The Judiciary's Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system is the means by which judges, court staff, attorneys, and other public users electronically file, review, and download case information. The system is fully implemented in all federal courts.
The Judiciary is transitioning to the Next Generation of CM/ECF (NextGen). The first release includes new sign-on functionality which gives users access to both PACER and electronic filing, for all NextGen courts in which the user is authorized to file electronically, from a single account.
The Southern District of Georgia transitioned to the Next Generation of CM/ECF on March 30, 2020.
Attorneys:
To e-file, you will login to PACER.gov – you MUST have an individual PACER account to file. PACER accounts for firms are not accepted as filing accounts. Please reference the instructions below to make sure your account is considered an “individual” account. CJA Panel attorneys – click here.
If you don’t have an individual PACER account:
Register for a new PACER Account HERE
If you do have an individual PACER account:
Check your status / upgrade your PACER account:
- Go to PACER “Manage my Account” by clicking the following link:
Upgrade your PACER Account HERE
- Login with your PACER username and password
(If needed, there is a “Forgot Your Password” and “Forgot Your Login” on this page)
- Check your “Account Type”
a. If it shows “Upgraded PACER Account,” no action is required.b. If it shows “Legacy PACER Account,” click the “Upgrade” link and follow the below instructions:
Detailed Instructions for Upgrading PACER Account
CJA Panel Attorneys:
CJA Panel Attorneys will need only one PACER account for filing and viewing in NextGen. If you have a separate exempt CJA account now, those exempt privileges will need to be added to your individual upgraded PACER account
- Upgrading Your Pacer Account
- NextGen CJA Instructions
- CJA Navigating from NextGen to CurrentGen CM/ECF
- NextGen Activating CJA Privileges
Linking Your PACER and CM/ECF Accounts
**If you need an individual PACER account, or to upgrade it, please see above instructions. **
Note your current CM/ECF username and password
Note your current CM/ECF login and password. This is the login and password you currently use for filing. If you do not know your password, click on the link below to reset it. If you need additional assistance with this step, email GASD at attysupport@gas.uscourts.gov. You will need this information for step four.
Next Step : Link your PACER and CM/ECF Accounts
You must link your upgraded PACER account to your GASD CM/ECF account. Users will NOT be able to file in NextGen until their CM/ECF account is linked to their upgraded individual PACER account. Please see the link below for detailed instructions
Linking your PACER and GASD CM/ECF accounts
CJA Panel attorneys Activating CJA Privileges
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have an upgraded PACER account?
Attorneys can determine if their account is upgraded or not by logging in to PACER. If they click Manage Your Account, and look next to Account Type, it will indicate if the account is “Legacy” or “Upgraded”. Upgraded PACER accounts have usernames that are at least 8 characters. You may have upgraded your PACER account recently if you practice before another court that already has migrated to NextGen, such as the Eleventh Circuit. If your username is 6 characters, you do not have an upgraded account. Go to https://www.pacer.gov/ and click on Manage My Account to upgrade your PACER account.
What happens to my CM/ECF account after the court transitions to NextGen?
After the Court upgrades to NextGen, you will link your current CM/ECF account to your PACER account. After the accounts are linked, you will no longer use your CM/ECF username or password to file in this Court.
My law firm uses a shared PACER account. Can we continue to use that account?
Not for e-filing. Each attorney must have an individual PACER account to use for electronic filing in NextGen. The law firm can create a PACER Administrative Account (PAA) to manage the billing for all of the individual accounts. Staff members who share a PACER account for read-only access may continue to share an account.
I linked my account when the Court of Appeals or another District or Bankruptcy Court converted. Do I have to link my account again?
Yes, you must link your PACER account to your Southern District of Georgia District Court CM/ECF account before you can file in this Court.
I am a CJA attorney, and I currently have two PACER accounts. Will I continue to need two accounts with NextGen?
CJA Attorneys will only need one PACER account for filing and viewing in CM/ECF NextGen. If you have a separate exempt CJA account now, those exempt privileges will be added to your individual upgraded PACER account; and your current exempt account will be canceled. Click here for instructions and more information on CJA accounts.
PACER registration / upgrade questions:
PACER Service Desk: PACER HELP
1-800-676-6856
Next/Gen questions:
912-650-4019