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Learn about the different types of PACER accounts, and what you'll need for PacerPro.
PACER and the federal courts have a couple of different types of accounts, and it can be a little confusing to keep straight how each of them is used.
With PacerPro, we're most concerned with Case Search Only and Attorney Filing (CM/ECF) accounts.
Case Search Only accounts are stored in an organization's PacerPro account so that any PacerPro activity by users that requires interaction with PACER is conducted on the firm's Case Search Only account.
PacerPro admins have the ability to update these credentials for their organization in the Admin portal.
Attorney Filing (CM/ECF) accounts are individual credentials provided to each attorney when they are admitted into a particular federal court. These credentials act as their signature, allowing them to certify that they are filing or accessing information within the court.
PacerPro requires that credentials stored on its site be Case Search Only credentials. If Attorney Filing Credentials are stored on the site, any users who attempt to use the PacerPro website will receive an error message.
NextGen is PACER's version of single sign on. Eventually, all courts will require attorneys to link their CM/ECF filing credentials to their PACER Case Search Only credentials --- this means attorney NextGen credentials cannot be stored within PacerPro.
If no one in your firm has Case Search Only credentials, you can sign up for a new account here.
Other Types of Accounts (Less Common)
PACER Administrator Account (PAA): Allows an administrator at a firm to manage billing for multiple individual PACER accounts. Cannot be stored on PacerPro.
Media account: Given to members of the media so that they can track cases in particular courts. If the individual is receiving notices from the court, it cannot be stored on PacerPro.