As more courts convert to Next Gen, some users have encountered issues that can affect account access and registration. Click here to view a table outlining why issues occur and how to avoid them when you make the switch.
1. How do I know if I have an upgraded PACER account?
Upgraded PACER accounts have usernames that are at least 8 characters. If your username is 6 characters, you do not have an upgraded account. To verify your account type, go to https://www.pacer.gov/ and click on Manage My Account. Look under "Account Type". If you see "Legacy PACER Account", press the Upgrade link and follow these instructions to upgrade your PACER account.
2. What happens to my CM/ECF account after the court transitions to NextGen?
After the court upgrades to NextGen, you will link your current CM/ECF account to your PACER account. After the accounts are linked you will no longer use your CM/ECF username or password. Instructions on how to link an upgraded account to NextGen CM/ECF can be found here.
3. Once I upgrade my PACER account, will I be able to get into other courts who are not on NextGen?
Once you upgrade your PACER account, that will be your PACER account for viewing documents in any court in the country, whether that court is on NextGen or not.
4. My law firm uses a shared PACER account. Can we continue to use that account?
Each attorney must have an individual PACER account to use for electronic filing in NextGen. The law firm can create a PACER Administrative Account (PAA) to manage the billing for all the individual accounts. Staff members who share a PACER account only for research can continue to share. NOTE: The PAA will not allow access to case information. For more information on PAA Accounts review Information regarding PACER Administrative Accounts. To register for a PACER Administrative Account, visit https://www.pacer.gov/reg_firm.html.
5. I linked my account when the Court of Appeals converted. Do I have to link my account again after the District Court converts?
Yes, you will need to link your PACER account to your District Court CM/ECF account before you can file in District Court.
6. I am a CJA attorney and I currently have two PACER accounts. Will I continue to need two accounts with NextGen?
CJA Attorneys will only need one PACER account for filing and viewing in CM/ECF NextGen. If you have a separate exempt CJA account now, those exempt privileges will be added to your individual upgraded PACER account and your current exempt account will be canceled. Click here for instructions on requesting the CJA fee exemption. Newly appointed CJA attorneys with NO PACER account need only select the CJA Jurisdiction box in the Account Information Section when registering for a PACER account.
7. I have upgraded my PACER account in preparation of the Court's NextGen implementation. When I am in CM/ECF and try to query documents, why won't it let me?
You may have previously defaulted your PACER login and password within CM/ECF and, therefore, it is not recognizing your new PACER login and password. You must change the default PACER login within CM/ECF in ALL courts where you have defaulted the PACER login. Click here for instructions on how to change your default PACER login after a PACER account upgrade.
8. What do I have to do once your court is live?
In order to link, you must know your current CM/ECF login and password. If you do not know this, contact the Clerk’s Office at NextGen_HelpDesk@ded.uscourts.gov. Please note this mailbox is for NextGen related questions only. Any case related questions will not be acknowledged and should instead be directed to the Clerk's Office at 302-573-6170.