Court Announcements

The PACER Service Center (PSC) is currently experiencing long call wait times due to the enforcement of several security features that will enhance the security of PACER accounts, including updated password standards and multifactor authentication (MFA).

On October 16, 2025, PACER released an update that allows users with CM/ECF-level access (e.g. filers, interested parties, etc.) whose account search status becomes inactive due to search inactivity the ability to reset their own password without contacting the PACER Service Center (PSC).

Users with CM/ECF-level filing access can still file even if their search status shows as "inactive" due to six months of inactivity.

Some common questions are answered on the PACER website on the MFA Tips and Resources page. Please visit this page before contacting the PSC, as most issues can be handled by following the steps outlined on the website.

When to contact the PSC

• You will need to contact the PSC to reactivate your PACER search status if your account has been deactivated. 

When you do not need to contact the PSC

• If you do not receive an MFA enrollment prompt when logging into PACER, no action is necessary.
• If you receive an MFA enrollment prompt, you can enroll on your own by following the steps outlined on the MFA Tips and Resources page. Support from the PSC is not required for enrollment.

PSC thanks you for your patience as they work to reduce call wait times and strengthen account security. Contacting the PSC only when necessary will help ensure support is available for those who have an urgent need.

The Third Circuit Court of Appeals is live on Next Generation of Case Management Electronic Case Filing (NextGen CM/ECF). 

ACTION REQUIRED:  All Third Circuit Court of Appeals electronic filers must link your upgraded PACER account to your existing CM/ECF account.  Click here for instructions.

• NextGen CM/ECF Preview
• The Chart of Requirements for Briefs and Chart of Requirements for Appendix have been updated! 
• ATTENTION CM/ECF FILERS - If you receive a pop up message when you log in which invites you to take a survey, that message is unauthorized and not being generated by the judiciary.  Please delete the message and do not open it.  If you have questions about anything unusual purporting to be from our Court, please call us at 215-597-2995 or 267-299-4970.
• Scheduled Downtime: Every 2nd Sunday of the month from 8am-12pm.  NOTE: Due to server maintenance, we may need to make the application unavailable outside of our scheduled downtime.
• CM/ECF Filer Registration is available through PACER Service Center.

Help Desk Information

The CM/ECF help desk is available only for technical assistance in filing on CM/ECF.  Please write a letter to the Clerk’s Office or call the general Clerk’s Office number (215-597-2995) for general questions about cases or court procedures.  

Documents in cases and case originating documents such as petitions for review of an agency order or a petition for writ of mandamus may not be filed through the CM/ECF help desk email box.  See L.A.R. 113.1(a).  Documents sent to the CM/ECF help desk email box will not be docketed; no action will be taken on such documents.  For permission to fax or email documents in an emergency situation, please call the Clerk’s Office.

• Contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk via email by clicking here: ecf_helpdesk@ca3.uscourts.gov
• Contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk line at (267) 299-4970.
• Calls to the Helpdesk are answered from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. E-mail is checked and responded to throughout the work day.