Anyone can search for federal court cases, view public case information and court dockets, and access public documents filed in federal court. This page explains the different ways to access case information including online through PACER, in person at the Clerk's Office, or by telephone using the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS).
Additionally, if you are a party in a case in the Southern District of Texas, you may also be able to:
- Receive email notifications when documents are filed in your case (see the Electronic Notice & Case Updates page); and
- Electronically submit documents to the Court in certain circumstances (see the Electronic Filing (CM/ECF and EDSS) page).
Online Access to Court Records
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) provides online access to public case information and court documents filed in federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy courts.
To view these records, you need to create an account with PACER. There is no fee to create a PACER account. However, PACER does charge an established fee for accessing court records. Charges below the established quarterly threshold are automatically waived. Visit the PACER website for current fee information (https://pacer.uscourts.gov/pacer-pricing-how-fees-work).
You can register for a PACER account using the instructions below. You may also visit the PACER website (www.pacer.gov) or contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 for assistance with creating a new account. If you experience any problems with your PACER account or login, contact the PACER Service Center directly.
How to Register for a PACER Account
There is no fee to register. However, there is a fee to access court records once logged into PACER.
To register for a PACER account,
- Go to https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account/pacer-case-search-only to register for a PACER Case Search Only account.
- Click Register for a PACER account.
- Complete the online registration form by following the PACER onscreen prompts to provide your contact information, create a username and password, and set up security questions.
- For User Type, scroll down in the list to select the appropriate option under the section labeled
**************** Individual Accounts ****************.- If you have a case pending in this court, select the “PLAINTIFF, DEFENDANT, OR DEBTOR IN A CASE” option.
- If you do not have a case pending in this court, select the “INDIVIDUAL” option.
- For User Type, scroll down in the list to select the appropriate option under the section labeled
- Choose whether to provide a payment method:
- If you provide a payment method during registration, your account is typically activated immediately.
- If you do not provide a payment method, PACER will mail an activation code to the address you provided, and you can activate your account once you receive the code.
After your account is activated, you can sign in to PACER to search for federal appellate, district, and bankruptcy court cases using the PACER Case Locator or by accessing a specific court's records.
In-Person Access to Court Records
The Court provides free access to PACER at public terminals in the Clerk’s Office at each of the Southern District of Texas courthouses. For courthouse hours and locations, see Address, Hours, Phone Information page.
Telephone Access to Case Information (McVCIS)
The Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) is a free, automated telephone service that provides basic information about federal court cases.
McVCIS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To call McVCIS for the Southern District of Texas, dial 866-222-8029, ext. 822.
What information is available on McVCIS?
Depending on the court and case type, McVCIS may provide information such as:
- Case number
- Case title or party names
- Filing date
- Case status
- Assigned judge
- Assigned attorney(s)
- Scheduled hearings or other case events
- Disposition information, if applicable
The information available varies by court and by the type of case.
How do I search for a case using McVCIS?
Call the McVCIS toll-free number and follow the automated prompts. You can search for a case using information such as:
- Case number
- Party name
- Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number (when permitted and available)
The system guides you through each step of the search process using your telephone keypad.
Is there a fee for using McVCIS?
No. McVCIS is a free public service.
Is the information on McVCIS current?
McVCIS retrieves information directly from participating courts' electronic case management systems. Information is generally updated as court records are updated, although recently filed documents or docket entries may not be available immediately.
Does McVCIS provide information in Spanish?
Yes, McVCIS provides automated prompts and case information in English and Spanish. Select your preferred language when prompted after calling the toll-free number.
Does McVCIS provide copies of court dockets or documents?
No. McVCIS provides basic case information only. To view or obtain court documents, use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) or contact the clerk's office for the court where the case was filed.
Need additional assistance?
If you cannot find the information you need through McVCIS, contact the Clerk's Office of the court where the case is pending.