CM/ECF Frequently Asked Questions


Match word(s).



In training we were told you get one free look at the document when you receive a Notice of Electronic Filing. How does it work, since we still have to login to PACER?

From the PACER Service Center, this is how the free look is working:
Primary Email Address Only: The Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) is sent to the primary email address and the recipient receives a free look from the document link. When viewing the document after the one free look the recipient is billed. This is true for both civil and criminal cases.
Primary and Secondary Email Addresses: The NEF is sent to the primary email address and to all secondary email addresses. The primary email address receives a free look and the first secondary email address to view the document also receives a free look. All other secondary email addresses are billed. Therefore, when there are both primary and secondary email addresses they are treated as two different sets allowing one free look for each set. This is true for both civil and criminal cases.
If the public user sees the billing receipt, they are getting charged. If the transaction is recorded in the billing logs and is visible under the review billing history option, then have been charged. You should contact the PACER Service Center with any questions regarding PACER charges and billing. You can log into their home page at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov or call the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or (210) 301-6440.

Related Topics:
* Local Rule requires a Certificate of Service, but how do I know who I have to serve by paper?

* I filed an appearance in a case, but have since the left the firm. What do I need to do to stop receiving notices?

* I received a notice of electronic filing in a case I'm involved in but there was no link or text after the line: "Copy the URL address on the line below into the location bar of your Web browser to view the document: or Document Number:"

* I added additional email addresses to my noticing list however, now I am not getting any notices. Why?

* What should we do when an attorney leaves the firm?

* May I add a client's email address to my account?

* I have filed a notice of appearance but I'm not receiving notices. How do I fix this?

* I've registered for and received a CM/ECF login account, but I still get a login screen when I try to search for case information. Why?

* I'm having problems with my internet provider and I have not received my electronic notices. What should I do?

* How do I link my PACER account to my ECF account?

* What happens when I am on vacation and I don't have access to e-mail?

* When I copy the URL address from the Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) receipt into a browser (as instructed), it brings me to a PACER login screen. Why?

* I receive e-mails from the Court, but I just can't read the body of the message. What's wrong?

* Do I need to use a client code when logging into PACER or ECF?

* I'm not receiving notices in cases in which I am involved. I've registered for ECF and have a login and password. What's wrong?




United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts

[ Home | Site Map | Contact Information ]