a hearing date.

Civil Events

1. Initial Pleadings and Service
   1. Complaints and Other Initiating Documents
      1. Amended Complaint
      2. Amended Notice of Removal
      3. Amended Petition
      4. Application for Stay of Execution
      5. Application for Writ of Garnishment
      6. Bankruptcy Appeal
      7. Case Transferred in - District Transfer
      8. Case Transferred in - Divisional Transfer
      9. Complaint
      10. Counterclaim
      11. Crossclaim
      12. Intervenor Complaint
      13. Motion to Vacate/Set Aside/Correct Sentence (2255)
      14. Notice of Condemnation
      15. Notice of Removal
      16. Notice to Take Foreign Deposition
      17. Petition
      18. Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
      19. Petition for Writ of Mandamus
      20. Petition to Compel Arbitration Petition to Enforce IRS Summons
      21. Petition to Perpetuate Testimony
      22. Petition to Vacate Arbitration Award
      23. Registration of Foreign Judgment
      24. Student Loan
      25. Third Party Complaint
      26. Withdrawal of Reference
   2. Service of Process
      1. Acknowledgment of Service
      2. Affidavit of Service
      3. Certificate/Proof of Service Request for Waiver of Service
      4. Service by Publication
      5. Summons Returned Executed
      6. Summons Returned Executed as to USA
      7. Summons Returned Executed as to USA FOIA
      8. Summons Returned Executed in Social Security Cases
      9. Summons Returned Unexecuted
      10. Waiver of Service Executed
      11. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum Executed
      12. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum Unexecuted
      13. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Testificandum Executed
      14. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Testificandum Unexecuted
   3. Other Answers
      1. Affidavit in Opposition
      2. Affidavit in Support
      3. Amended Answer to Complaint
      4. Answer to Amended Complaint
      5. Answer to Complaint for Forfeiture
      6. Answer to CounterClaim
      7. Answer to CrossClaim
      8. Answer to Removal Complaint
      9. Answer to Third Party Complaint
      10. Answer to Writ of Garnishment
      11. Claim
      12. Objection to Report and Recommendation
      13. Response
      14. Response to Order to Show Cause
      15. Traverse
      16. Withdrawal of Claim
2. Motions and Related Filings
   1. Motions — General
      1. Administrative Motion per Civil Local Rule 7-11
      2. Administrative Motion to File Under Seal *
      3. Alter Judgment
      4. Amend/Correct
      5. Appeal In Forma Pauperis *
      6. Appear *
      7. Appear by Telephone *
      8. Appoint Counsel *
      9. Appoint Custodian *
      10. Appoint Expert
      11. Appoint Guardian/Attorney Ad Litem *
      12. Appoint Lead Plaintiff and Lead Counsel
      13. Appoint Receiver
      14. Approve Consent Judgment *
      15. Attorney Fees
      16. Bifurcate
      17. Bill of Particulars
      18. Bond
      19. Certificate of Appealability *
      20. Certify Class
      21. Change Venue
      22. Compel
      23. Confirm Arbitration Award
      24. Consolidate cases
      25. Continue *
      26. Declaration of Mistrial
      27. Declaratory Judgment
      28. Default Judgment by the Clerk
      29. Default Judgment by the Court
      30. Deposit Funds
      31. Directed Verdict
      32. Disbursement of Funds
      33. Disclosure
      34. Discovery
      35. Discovery Letter Brief
      36. Dismiss
      37. Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction
      38. Dismiss/Lack of Prosecution
      39. Disqualify Counsel
      40. Disqualify Judge
      41. Disqualify Juror
      42. Enforce IRS Summons
      43. Enforce Judgment
      44. Entry of Default *
      45. Ex Parte Application *
      46. Expedite *
      47. Extension of Time re Transcript *
      48. Extension of Time to Amend *
      49. Extension of Time to Complete Discovery *
      50. Extension of Time to File Answer *
      51. Extension of Time to File Document *
      52. Extension of Time to File Response/Reply *
      53. File Amicus Curiae Brief
      54. File Excess Pages *
      55. Forfeiture of Property
      56. Hearing *
      57. In Limine
      58. Intervene
      59. Joinder *
      60. Judgment Debtor Exam
      61. Judgment NOV
      62. Judgment as a Matter of Law
      63. Judgment of Forfeiture
      64. Judgment on Partial Findings
      65. Judgment on the Pleadings
      66. Judgment under Rule 54b
      67. Leave to Appeal
      68. Leave to File Document *
      69. Letters Rogatory *
      70. Lift Stay
      71. Limited Admission
      72. Miscellaneous Relief
      73. More Definite Statement
      74. New Trial
      75. Order of Sale
      76. Partial Summary Judgment
      77. Permanent Injunction
      78. Permission for Electronic Case Filing
      79. Preliminary Injunction
      80. Pro Hac Vice *
      81. Proceed In Forma Pauperis *
      82. Produce
      83. Protective Order
      84. Quash
      85. Quash (Under Seal) *
      86. Reassign Case
      87. Reconsideration *
      88. Recusal
      89. Redact Transcript *
      90. Relate Case *
      91. Release of Bond Obligation
      92. Release of Funds
      93. Remand
      94. Remove Incorrectly Filed Document *
      95. Reopen Case *
      96. Return of Property
      97. Review of Taxation of Costs
      98. Sanctions
      99. Seal Case *
      100. Service by Publication *
      101. Set Aside
      102. Set Aside Default
      103. Set Aside Forfeiture
      104. Set Aside Judgment
      105. Set Aside Verdict
      106. Settlement
      107. Sever
      108. Shorten Time *
      109. Show Cause
      110. Stay
      111. Strike
      112. Substitute Attorney *
      113. Substitute Party
      114. Summary Judgment
      115. Suppress
      116. Take Deposition
      117. Temporary Restraining Order *
      118. Transfer Case
      119. Unseal Case *
      120. Unseal Document *
      121. Vacate
      122. Warrant in rem *
      123. Withdraw
      124. Withdraw Reference
      125. Withdraw as Attorney
      126. Writ
      127. Writ of Garnishment
      128. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad prosequendum *
      129. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad testificandum *
      130. Writ of Mandamus
   2. Motions for Pro Se Prisoner Cases
      1. Administrative Motion to File Under Seal PSP
      2. Alter Judgment PSP
      3. Amend/Correct PSP
      4. Appear PSP
      5. Appear by Telephone PSP
      6. Appoint Counsel PSP
      7. Appoint Custodian PSP
      8. Appoint Expert PSP
      9. Appoint Guardian/Attorney ad Litem PSP
      10. Appoint Lead Plaintiff and Lead Counsel PSP
      11. Appoint Receiver PSP
      12. Approve Consent Judgment PSP
      13. Attorney Fees PSP
      14. Bifurcate PSP
      15. Bill of Particulars PSP
      16. Bond PSP
      17. Certificate of Appealability PSP
      18. Certify Class PSP
      19. Change Venue PSP
      20. Compel PSP
      21. Confirm Arbitration Award PSP
      22. Consolidate Cases PSP
      23. Continue PSP
      24. Declaration of Mistrial PSP
      25. Declaratory Judgment PSP
      26. Default Entry PSP
      27. Default Judgment PSP
      28. Deposit Funds PSP
      29. Directed Verdict PSP
      30. Disbursement of Funds PSP
      31. Disclosure PSP
      32. Discovery PSP
      33. Dismiss PSP
      34. Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction PSP
      35. Dismiss/Lack of Prosecution PSP
      36. Disqualify Counsel PSP
      37. Disqualify Judge PSP
      38. Disqualify Juror PSP
      39. Enforce IRS Summons PSP
      40. Enforce Judgment PSP
      41. Ex Parte Application PSP
      42. Expedite PSP
      43. Extension of Time re Transcript PSP
      44. Extension of Time to Amend PSP
      45. Extension of Time to Complete Discovery PSP
      46. Extension of Time to File Answer PSP
      47. Extension of Time to File Document PSP
      48. Extension of Time to File Response/Reply PSP
      49. File Amicus Curiae Brie PSP
      50. File Excess Pages PSP
      51. Forfeiture of Property PSP
      52. Hearing PSP
      53. In Limine PSP
      54. Installment Payment Order PSP
      55. Intervene PSP
      56. Joinder PSP
      57. Judgment Debtor Exam PSP
      58. Judgment NOV PSP
      59. Judgment as a Matter of Law PSP
      60. Judgment of Forfeiture PSP
      61. Judgment of Partial Findings PSP
      62. Judgment on the Pleadings PSP
      63. Judgment under Rule 54(b) PSP
      64. Leave to Appeal PSP
      65. Leave to File Document PSP
      66. Letters Rogatory PSP
      67. Limited Admission PSP
      68. Miscellaneous Relief PSP
      69. More Definite Statement PSP
      70. New Trial PSP
      71. Order of Sale PSP
      72. Partial Summary Judgment PSP
      73. Permanent Injunction PSP
      74. Preliminary Injunction PSP
      75. Pro Hac Vice PSP
      76. Proceed In Forma Pauperis PSP
      77. Produce PSP
      78. Protective Order PSP
      79. Quash (Under Seal) PSP
      80. Quash PSP
      81. Reassign Case PSP
      82. Reconsideration PSP
      83. Recusal PSP
      84. Redact Transcript PSP
      85. Relate Case PSP
      86. Release of Bond Obligation PSP
      87. Release of Funds PSP
      88. Remand PSP
      89. Remove Incorrectly Filed Document PSP
      90. Reopen Case PSP
      91. Return of Property PSP
      92. Review of Taxation of Costs PSP
      93. Sanctions PSP
      94. Seal Case PSP
      95. Service by Publication PSP
      96. Set Aside Default PSP
      97. Set Aside Forfeiture PSP
      98. Set Aside Judgment PSP
      99. Set Aside PSP
      100. Set Aside Verdict PSP
      101. Settlement PSP
      102. Sever PSP
      103. Shorten Time PSP
      104. Show Cause PSP
      105. Stay PSP
      106. Strike PSP
      107. Substitute Attorney PSP
      108. Substitute Party PSP
      109. Summary Judgment PSP
      110. Suppress PSP
      111. Take Deposition PSP
      112. Temporary Restraining Order PSP
      113. Transfer Case PSP
      114. Unseal Case PSP
      115. Unseal Document PSP
      116. Vacate PSP
      117. Warrant in rem PSP
      118. Withdraw PSP
      119. Withdraw Reference PSP
      120. Withdraw as Attorney PSP
      121. Writ PSP
      122. Writ of Garnishment PSP
      123. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad prosequendum PSP
      124. Writ of Habeas Corpus as testificandum PSP
      125. Writ of Mandamus PSP
   3. Responses and Replies
      1. Opposition/Response to Motion
      2. Reply to Opposition/Response
   4. Stipulations
      1. Stipulation and Proposed Order
      2. Stipulation and Proposed Order selecting Early Neutral Evaluation
      3. Stipulation and Proposed Order selecting Mediation
      4. Stipulation and Proposed Order selecting Private ADR
      5. Stipulation without Proposed Order
   5. Other Supporting Documents
      1. Affidavit in Opposition to Motion
      2. Affidavit in Support of Motion
      3. Appendix
      4. Attachments to an Administrative Motion to File Under Seal
      5. Brief
      6. Correction of Opposition/Response or Reply Deadlines
      7. Declaration in Opposition
      8. Declaration in Support
      9. Exhibits
      10. Letter Brief
      11. Re-Notice of Motion
      12. Request for Judicial Notice
      13. Statement of Non-Opposition
      14. Statement of Recent Decision
      15. Supplemental Brief
3. Other Filings
   1. ADR Documents
      1. ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options
      2. Notice of Need for ADR Phone Conference (ADR L.R. 3-5 d)
      3. Notice of Need for Mediation - ADA Cases Only
      4. Request for Trial De Novo (ADR L.R. 4-12)
   2. Notices
      1. Certificate of Counsel
      2. Certificate of Interested Entities
      3. Notice (Other)
      4. Notice of Acceptance with Offer of Judgment
      5. Notice of Application for Writ
      6. Notice of Change in Counsel Notice of Change of Address
      7. Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of Transcript
      8. Notice of Lis Pendens
      9. Notice of Motion/Stipulation Filed in MDL Master Case
      10. Notice of Opposition/Reply Filed in MDL Master Case
      11. Notice of Pendency of Other Action Involving Same Patent
      12. Notice of Substitution of Counsel
      13. Notice of Voluntary Dismissal
      14. Notice of Withdrawal of Motion
   3. Trial Documents
      1. Agreement for Jury Verdict
      2. Exhibit List
      3. Pretrial Conference Statement
      4. Proposed Findings of Fact
      5. Proposed Form of Verdict
      6. Proposed Jury Instructions
      7. Proposed Voir Dire
      8. Trial Brief
      9. Witness List
   4. Appeal Documents
      1. Amended Notice of Appeal
      2. Appellants Brief
      3. Appellants Reply Brief
      4. Appellees Brief
      5. Civil Appeals Docketing Statement
      6. Designation of Record on Appeal
      7. Notice of Appeal
      8. Notice of Appeal to Federal Circuit
      9. Notice of Cross Appeal to Ninth Circuit
      10. Notice of Cross Appeal to the Federal Circuit
      11. Transcript Designation Form
   5. Other Documents
      1. Affidavit
      2. Amended Document (NOT Motion)
      3. Amicus Curiae Appearance
      4. Application for Refund
      5. Application for Writ
      6. Association of Counsel
      7. Audio Recordings of Court Proceedings
      8. Bill of Costs
      9. Case Management Statement
      10. Consent/Declination to Proceed before a US Magistrate Judge
      11. Document E-Filed Under Seal
      12. Errata
      13. Financial Affidavit
      14. Financial Affidavit - CJA 23
      15. Interpleader
      16. Joinder
      17. Joint Case Management Statement
      18. Jury Demand
      19. Letter
      20. New Case Filing Fee
      21. New Habeas Case Filing Fee
      22. Notice of Intent to Request Redaction
      23. Objection
      24. Objections to Answer to Writ
      25. Pretrial Memorandum
      26. Proposed Abstract of Judgment Proposed Order
      27. Proposed Pretrial Order
      28. Proposed Summons
      29. Proposed Warrant
      30. Redacted Document
      31. Redaction Request - Transcript
      32. Report of Rule 26f Planning Meeting
      33. Response (Non Motion)Response to Order to Show Cause
      34. SSA Administrative Transcript Satisfaction of Judgment
      35. Special Maters Order
      36. Statement
      37. Status Report
      38. Suggestion of Bankruptcy
      39. Suggestion of Death
      40. Transcript Order
      41. Transcript Order - CJA
      42. Transcript Order - Future Trial with Daily Transcripts
   6. Attorney Admissions
      1. Application for Refund for Petition for Bar Membership
      2. Petition for Bar Membership
      3. Petition for Bar Membership (Corrected/Resubmitted)

Criminal Events

1. Motions and Related Filings
   1. Motions
      1. Acquittal
      2. Alter Judgment
      3. Amend/Correct
      4. Appeal In Forma Pauperis *
      5. Appear *
      6. Appoint Counsel
      7. Appoint Expert
      8. Bifurcate
      9. Bill of Particulars
      10. Bond
      11. Brady Materials
      12. Certificate of Appealability *
      13. Change Venue
      14. Compel
      15. Consolidate cases
      16. Continue *
      17. Declaration of Mistrial
      18. Directed Verdict
      19. Disclosure
      20. Discovery
      21. Dismiss
      22. Dismiss/Lack of Jurisdiction
      23. Dismiss/Speedy Trial
      24. Disqualify Counsel
      25. Disqualify Judge
      26. Disqualify Juror
      27. Early Termination of Probation
      28. Enforce IRS Summons
      29. Ex Parte Application *
      30. Exclude
      31. Expedite
      32. Extension of Time re Transcript *
      33. Extension of Time to File Document *
      34. Extension of Time to File Response/Reply *
      35. Extension of Time to Indict
      36. File Amicus Brief
      37. File Excess Pages *
      38. Forfeiture of Property
      39. Handwriting Exemplars
      40. Hearing *
      41. In Limine
      42. Inspect
      43. Issuance of Warrant in rem
      44. Issue Summons
      45. Joinder *
      46. Judgment NOV
      47. Judicial Recommendation Against Deportation
      48. Leave to Appeal
      49. Leave to File Document *
      50. Medical Exam
      51. Medical Treatment
      52. Miscellaneous Relief
      53. Modify Conditions of Release
      54. New Trial
      55. Order of Competency to Stand Trial
      56. Pro Hac Vice *
      57. Produce
      58. Protective Order
      59. Psychiatric Exam
      60. Psychiatric Treatment
      61. Quash
      62. Quash Indictment/Information
      63. Reconsideration *
      64. Recusal
      65. Redact Transcript *
      66. Reduce Sentence
      67. Reduce Sentence - USSC Amendment
      68. Release from Custody
      69. Release from Bond Obligation
      70. Release of Funds
      71. Remand
      72. Remove Incorrectly Filed Document *
      73. Return of Property/PostTrial
      74. Return of Property/PreTrial
      75. Return of Surety
      76. Revoke
      77. Sanctions
      78. Seal
      79. Seal Case *
      80. Seal Document
      81. Separate Trial on Counts
      82. Service by Publication *
      83. Set Aside Forfeiture
      84. Set Aside Judgment
      85. Set Aside Sentence
      86. Set Aside Verdict
      87. Sever Defendant
      88. Show Cause
      89. Show Cause re: Reovcation of Probation
      90. Show Cause re: Reovcation of Supervised Release
      91. Special Appearance
      92. Speedy Trial
      93. Strike
      94. Substitute Attorney
      95. Suppress
      96. Take Deposition
      97. Travel
      98. Unseal Case *
      99. Unseal Document *
      100. Vacate
      101. Vacate (2255)
      102. Waiver
      103. Warrant
      104. Warrant for Arrest of Property
      105. Withdraw Document
      106. Withdraw Plea of Guilty
      107. Withdraw Plea of Nolo Contendere
      108. Withdraw as Attorney
      109. Writ
      110. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad prosequendum *
      111. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad testificandum *
   2. Stipulations
      1. Stipulation and Proposed Order
      2. Stipulation and Proposed Order to Reduce Sentence - USSC Amendment
      3. Stipulation without Proposed Order
   3. Responses and Replies
      1. Affidavit in Opposition to Motion
      2. Affidavit in Support of Motion
      3. Memorandum in Opposition
      4. Reply to Response
      5. Response to Motion
   4. Other Supporting Documents
      1. Declaration in Opposition
      2. Declaration in Support
      3. Exhibits
      4. Memorandum
      5. Memorandum In Opposition
      6. Re-Notice motion
      7. Request for Judicial Notice
2. Other Filings
   1. Detention
      1. Arrest
      2. Arrest - Other District
      3. Arrest of Material Witness
      4. Bond
      5. Detainer Lodged
      6. Temporary Commitment
   2. Discovery Documents
      1. Demand for Alibi Witness
      2. Demand for Public Authority Witness
      3. Notice of Alibi
      4. Notice of Error or Defect
      5. Notice of Insanity Defense
      6. Notice of Insanity Witness
      7. Notice of Intent to Use Evidence
      8. Notice of Issue of Foreign Law
      9. Notice of Public Authority Defense
      10. Notice of Public Authority Opposition Witness
      11. Withdrawal of Alibi
      12. Withdrawal of Defense
      13. Withdrawal of Insanity Witness
      14. Withdrawal of Public Authority Defense
   3. Waivers
      1. Waiver (Other)
      2. Waiver of Counsel
      3. Waiver of Interstate Agreement on Detainers
      4. Waiver of Minimum Time to Trial
      5. Waiver of Preliminary Examination or Hearing
      6. Waiver of Presence at Arraignment
      7. Waiver of Presentence Investigation Report
      8. Waiver of Rule 32.1 Hearings
      9. Waiver of Rule 40 Hearings
      10. Waiver of Rule 5 Hearings
      11. Waiver of Speedy Trial
      12. Waiver of Trial by Jury
   4. Service of Process
      1. Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum
      2. Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Testificandum
      3. Certificate of Service
      4. Judgment Returned Executed
      5. Search Warrant Returned Executed
      6. Search Warrant Returned Unexecuted
      7. Summons Returned Executed
      8. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Prosequendum Unexecuted
      9. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Testificandum Executed
      10. Writ of Habeas Corpus ad Testificandum Unexecuted
   5. Notices
      1. Deferral of Prosecution
      2. Nolle Prosequi
      3. Notice (Other)
      4. Notice of Attorney Appearance - Defendant
      5. Notice of Attorney Appearance - USA
      6. Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of Transcript Notice of Related Case
      7. Notice of Substitution of Attorney
   6. Trial Documents
      1. Exhibit
      2. Pretrial Conference Statement Proposed Jury Instructions
      3. Proposed Voir Dire
      4. Request for Special Findings of Fact
      5. Trial Brief
      6. Trial Memorandum
      7. Witness List
   7. Appeal Documents
      1. Appeal of Magistrate Judge Decision to District Court - Criminal Case
      2. Appeal of MJ Decision to District Court- Magistrate Judge Case
      3. Defendant Brief
      4. Defendant Reply Brief
      5. Designation of Record on Appeal
      6. Government Brief
      7. Government Reply Brief
      8. Notice of Appeal
      9. Notice of Docketing Appeal from Magistrate Judge Decision
      10. Transcript Designation Form
   8. Other Documents
      1. Affidavit
      2. Affidavit - Rule 40
      3. Affidavit - Rule 5 (An Arrest from Another District)
      4. Application for Refund
      5. Assertion of Fifth and Sixth Amendment Rights
      6. Audio Recordings of Court Proceedings
      7. Consent to Inspection of PSI
      8. Consent to Proceed before US Magistrate Judge
      9. Certificate of Good Standing
      10. Consent to Trial before US Magistrate Judge
      11. Information to Establish Prior Conviction
      12. Letter
      13. Mail Returned
      14. Notice of Intent to Request Redaction
      15. Objection
      16. Objection to Presentence Investigation Report
      17. Objection to Report and Recommendations
      18. Pretrial Memorandum
      19. Proposed Order
      20. Redacted Document
      21. Redaction Request - Transcript
      22. Refusal of Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction
      23. Response
      24. Response to Order to Show Cause
      25. Sentencing Memorandum
      26. Statement
      27. Status Report
      28. Transcript Order
      29. Transcript Order - CJA
      30. Transcript Order - Future Trial with Daily Transcripts
      31. Withdrawal of Motion

Reports and Utilities

1. Reports
   1. Civil Reports
   2. Criminal Reports
   3. Civil and Criminal Reports
2. Utilities
   1. Your Account
   2. FRC
3. Miscellaneous
   1. Legal Research
   2. Verify a Document
   3. System Administrator Reports

The Court accepts online credit card payments from registered ECF users for certain e-filing events, for which fees are charged.

Which events have fees payable via Pay.gov?

1. Attorney admission (Petition for Bar Membership);
2. Pro hac vice admission fee in civil and criminal cases (Motion for Pro Hac Vice);
3. Proof of membership in the bar of this court (Request for Certificate of Good Standing);
4. Notice of appeal (civil and criminal cases);
5. Opening a new civil case (Attorney Case Opening);
6. Digital audio files of selected court hearings (Audio Recordings of Court Proceedings)

How do I use Pay.gov to pay fees online?

When e-filing a document that requires a fee, you will be automatically directed to the Pay.Gov online payment process. Once you have successfully completed your online payment, you will automatically return to ECF to complete your filing.

On the Pay.gov page, you will be presented with a payment information screen:

• Fields marked with an asterisk are required fields.
• The "account holder name" is the name on the credit card.
• The billing address is a required field that is pre-populated with the e-filer's ECF account information (which can be found in the ECF menu under Utilities→Maintain Your ECF Account) but may be changed. The address does not have to correspond to with the credit card billing address. Changing the billing address does not change your address in ECF.
• The payment amount field will be automatically filled in with the fee amount.

Clicking Continue with Plastic Card Payment presents you with a summary screen:

To receive a receipt for payment of the filing fee, you must enter a valid email address on this screen. Your email receipt will have a Pay.Gov tracking ID number and Agency Tracking ID/receipt that the Court will need to identify the transaction should a problem arise or a refund be requested.

Review the payment information to ensure that it is correct, then check the authorization box and click the "Submit Payment" button. You will be prompted with the following notice:

** WARNING**

Pressing the "Submit Payment" button more than once may result in multiple transactions being processed.

After Pay.gov has processed the transaction, the Transaction Summary will be displayed:

You will also receive an email with the same information.

Once your transaction has gone through, you will automatically return to ECF to complete your filing.

How do I view my Pay.gov transaction history?

Online payments of fees using Pay.gov may be reviewed by going to the Utilities Menu in ECF
and choosing Internet Payment History.

What do I do if I have a problem with an online payment?

• If a payment does not go through, an error screen will appear. PRINT THIS ERROR SCREEN or write down the complete message and email it to the ECFHelpDesk or call 1-866-638-7829 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• If you are concerned that your payment did not go through, view your Internet Payment History. If the payment does not appear in your Internet Payment History, it was not successful.
• If there is a technical failure with the payment module, the filing session must be restarted from the beginning.
• Pay.gov has occasional planned maintenance and upgrade outages; please visit the Pay.gov website for notice of planned outages and to sign up for email notification of them if desired.

How and when can I obtain a refund?

Refund requests are governed by General Order 68.

Step 1:   Fill out the Pay.gov Application for Refund form.
Step 2:   E-file the form using either:
Other Filings → Other Documents → Application for Refund
Attorney Admissions → Application for Refund for Petition for Bar Membership*

* Only use this for a Petition for Bar Membership.
It usually takes 7 business days for the Finance Unit to process your refund. For information on the status of your refund, please contact the Finance Unit.