PACER MFA FAQs

PACER Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Requirement

PACER recently deployed a multifactor authentication requirement. The Court is not involved in that process and PACER is an independent system. The Court understands, however, that the members of the bar of the Court are impacted by this change and many have experienced challenges with enrolling in the new system. The following is a brief tutorial on how to enroll in multifactor authentication.

What do I need to do?

You will receive a pop-up notification of the requirement to enroll in MFA when you log in to PACER (see screenshot below). You will not be sent an email regarding this requirement.

You get three chances to skip setting up. Prior to enrolling in MFA, you should confirm that the email address associated with your PACER account is correct and accessible. You can check and update your email address in Manage My Account under the Settings tab.

Refer to the Learning Aids on PACER website.

How do I download the Authenticator app?

You may use your cellphone, desktop, web, or browser-based authentication applications (apps) or tools (e.g., web apps, browser extensions, and desktop apps) that support time-based, one-time password (TOTP).

The federal judiciary does not endorse specific authentication apps; however, some options include Authy, DUO Mobile, FreeOTP, Google Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator.

Where do I go to receive the one-time code?

When setting up the Authenticator app a security code will be sent to the email address on file in your Pacer account. Check your email box, copy and paste the code information into the security code screen on your computer.

Follow the prompts to continue setting up App. See Learning Aids - Steps 7 - 10.

What do I do if I click to get a one-time code but never receive it?

Check junk/spam folders.

How do I download 10 backup codes as an alternate to using the Authenticator app and one-time code?

Click "Get New Codes" on Multifactor Authentication Methods screen. You will be sent a one-time security code to your email address on file in your Pacer account. Check your email box, copy and paste the code information into the security code screen on your computer and click submit.

Refer to Learning Aid - Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - Backup Codes

How do I request 10 additional backup codes once the 1st set has been used?

It is recommended that you use your last backup code to get a new set of backup codes.

You must go to your Multifactor Authentication Methods. Click "Delete"

You will be prompt with this screen

Enter your last backup code or request a one-time passcode (one-time passcode will be sent to email address in your Pacer account) and click Submit. You may then Click "Get New Codes" to get new codes. See Learning Aid - Multifactor Authentication - Backup Codes

How do I log into Pacer without access to my MFA Methods?

Refer to the Learning Aid - Multfactor Authentication (MFA) - Logging In. Pages 4-7