District of Idaho

If you have registered and understand the ECF procedures, you may login now.

For more information on getting started please visit the ECF Registration Process page.

• Only documents which exist in paper must be scanned. If the document exists elsewhere in an electronic format (Word, WordPerfect, Excel, digital photo, etc.) it is better to convert your document to PDF using PDF conversion software, than to print the document and scan it.
  • Note: You do not need to scan to prove the existence of signatures. Check the ECF Procedures for guidelines in submission of signatures.
• Many scanners come with the factory setting for the highest quality mode. If you have a large document, you may want to re-scan the document at low (200 dpi) resolution or "draft" quality and you'll create a much smaller file size.
• Separate files will also help reduce the file size. You may scan or convert your exhibits into individual files. For example, instead of combining exhibits A-D, make four PDF files (one for each), such as: A.pdf , B.pdf , etc. You may still combine small exhibits into one file, as long as each file is under the megabyte limit.
• The court does allow you to e-file your documents in sections. Each section needs to be clearly identified in the ECF system.
      Examples:
          Exhibit A, Part 1 of 3
          Exhibit A, Part 2 of 3

• Divide up the document in logical places (such as between chapters or sections of the document) if possible.
• You may e-file your exhibits separately as attachments. File the declaration and relate it to the motion it supports.  On the browse screen, click "Yes" to attachments.  Browse and attach the exhibits (in groups of 5-10).

The Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) represents the Certificate of Service from CM/ECF and is the filer's confirmation the e-filing was successful.  A Certificate of Service verifying service by the attorney is still required.  See  Electronic Case Filing Procedures (Section 8 - Service).

Features of the NEF:

After a pleading is e-filed, the system sends a NEF to each designated attorney who has registered with the Court for e-filing, or has registered to receive electronic notice of filings.  The NEF provides confirmation that ECF has recorded the transaction and that the pleading is now an official court document.

It also displays:

• The date and time of your transaction
• The attorney who filed the document
• The docket entry number that was assigned
• The docket text
• The names and e-mail addresses of attorneys who were served electronically, and;
• The names and addresses of those who require service by U.S. Mail

PACER's "One-Free-Look":

Individuals who receive electronic notification of the filing are permitted "one-free-look" at the document by single clicking on the associated hyperlinked document number embedded in the NEF. 

• If the attorney chooses to add the email address of his or her support staff to their user account, all addresses will receive an NEF and all will receive the "One-Free-Look" from PACER.
• This "One-Free-Look" offer expires after 15 days.
• Only use a single click. Double clicking will negate the "One-Free-Look" and the PACER charges will apply.

Those not receiving electronic notice:

It is the responsibility of the filer to send paper copies of the pleading and the NEF to any attorney or pro se party whose name appears at the bottom of the NEF - under the heading "Notices will not be electronically sent to:"  Pro se parties and debtors will not have access to e-file and must be served with a paper copy of all filed pleadings.

Receiving your NEF:

Options for receiving your NEF e-mail notification are located in the Utilities section of the blue menu bar - select Maintain Your Account - click on E-mail Information, then make your selections.

• All ECF transactions that require a payment shall be paid on-line on the same day that the transaction is docketed.
• In the Bankruptcy Court ECF system, the filer has the option of "Pay Now," or "Continue Filing." If the payment is not completed by the end of the day, the user has 3 days to pay the fees or the ECF account will be automatically disabled.
• Acceptable Credit Cards: VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and Diners Club.
• Any transaction declined by the credit card issuer for any reason must be paid in cash, check, or money order by close of the next business day after notification from the court of the deficiency. Failure to timely submit the filing fees will result in revocation of the CM/ECF password.

Using Pay.Gov

• The first time you electronically pay fees, the filer will be prompted to provide credit card information. This will include the 3-digit security code. The Pay.Gov system should remember the information for future filings.
• If you do not receive the pay.gov screen, you may have a pop-up blocker set up which is not permitting pay.gov to load. In Internet Explorer, select Tools -> Pop-up Blocker -> Pop-up Blocker settings. In the "Address of website to allow" insert  "uscourts.gov" and select add. Also add "https://www.pay.gov" and click ok.
• Another reason Pay.Gov is not loading may be that your internet memory cache needs to be cleared to remove retained temporary internet files.
• Pay.Gov allows the filer to indicate an e-mail address you wish the receipt to be sent to. This address does not need to be the same as the filer, for instance, the finance person in the firm may wish copies of credit card transaction receipts. The e-mail address is not a required field, therefore, if it is left blank, no receipt will be e-mailed.
• The user must check the box located on Screen #2 of the pay.gov module authorizing the charge to the credit card before the transaction will proceed.
• For additional information visit the pay.gov website below.

Pursuant to the Electronic Case Filing Procedures, Section #13, the electronic filing of any document by a Registered Participant shall constitute the signature of that person for all purposes provided in the Federal Rules.

What about original or verified signatures?

Pursuant to Electronic Case Filing Procedures, Section #13, signature pages may be filed electronically by Registered Participants in the System.

• Registered Participant filing a Verified Pleading electronically shall ensure that the electronic version conforms to the original. Each signature on the original, signed document shall be indicated on the electronically filed pleading with the "/s/ and the typed name" on the signature line of the person purported to have signed the document.
• The Registered Participant shall retain the original signed pleading until the appeal time has passed.
• Parties have ten days to object to the authenticity of any document filed in this manner. The document shall be produced upon an order of the Court.
• In bankruptcy cases, the registered participant will scan the appropriate signature page of the original petition and any amended petition, schedules or statement of financial affairs, and then electronically file it – at the same time as, but separately from, the electronically signed document. The signature pages are filed using the event "signature pages" located under Bankruptcy Events, Other.
• Several documents in criminal cases require the signature of a non-attorney, such as a defendant, a third-party custodian, a United States Marshal, an officer from Pretrial Services or Probation, or some other federal officer or agent. In general, these documents may be scanned and e-filed in CM/ECF database, for other Court purposes or as required by other applicable laws or rules.
• The electronically filed document shall constitute the official version of that record.

How should the signature appear on the electronic documents?

Pursuant to General Order 247 - The electronic filing of any document by a Registered Participant shall constitute the signature of that person for all purposes provided in the Federal Rules of Civil, Criminal and/or Bankruptcy Procedure.

In addition:

• Where a document filed is signed electronically, that electronic signature is the signature for all purposes, including orders of the Court.
• Where a document is signed conventionally and then converted to an electronic format before filing, the signature as contained on the electronic record will be treated as the original signature for all Court purposes.
• When a document is filed in paper, and then converted by the Court into an electronic format, the signature as contained on the electronic record will be treated as the original for all Court purposes.
• All pleadings and documents electronically filed shall either contain a scanned image of a signature(s), a signature font, or indicate the signature by inserting a "/s/ Jane Attorney” in any place in the document where an original signature would be utilized in a conventional document.