PACER Basics
How to register, search, download federal court filings, and manage costs.
Where to Access PACER
Official portal for federal court records. Register for an account to search and download.
Free alternative — RECAP archive mirrors PACER documents that others have purchased.
Step-by-Step: Using PACER
- Register for a PACER account at pacer.uscourts.gov — you'll need a credit card for billing
- Use the PACER Case Locator to find cases across all federal courts by party name
- Once you find the case, note the court and case number
- Log into the specific court's CM/ECF system using your PACER credentials
- Review the docket sheet — this is the master index of all filings
- Download key documents: complaint, answer, motions, orders, judgments
- Check CourtListener/RECAP first — the document may already be available for free
FAQ
How much does PACER cost?
PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly charges are under $30, the fees are waived. Opinions are free. Search results are free.
What is CM/ECF?
Case Management/Electronic Case Filing is the system federal courts use to manage and file documents. You access it through PACER. Each federal court has its own CM/ECF portal.
What is RECAP?
RECAP is a free project that archives PACER documents. When someone purchases a document on PACER, RECAP may archive it for free public access. Always check CourtListener/RECAP before paying on PACER.
Can I search all federal courts at once?
Yes. The PACER Case Locator (PCL) lets you search across all federal courts by party name, case number, or SSN/TIN. This is useful when you don't know which court a case is in.
Are sealed documents available on PACER?
No. Sealed documents, protective order filings, and certain sensitive materials are not publicly accessible on PACER. Most filings, however, are public record and available for download.