Pro se litigants are not permitted to initiate a civil case electronically in CM/ECF. You may submit documents to the Clerk’s Office:
In Person:
The Clerk’s Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays.
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Room 1225
Washington, D.C. 20001
The Clerk’s Office also maintains a drop box located at the Third Street entrance to the courthouse that can be used to file most documents before and after regular business hours.
By Mail:
Clerk’s Office
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
333 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C., 20001.
By Email: dcd_intake@dcd.uscourts.gov
- Pro Se Email Requirements
- Emailed documents must be signed with an ink signature, just as paper documents must be; /s/ [Name] is only permitted when filing electronically using a PACER account. [LCvR 5.1(b)(4)]
Number of Copies:
One (1) original of each document is required. All documents are filed as of the date they are received. Only submit documents by mail OR email, not both.
If you would like a “received” stamped copy of a mailed document for your records, you must provide an additional copy of the document and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Clerk's Office cannot provide confirmation of receipt or “received” stamp copies for documents submitted by email.
E-Filing:
A pro se non-prisoner who is a party to an existing PUBLIC civil action assigned to a judge may request leave of Court to file subsequent documents electronically (e-file) and receive notice of other case documents via CM/ECF.
Note: E-filing is not permitted in sealed cases.
This information is for procedural guidance only and should not be viewed or used as legal advice.