Beginning August 11, 2025, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO) will require 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.

If not previously enrolled in MFA, all users will be required to enroll on their next login to Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) and Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Any questions regarding MFA should be directed to the PACER Service Center (PSC) at (800) 676-6856.

The PACER Service Center (PSC) is currently experiencing long call wait times due to the enforcement of several security features, including updated password standards and multifactor authentication (MFA). Some common questions are answered on the list of MFA Tips and Resources which should be reviewed before calling the PSC. Please note the following, if contacting the PSC.

• Password Reset: On October 16, 2025, PACER released an update that allows users with CM/ECF-level access (e.g., filers, interested parties, etc.) whose account search status becomes inactive due to search inactivity the ability to reset their own password without contacting the PSC.

• MFA Enrollment: Users should only enroll in MFA if prompted when logging into PACER. No action is necessary unless users receive an MFA enrollment prompt.

• Inactive Search Status: Users with CM/ECF-level access are allowed to continue to file even if they have an inactive search status. They are still required to contact the PSC if they wish to reactivate their search status if their account has been deactivated due to six months of inactivity.