The Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system lets attorneys file and receive court documents online. Below you’ll find information about who can register, how to get started, and where to get help.

Who can Register

• All attorneys licensed to practice before the BAP must register for CM/ECF (unless the court grants an exemption).

• Others, such as parties without attorneys, must file a motion asking the court for permission to register.

• Each attorney must register individually. Law firms cannot register as a group.

How to Register

1. Get an individual PACER account (or upgrade your existing one).

   REGISTER FOR PACER

2. Use PACER to request e-filing access for the Ninth Circuit BAP.

3. Wait for approval. Most requests are approved quickly, but it may take up to 7 days.

4. Once approved, you’ll get an email from the PACER Service Center.

Training and step-by-step instructions are available on the PACER site. For questions, call the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.

Costs

• There is no fee to register or file in CM/ECF.

• Viewing documents through PACER costs $0.10 per page (with one free view from the Notice of Docket Activity).

Filing and Service

• Most documents can be filed through BAP CM/ECF.

  LOG IN TO BAP CM/ECF
  • Some exceptions are listed in the BAP’s Administrative Order on electronic filing (PDF).

• Do not send paper copies unless the court orders you to.

• All filings must include a Certificate of Service as the last page.

• If the other party is not using CM/ECF, you must serve them by mail.

• A Notice of Docket Activity (NDA) is an email the system sends when something is added to a case. You may get an NDA when an attorney or party files a document, or when the court issues an order or takes another action in the case.

• If you use CM/ECF, getting the NDA counts as official service of that document or order. By registering for CM/ECF, you agree to receive service this way.

• In district and bankruptcy courts, the NDA is called a Notice of Electronic Filing.

Mistakes and Corrections

If you file in the wrong case or upload the wrong document, email CMECF_bapca9@ca9.uscourts.gov with the case number and details. The clerk’s office will note the error, and you can re-file the correct document.

Technical Requirements

• A computer with internet access.

• A current browser (Internet Explorer 7+, Firefox 3.5+, or later).

• Software that creates PDFs, such as Adobe Acrobat.

• Minimum screen resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels.

• You need Adobe Acrobat to save filled forms.

• If you do not have Acrobat, fill in the form and print it.

• Scan the printed form, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your filing.

  • A guide to help you prepare documents in portable document format (PDF) for electronic filing is available: Technical Guide for Working with PDF files (PDF).

Managing your Account

• Forgot your password or login? Reset it at PACER’s “Manage My Account” page.

• Update your address or email? Make changes through PACER.

• Using CM/ECF in other courts? You must still register separately for the BAP.

Getting Help

• Visit the PACER website for FAQs and account updates.

• Contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.

• For filing questions, email CMECF_bapca9@ca9.uscourts.gov or call the BAP clerk’s office at (626) 229-7220, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. –5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.