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How to Seal a Case

Absent statutory authority, no case may be sealed without leave of Court. If you are a pro se filer who wishes for your entire case to be sealed and not viewable to the public, please submit the following to initiate your civil case: 

  1. Complaint
  2. Motion to Seal Case (Note: Be sure to specify that you want your entire case sealed; if we cannot determine if you want the case or only your Complaint/certain documents sealed, the case will be opened publicly and only the Complaint will be sealed).
  3. $405 filing fee or Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepayment of Fees or Costs (i.e., IFP)
  4. Any other case opening documents, as needed or required.

All case documents must be submitted in paper. Sealed documents must not be filed in the speedy drop box at the entrance of the courthouse, left with a Court Security Office, nor emailed to the court. [LCvR 5.1(h)(2) and (3) and Standing Order 25-49]

The entire case will be opened under seal and not accessible or viewable on PACER pending review of your motion.

E-noticing and e-filing are not available in sealed cases.

Whether you submit your Complaint with the filing fee or an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, the Motion to Seal Case must first be determined by the Chief Judge.

If your motion is granted:

  1. Your case will remain completely sealed.
  2. The Clerk’s Office will not be able to provide you with any information about the case, nor provide you with courtesy copies of pleadings or other documents filed by you or an opposing party.
  3. You will be responsible for serving all documents and being served with all documents in compliance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
  4. The Clerk’s Office will provide copies of any orders filed by the Court.

If your motion is denied:

  1. You will have 14 days from the entry date of the order to notify the Clerk whether you wish to proceed with your case on the public docket; this must be done in writing by filing a Notice. 
  2. If you wish to proceed with your case on the public docket, your case will be unsealed and all documents will be made public.
  3. If you do not wish to continue with your case on the public docket, or, if the Clerk receives no response within 14 days, your case will be terminated and will not proceed further. The case will remain sealed.

 

This information is for procedural guidance only and should not be viewed or used as legal advice.