The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington upgraded its CM/ECF software to the Next Generation (NextGen) of CM/ECF on January 25, 2021.  Attorneys and pro se filers must now access CM/ECF through the Central Sign-On functionality (using your PACER credentials) to electronically file documents.

All filers who are registered to file with this court must follow the steps below to access the NextGen version of CM/ECF.

1. Prior to January 25, 2021, were you already admitted and/or registered to e-file with this Court?
    Yes: Proceed to question 2.
    No: Review the Attorney Admission page.  Pro se filers, please see the Representing Yourself page.

 2. Have you already linked your PACER account to your CM/ECF account?
    Yes: You are ready to file!
    No: Proceed to question 3.

3. Do you have an individual PACER account?
    Yes: Proceed to question 4.
    No: Register for an individual PACER account (PDF).   

4. Is your PACER account upgraded? If you are unsure, follow this guide (PDF).
    Yes: Proceed to question 5.
    No: Upgrade Pacer account.

5. Do you know your CM/ECF credentials?
    Yes: Link your PACER and CM/ECF account (PDF).
    No: Please contact ECF Support.

    CM/ECF Help Desk:
    Phone: (866) 236-5100 or (509) 458-3410  |  Email: ecfinfo@waed.uscourts.gov    

6. Are you appointed to the CJA panel?
    Yes: Review the CJA NextGen Instructions (PDF) to ensure you maintain your CJA exemption.
    No: You are ready to file!

Once you have completed the above tasks, you will now be able to access the Eastern District court's e-filing system via PACER.

How do I know if I have an upgraded PACER account?
Upgraded PACER accounts have usernames that are at least 8 characters. If your username is 6 characters, you do not have an upgraded account. Go to https://pacer.uscourts.gov and click on Manage My Account to upgrade your PACER account.
 
What happens to my CM/ECF account after the court transitions to NextGen?
After the court upgrades to NextGen, you will link your current CM/ECF account to your PACER account. After the accounts are linked you will no longer use your CM/ECF username or password.
 
My law firm uses a shared PACER account. Can we continue to use that account?
Each attorney must have an individual PACER account to use for electronic filing in NextGen. The law firm can create a PACER Administrative Account (PAA) to manage the billing for all of the individual accounts. Staff members who share a PACER account only for research can continue to share.
 
I linked my account when the Bankruptcy or Court of Appeals converted.  Do I have to link my account again?
Yes, you must now link your PACER account to your District Court CM/ECF account before you can file in District Court.
 
I am a CJA attorney and I currently have two PACER accounts. Will I continue to need two accounts with NextGen?
CJA Attorneys will only need one PACER account for filing and viewing in CM/ECF NextGen. If you have a separate exempt CJA account now, those exempt privileges will be added to your individual upgraded PACER account and your current exempt account will be canceled. Click here for instructions on setting up a CJA PACER account and requesting the fee exemption.