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E-filing Instructions for Self-Represented Parties

Below are general instructions for submitting a registration request in PACER for self-represented parties, please see District of Montana Pro Se Filing Instructions for step-by-step instructions for filing through the Court’s electronic filing system, CM/ECF. 

Additional information for filing without an attorney can be found on the Representing Yourself (Pro Se) tab of the Court’s website. 

Requirements

Pro Se filers have the option of registering to file directly in this Court' s CM/ECF system and receive electronic service for individual cases in our Court if they meet the following requirements:

  • Meet the technical requirements as listed on page 8 of the CM/ECF User’s Guide for Filing.

  • Be a party to the open case for which they are applying.

  • The case filing fee is paid, or fee waiver has been granted by the Court (if applicable).

  • Are not currently represented by an attorney(s).

Registration Steps

ALL of the following steps must be completed to successfully register to file directly in this Court's CM/ECF system and receive e-service.  Note: Steps 2 & 3 need to be completed only once. If you previously completed these steps for another case, you only need to complete Step 1 for each additional case.

  • Complete and submit the CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers (see Step 1. Submit CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers).

  • Register for a PACER - Case Search Only account (see Step 2: How to Register for a PACER account (attorney and non-attorney)).

  • Request Non-Attorney Filers access to CM/ECF via your PACER-Case Search Only account (see Step 3. Request Non-Attorney Filers Access to CM/ECF).

Step
Action
1
Submit CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers
A separate CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers must be submitted for each case in which you wish to file directly in this Court's CM/ECF system and receive electronic service. You are required to have a case number before you can register for e-filing/service. If you are attempting to open a case, refer the Representing Yourself (Pro Se) tab of the Court’s website.  Follow the steps below to properly fill out the form.
  • Complete all fields.  All fields are required including case number.
  • Sign and date as instructed on the form.
  • Submit the complete and signed CM/ECF Registration Form for Pro Se Filers as directed on form.
2
Register for a PACER - Case Search Only Account
For step-by-step instructions with screenshots, see Register for an Individual Pacer Account.  If you already have a PACER- Case Search Only account, skip to Step 3: Request Non-Attorney Filers Access to CM/ECF via your PACER-Case Search Only Account.
  • Click on the Register for an Account at the top of the page.
  • Select PACER - Case Search Only.
  • Click the Register for a PACER account button at the bottom of the page.
  • Enter all required Account Information. Select INDIVIDUAL as the User Type.
  • Click Next.
  • Enter a username and password.
  • Select security questions and enter security answers.
  • Click Next.
  • The Payment Information screen is optional • If you complete this screen, PACER will charge the credit card quarterly for PACER fees incurred during the usage of your account.
    • YOUR ACCOUNT WILL BE CREATED.
    • If you click Next without providing credit card information, PACER will send and activation code and instructions to the address you provided by U.S. Mail within 7-10 business days.
    • YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE YOUR ACCOUNT UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR ACTIVATION CODE.
  • After reading the policies and procedures, check the box acknowledging that you have done so, and click Submit.
3
Request Non-Attorney Filers Access to CM/ECF via your PACER-Case Search Only Account
Once you have created your PACER - Case Search Only account, you must next request access to this District's CM/ECF system by completing the following steps:
  • Navigate to pacer.uscourts.gov.  
  • Enter your current PACER username and password.
  • Mouse over the Manage Your Account panel under “What can we help you accomplish?” and click on Manage My Account Login.
  • Click the Log in to Manage My Account button and log in with your upgraded PACER credentials.  Click on the Maintenance tab.  Click the Non-Attorney E-File Registration link.
  • Select U.S. District Courts as the Court Type and Montana District Court as the Court.
  • Click the acknowledgement that the e-file registration is only for the you.
  • Verify or provide your address information.
  • Skip additional filer information.
  • Delivery Method and Formatting:  Delivery Method and Formatting refers to your method, frequency, and email format preferences for Notices of Electronic Filings (NEF) received from NextGen CM/ECF. If you want your NextGen CM/ECF emails delivered to a different email address other than the one you have registered with PACER, enter that email address here. You may receive your NEFs either "Once per Day (Daily Summary)" or "At The Time of Filing (One Email per Filing)." The most requested email format is HTML, but you can select Text, if you prefer. Click Next.
  • For Email Frequency, select delivery per filing or daily summary report. For Email Format, select "HTML." Click Next.
  • On the next screen, select E-File Registration Only.
  • Complete all sections of E-File Registration, click Next.
  • Enter Payment Information, click Next. (This section is optional; you can just click Next to bypass).
  • Read the E-Filing Terms of Use. Click to mark both acknowledgments at the bottom.
  • Click Submit. Your e-file registration will be processed by the court.  You will receive an email notification from the U.S. District Court of Montana regarding the status of your registration, as well as any additional information or instructions at the email address provided.