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Reminder and Tips for Automated Script Users

October 9, 2024

PACER users who run data-scraping scripts should only conduct large data pulls between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Central Time. Adhering to this schedule minimizes slow system performance. 

To ensure continuous access for all PACER users, a court may suspend or reduce access to those causing operational disruption. 

In addition, some users are improperly updating the NextGenCSO token. This token remains valid for an extended period; therefore, it should be used for all subsequent searches at all courts while it is valid, i.e., until you call the logout service or until you reach the maximum valid account login time. 

You should not authenticate each time you run a search. Upon successful authentication, users should set the NextGenCSO authentication token as a cookie and include it as a cookie in the header of each request to court systems. 

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, excessive authentication calls that cause operational disruption may also lead to suspended or reduced PACER access.

Applications Open for Public User Group

August 19, 2024

Updated Sept. 4, 2024

The federal Judiciary is currently accepting applications for membership in its Public User Group. 

The group’s mission is to provide advice and feedback on the development, implementation, and enhancement of electronic public access services provided by the federal Judiciary, including: 

  • Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), 
  • PACER Case Locator, 
  • Multi-court Voice Case Information System applications, and 
  • the availability of electronic court records. 

Twelve members representing a cross section of people who use PACER to access federal court records will be selected. The EPA Public User Group typically holds an annual, in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., and additional meetings virtually, as needed. Meeting agendas and summaries are publicly available.

Deadline for applications for membership has been extended to Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. Interested individuals should fill out an application form and submit it to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO). The two-year terms begin on Jan. 1, 2025. 

Client Code Change Coming Soon

April 2, 2024

As of April 14, 2024, PACER logins will no longer allow a space or comma in the client code. 

If you require a client code, please ensure that it does not include a space or comma. 

If your account requires a client code, and your “Client Code Format” currently includes a space or a comma (e.g., AAA 123 or ABC,123), please follow the steps below to avoid a delay when logging in to PACER:

  1. Log in to Manage My Account.
  2. Under the Settings tab, click Set PACER Billing Preferences.
  3. In the Client Code Format field, enter a new client code that does not contain a space or comma.

NOTE: You can replace the space or comma with any of the following special characters: . _ - /

If you have any questions about this change, please contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or pacer@psc.uscourts.gov.

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