Anyone can search for federal court cases, view public case information and court dockets, and access public documents filed in federal court. The Case Search page explains how to access case information online through PACER, in person at the Clerk's Office, or by telephone using the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS).
If you are a party in a case in the Southern District of Texas, you may be eligible to receive automatic email notifications (electronic service or e-service) when documents are filed in your case. Additional information is available on the Electronic Notice & Case Updates page.
If you want to electronically file (e-file) documents with the Court, this page explains the available filing options, eligibility requirements, and the steps required to obtain e-filing access.
Electronic Submission of Documents to the Court
Documents may be submitted electronically through one of the following systems:
- District Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF)
- Bankruptcy Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF)
- Bankruptcy Electronic Document Submission System
Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) System
Attorneys are required to file documents electronically through CM/ECF.
Self-represented (pro se) parties who are not incarcerated may electronically file documents only if the presiding judge in the case grants permission. To request e-filing access, you must submit a written request to the Clerk's Office for filing in your case.
In District Court, self-represented parties can submit documents to the Clerk's Office for filing in person or by postal mail.
This page provides information about electronic filing in CM/ECF and an alternative option for the Bankruptcy Court.
Before requesting permission to e-file in CM/ECF, review the eligibility requirements and filing process below.
Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible
You may request permission to electronically file if all of the following apply:
- You are a party in one or more pending cases in the Southern District of Texas;
- You are not currently incarcerated;
and - You are self-represented(pro se).
Step 2: Determine If You Meet the Technical Requirements for E-Filing
To meet the technical criteria for e-filing documents, you must have:
- Daily access to an e-mail account to receive notifications from the Court.
- A computer with internet access.
- The ability to scan paper documents into PDF format.
- Word processing software.
- Software that can view or read PDF files and software that can convert word processing documents into PDF format.
- A printer or copier if paper copies are required by the judge or other parties.
Step 3: Ask For Permission From the Judge
You must file a motion for permission to e-file in your case. The motion must be submitted on paper. The presiding judge decides whether to grant electronic filing privileges. Permission must be requested separately for each case.
Step 4: Register with PACER
You must have a PACER account in order to e-file in your case. If you already have a PACER account, proceed to Step 5.
If you do not have a PACER account, you can register for a PACER account using the instructions on the Case Search page. You may also visit www.pacer.gov or contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 for assistance with creating a new account.
Step 5: Activate Your E-Filing Privileges in the Court’s Filing System
If the judge grants you permission to e-file and you have a PACER account, you must also request CM/ECF filing access through your PACER account. You can register for e-filing following the instructions under the "New E-Filing Registration" section of the CM/ECF NextGen page.
The Court and Clerk's Office staff cannot provide you with e-filing access until you complete the e-filing registration process in PACER. You must provide the case number and document number of the order granting you e-filing access for verification.
You can check the status of your e-filing registration in the Manage My Account section of your PACER account. This is also where you can update your own contact information, including your email address and mailing address.
Bankruptcy Electronic Document Submission System (BK EDSS)
As an alternative to e-filing in CM/ECF, self-represented parties in Bankruptcy Court may submit documents electronically through the Bankruptcy Electronic Document Submission System (BK EDSS). Unlike CM/ECF, permission from the judge is not required to use BK EDSS.
BK EDSS is an alternative to electronic filing through CM/ECF and does not provide all CM/ECF features.
Important: You must first consent to electronic service (e-service) before submitting documents through BK EDSS. See the Electronic Notice & Case Updates page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I e-file a new complaint, notice of removal, or bankruptcy petition?
No, you may only e-file in an existing case in which you are a party and the presiding judge has granted you permission to e-file.
If I have multiple cases, do I need to ask for permission to e-file in each case?
Yes. If you have more than one case, you must request access to e-file in each case in which you want to be able to e-file. It is entirely up to the presiding judge in each case to decide whether to allow any self-represented party access to e-file.
If I am granted e-filing access, do I have to e-file all of my documents?
No. E-filing is not mandatory for parties who are not represented by attorneys. Even if you have been granted access to e-file, you may still choose to submit documents for filing by mail, in-person at the courthouse, or for documents being submitted to the Bankruptcy Court using the BK Electronic Document Submission System.
How will I know my document was received or filed?
After submitting a document through CM/ECF, you will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF). Documents submitted through BK EDSS are reviewed by Clerk's Office staff before they are docketed. Once they are docketed, you will receive a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF).
Will I still receive paper copies of documents filed in my case?
No. By registering to e-file you have agreed to receive electronic service of documents. You will only receive notice by email, through the CM/ECF Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF), that a document has been filed in your case.
Do I have to provide a paper copy of my filing to the judge?
Each judge has their own requirements for whether or not they want a paper copy of filings. To determine whether the judge presiding over your case requires you to provide a paper copy, check the judge's procedures. See District & Magistrate Judges' Procedures (& Schedules) or Bankruptcy Judges' Procedures (& Schedules).