Link Legacy CM/ECF Account to PACER Account

First, you will need an individual PACER account:

  • If the PACER account you use to view documents is shared with other e-filers in your office, go to the PACER Registration Wizard and register for a new PACER account, then proceed to the instructions below.
  • If the PACER account you use to view documents is not shared with other e- filers in your office, login to Manage My Account in PACER. If you have forgotten your username and/or password, there are links available on the login screen for retrieving your credentials. If you are a CJA attorney, use the credentials for your non-exempt PACER account. Once you have successfully logged in, the type of account you have will be indicated in the Account Type field. If you have an upgraded PACER account, go to step 2. If you have a legacy PACER account, click the Upgrade link and follow the prompts to upgrade your account, then proceed to  the instructions below.
  1. Make sure you are completely logged out of PACER and close your browser. Open a new browser, go to www.ca4.uscourts.gov and select the CM/ECF Login button on the right.

    2. button

  2. Login to the CM/ECF document filing system for the U.S. Court of Appeals using the credentials for your individual PACER-Case Search Only account.
  3. Click Link My Filer Account to My PACER Account.

    4. home

  4. Enter your legacy appellate CM/ECF credentials and click Submit. If you have forgotten your credentials, you can reset your legacy appellate filer password in PACER.

    5. login

  5. If the linking process was successful, you will see the new NextGen landing page. From this point forward, use your PACER account credentials to login to file and/or view case information. If the linking process failed, make sure your username is all lowercase and try again, or contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856.

    6. CM/ECF Home Page

  6. If you are on the CJA panel, contact the PACER Service Center at pacer@psc.uscourts.gov and request to have your CJA privileges added to your upgraded PACER account. Your email should include the following:
    • Your name and the district or circuit in which you have been appointed to the CJA panel.
    • The username and account number for your upgraded PACER account. You can find the account number by logging in to Manage My Account in PACER.
    • The username and account number for your PACER-exempt account. You can find the account number by logging in to Manage My Account in PACER.

    Once CJA privileges have been added to your upgraded PACER account, the PSC will cancel your PACER-exempt account and provide you with instructions for switching between exempt and non-exempt status using your upgraded PACER account.