On May 11, 2025, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) will begin 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.

From mid-May to the end of 2025, users with any type of CM/ECF-level access who do not voluntarily enroll will be randomly selected to do so. By the end of 2025, everyone with CM/ECF-level access will be required to use MFA when logging in. 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.  Those who do not voluntarily enroll in MFA will be randomly selected to enroll starting in August 2025.  These randomly selected CM/ECF users will be notified of the MFA requirement during login.

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 or (800) 676-6856. The PACER Service Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.