Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there procedural rules relating to electronic filing?
The following rules authorize individual courts by local rule to permit papers to be filed by electronic means:
- Rule 5(e) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
- Rule 5005(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure,
- Rule 25(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and
- Rule 49(d) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
The following rules authorize service of documents by electronic means if parties consent:
- Amendments to Rules 5(b), 6(e) and 77 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure,
- Rules 45 and 49 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure,
- Rules 25 and 26 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, and
- Rules 7005, 9006, 9014 and 9022 of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
The amendments do not apply to service of process.
Most courts have issued an authorizing local rule; most have supplemented the local rule with a general order and/or procedures that set forth the relevant electronic filing practices in that court. Individual court rules and procedures are generally available on their websites. Use the Court CM/ECF Lookup to find individual court website links.