The required filing fee for a civil complaint is $405.00; a petition for writ of habeas corpus is $5.00.
The Clerk’s Office accepts the following types of payment:
- Cash - for in-person payments only.
- Do not mail cash; it will be returned to you.
- Check or money order, made payable to: Clerk, U.S. District Court
- The Clerk’s Office cannot accept partial payments, nor provide a partial refund for overpayment; checks for the incorrect amount will be returned to you.
- Credit or debit card – for in-person payments only.
- The Clerk’s Office cannot accept card payments over the phone.
- Online Payment - for those filers outside of the District of Columbia, the Clerk’s Office can accept payments electronically via www.pay.gov.
What if I Can't Pay the Filing Fee?
If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you may request permission from the court to proceed in forma pauperis (IFP) by completing an Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (AO 240).
A separate application is required for each new case filed; IFP status, even if granted, does not carry over to other cases.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for approval of the IFP application.
This information is for procedural guidance only and should not be viewed or used as legal advice.