Case Opening for a Complaint (or Notice of Removal)
The court has prepared step-by-step training resources to assist e-filers with the case opening process.
View the Guide to E-Filing New Civil Cases (PDF).
Filing a Complaint under seal
If you are seeking to have a complaint sealed, use the Sealed Case Opening instructions.
Filing a case with “Doe” (unnamed or anonymous) parties
An application to proceed in the case anonymously must be filed with your complaint when filing as a Doe plaintiff, or if your complaint includes Doe defendants.
Case Opening for a Miscellaneous Action
Effective December 2020, civil miscellaneous (MISC) cases filed by represented parties must be opened using the Attorney Miscellaneous Case Opening procedures in CM/ECF.
- How do I file a new civil case?
- How do I file a new civil case under seal?
- What is the fee for filing a new civil case?
- What forms are available for filing a new complaint if I’m representing myself?
- I am a pro se litigant filing a new civil case. How do I file my complaint at the Clerk’s Office?
1. How do I file a new civil case?
Nearly all new civil cases must be opened (filed) electronically using the court’s e-filing system, CM/ECF. Civil miscellaneous (MISC) cases filed by represented parties must be opened using the Attorney Miscellaneous Case Opening procedures in CM/ECF. Manual filing of new case-opening documents is no longer available, except for cases brought by unrepresented (“pro se”) litigants Online case filing should not be used to reopen or transfer a case. These actions should be accomplished using the appropriate civil events in ECF within the existing case docket.
For more information, visit the E-filing a New Civil Case webpage.
2. How do I file a new civil case under seal?
Sealed cases must be filed using a special ECF event. See instructions.
3. What is the fee for filing a new civil case?
Please see the fee schedule summary page for current fee information.
4. What forms are available for filing a new complaint if I’m representing myself?
Information on the court’s Legal Help Centers as well as forms, handbooks, filing instructions and other resources for individuals representing themselves in federal court is available at Representing Yourself in the United States District Court: Information for Pro Se Litigants.
5. I am a pro se litigant filing a new civil case. How do I file my complaint at the Clerk’s Office?
People filing cases without an attorney should bring their papers for filing to the Clerk’s Office. The Clerk’s Office is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid lines, it is best to come in the mid-morning, during lunchtime, or 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If it is not possible to come to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours, it is possible to file papers using the drop boxes in the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose courthouses. Access to the drop boxes is limited for the public by the hours during which the building is open. For complete drop box filing information, see Drop Box Filing Procedures.