E-Filing Access Related Questions

  • How do I reset my password?

    On the CM/ECF login page, you will see instructions at the top stating "If you have lost or forgotten your password, click here". When prompted, please enter the attorney's login and the special code which will appear on the page. When entering your new password, please note that the password box may have characters contained already – delete them (if any) before you enter your new password. Password requirements: minimum 8 characters comprised of upper/lower-case letters and at least one number or special character. Also, please note CM/ECF supports only Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox internet browsers. If you are still experiencing issues after deleting browsing history and cookies, please contact the Help Desk at 213-894-0242.

  • Reset your CM/ECF Password

    If you changed your password and are unable to login to CM/ECF, go to the CM/ECF login page https://ecf.cacd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl to reset your password.   Under "Instructions For Filings" is a  password recovery link. "If you have lost or forgotten your password, click here. "  Clicking on this link will allow you to reset your own password.

  • Can I have the same filing login for all courts I practice in?

    It is possible for attorneys to change their logins and passwords and create a universal login. Attorneys are cautioned about creating a universal login for the following reasons:

    1. If you change your login and password to match your PACER login, PACER will have difficulty in knowing if you logged in as an ECF User or a public PACER User. You may not have the full access of the system. PACER may recognize you as a "firm" if the PACER login is assigned to a firm and not an individual attorney.
    2. If you create a universal login and password and practice in several different district courts, the possibility of you or your staff e-filing in the wrong case in the wrong district is very high. We would suggest you create a login that would be distinctive to each district in which you practice and can easily be remembered. This would prevent huge problems that could happen with a universal login. (i.e.: smithcacd, smithcasd, smithnysd etc.) 
  • Why do I get an invalid login message once I have already logged into the court (CM/ECF site) and I am retrieving a docket or document?
    • Make sure you put in your PACER login and password at the second login screen. Verify that the recommended browser is being used .
    • Your PC needs to be set to accept all cookies. If the problem persists, log out, delete your existing cookie and internet files.
  • Why am I getting an invalid login error?

    Most common problems are as follows:

    • Both the login and password should be entered in lower case letters. Be sure you don’t have the "all caps" mode turned on.
    • Make sure the proper login and password is being used for the appropriate website. (The PACER login is for querying either from CM/ECF or PACER directly. The CM/ECF login is for e-filing only.)
    • Verify that one of the recommended browsers is being used Internet Explorer (version 6 or higher) or Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or higher.
    • The browser must be JavaScript-enabled.
  • I am changing firms. Do I need to establish a new e-filing login and password?

    No, you do not need to register for CM/ECF more than once. Your ECF User login is issued specifically to you. Even if you change firms, your login remains valid.

    However, you must update your address, including any changes to your e-mail address, with the court. You can do this by electronically e-filing form G-6 in all pending cases, which fulfills the Local Rule 83.2-7 requirement to notify opposing counsel of the change. Then log into CM/ECF >Utilities (on the blue menu bar) and updating your information through Maintain Your Address and Maintain Your E-Mail Address.

  • Are there separate logins and passwords for PACER and CM/ECF?

    Yes. The system requires two separate logins and passwords, one for PACER and the other for CM/ECF.

    A PACER login and password are required for querying cases and are provided by the PACER Service Center. To contact the PACER Service Center, please call (800) 676-6856 or visit their website at http://www.pacer.gov.

    A CM/ECF login and password are required for an attorney who needs to electronically file documents and view documents restricted to the Court and counsel of record. An online request form must be completed by the attorney to whom the CM/ECF login and password will be issued. 

  • Can any member of the public use CM/ECF to e-file documents with the court?

    No. Access to the filing portion of CM/ECF is only available to registered ECF Users.

  • Can the general public view CM/ECF cases and the documents in those cases?

    Yes, the public can access case data in CM/ECF unless it has been sealed or restricted by the court or by statute. The public access component will require a user to enter a PACER login and password. Because the PACER login and ECF User login are different, a filing attorney will need both.

    Established PACER users will automatically have access to these sites; a new account does not need to be created. For those currently not registered with PACER, a PACER account may be obtained at: http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/register.html.
     

  • How do I receive a login and password?

    An attorney who has been admitted to practice in the Central District of California must complete the online request form for a CM/ECF login and password.

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