If a pro se filer wishes to proceed under a pseudonym (i.e., as a John or Jane Doe), please submit the following documents to initiate your civil case:

1. Pseudonymous Complaint (with attachments, as needed); (Note: This will be a public docket entry; the caption should not include your true name).
2. Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym with a Sealed Declaration containing the full name/identity of plaintiff and a valid address as an attachment. (Note: This docket entry is public, but the documents attached will be sealed and not available to the public or other case participants).
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 new 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]

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

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 on the public docket with your real name; this must be done in writing by filing a Notice. 
2. If you wish to proceed with your name on the public docket, you must refile your Complaint and any other documents previously submitted with your full name in the caption; your Pseudonymous Complaint will be stricken from the record, and no documents filed will be permitted to include the pseudonym.
3. If you do not wish to continue with the case with your name on the public docket, or, if the Clerk receives no response within 14 days, your case will be terminated and will not proceed further.

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