Electronic filing is available to attorneys and others who possess standard word processing software and an application that will convert documents to PDF (Portable Document Format) files. The user also needs an Internet Service Provider. We strongly recommend that users who intend to file documents with the court on a regular basis, subscribe to a digital connection to the Internet [e.g., DSL or comparable service] since this will permit much faster data transfer speeds. After court required training, the new user is given a login and password for connecting to the court CM/ECF server.

Working through a series of simple screens, the filer is prompted to input case information, which results in text to be included on the official docket of the case. The program also requires the filer to attach the PDF document being filed, to the docket entry. After submission, an electronic receipt notifies the user that the event has been docketed and that the document has been filed. There is instant notification of the electronic filing to other registered users via email.

There are no fees charged for electronic filing, although the filing fees required for a new petition, motion, or other document must still be paid. Furthermore, the email notification of a docketing event provides recipients with a "free look" at the document. A free look is also available to any additional email addresses that participants wish to include in their CM/ECF user account information. The user will pay filing fees by credit card at the time the document is filed. PACER fees will continue to be assessed for viewing online documents. Currently, there is a charge of $.08 per document page viewed online, with a maximum charge of $2.40 per document. These fees are billed quarterly to each user by the PACER billing center. Users should decide what type of credit card account they will set up for the payment of these fees, and also determine in advance who will have access to the account number.