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PACER and CM/ECF Multi-Factor Authentication Rollout

UPDATE: 6/23/2026

Beginning August 17, 2026, PACER users who have not updated their password in the last 18 months will be randomly selected to update their password to comply with the updated password standards. Strong passwords are essential in safeguarding systems from unauthorized access.

According to the updated standards, new passwords must contain:

  • 14-45 characters.
  • At least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, and one special character (all special characters are allowed).
  • Not contain any part of your first name, last name, username, or email address.

IMPORTANT: All PACER users must update their passwords every 180 days to reduce the risk of extended use of compromised passwords.

NOTE: Impacted users will be prompted to update their password upon login. Users can skip the process three times before their account is locked. Once an account is locked, users will not be able to perform any activity until they change their password.
In preparation, users should ensure that they know their security questions and answers and have access to the email address associated with their PACER account in the event they need to reset their password. If users do not know their security questions and answers, they should contact the PACER Service Center for assistance. Users sharing their account should coordinate with their teams to avoid locking each other out. Finally, if using third-party software, users should check if they need to take any additional action as it relates to that software.
If you have any questions, please contact the PACER Service Center at (800) 676-6856 or pacer@psc.uscourts.gov. The PACER Service Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Central Time.

UPDATE - 12/02/2025

The PACER Service Center (PSC) has asked each local court to send the following message:

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.

Thank you for your patience as we 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.
  

UPDATE - 09/08/2025

The PACER Service Center (PSC) has requested that each local court send the following message:

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).

To help mitigate the wait times, enforcement of the updated password standards has been temporarily delayed. In addition, the PSC asks that only users who receive a prompt to enroll in MFA when they log in should do so. If you do not receive an MFA enrollment prompt, no action is necessary. Please do not contact the PSC with questions about MFA until you are required to enroll. This ensures support is available for those who need it.  Some common questions PSC received are answered on the list of MFA Tips and Resources which should be reviewed before calling the PSC.

Additionally, PSC would like to get your feedback regarding the MFA options using this short survey.

Thank you for your patience as PSC works to reduce call wait times and strengthen account security.

PACER and CM/ECF Multi-Factor Authentication Rollout

On May 11, 2025, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) began implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance system security for Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) and Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). MFA provides an added layer of security to accounts by helping protect against cyberattacks that steal passwords, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Beginning August 11, 2025, users with CM/ECF-level access will be randomly selected to enroll and begin using MFA when logging in, and updated password standards will be enforced. Users are only required to enroll in MFA when they are prompted while using PACER. Users with filing privileges and other types of CM/ECF-level access are encouraged to enroll in MFA at their earliest convenience to preserve uninterrupted access. 

PACER-only accounts that do not have filing privileges in any court and only view or query will not be required to have MFA enabled but will have the option to enroll and it is recommended that they do so. All other accounts that can file in ECF will be required to enroll.

Authentication Options

Users can download any authentication application (app) that supports a time-based one-time password (TOTP). The AO and Courts do not endorse any specific apps, however, some options are suggested by PACER, which you can view on their website. Before enrolling in MFA, the AO recommends that users research available authentication apps to decide which one will work best for them and then download their preferred app.  Users who use third-party software for filing in conjunction with CM/ECF should ensure MFA is supported by that software before enrolling to avoid any disruption in business processes.

Additionally, users who are unable to download an authentication app will be able to save one-time use backup codes. Once users have used all their backup codes, they will need to request a new batch.

Please continue to check the PACER website for more updates, resources, learning aids,  and additional information on MFA. 

If you have any questions, please contact the PACER Service Center at pacer@psc.uscourts.gov (link sends e-mail) or (800) 676-6856. The PACER Service Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.