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FAQs: fees

  • How do I access the electronic payment option in CM/ECF?

    Log in to your CM/ECF account, select the “Bar Renewal Fee Payment” event, and follow the on-screen instructions. Payment is processed through pay.gov using a major credit card

  • How do I know if my PACER account is linked to the District of Puerto Rico CM/ECF?

    Go to PACER and select "Manage My Account Login". Enter your PACER credentials, click on the "Maintenance" tab, and then click "Display Registered Courts."

    If "Puerto Rico District" is listed, your account is linked.

    If it is not listed, you must first submit and E-File Registration to link your account. See the E-File Registration instructions(link is external) for details.

  • How do I link my PACER account to the District of Puerto Rico?

    Click on the following URL link to view step-by-step instructions on how to link your PACER account to CM/ECF:
    Requesting e-Filing access to CM/ECF

  • How do I login to PACER using Multifactor Authentication (MFA)?

    Multifactor Authentication (MFA) provides an added layer of security that helps protect users from cyberattacks that steal passwords, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.  Click on the following URL links to view step-by-step procedures on:

     

  • My PACER account Case Search Status says "Inactive"

    If your PACER account was created prior to August 2014, you must upgrade it in order to file documents in CM/ECF NextGen.  Click on the following URL link to view a step-by-step procedure on how to upgrade your PACER account:

    If the Case Search Status of your PACER account says "Inactive" you can still submit your electronic payment of Federal Bar Fees, but cannot search for case information. While submitting your electronic payment, please make sure to click the Next button, and not the case number link.  Please see steps 7-12 and 16-17 of the Electronic Bar Membership Renewal Payment Guide for details:

    How to Activate the Case Search Feature

    To activate the case search feature, contact the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856.  Click on the following URL for more information:

  • What information will I need to complete the payment?

    You will need:

    1. your CM/ECF login credentials
    2. a valid credit card
    3. your bar membership information as listed in CM/ECF.
  • When can I make my Annual Bar Membership Fee payment electronically?

    Electronic payments of Annual Bar Membership Fee will be available through CM/ECF starting October 1, 2025.

  • Where can I find detailed instructions on completing the payment?

    Click on the following URL link to view a step-by-step Electronic Bar Renewal Payment Guide to assist you through the process:

  • Who is eligible to make the payment electronically?

    Only attorneys who are in good standing with the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico are eligible to pay their fee electronically. Payments for fees due from prior years must still be submitted by check or money order to the Clerk’s Office.

  • Why is the annual Bar renewal fee $75?

    Under Rule 83(A)(d)(3)of the Local Rules of the District of Puerto Rico, Order in Misc. No. 97-0083(ADC), ECF No. 2, issued on April 28, 2017 and Notice from the Clerk No. 17-14, dated October 16, 2017, members of the District of Puerto Rico Bar must pay a local annual bar renewal fee. 

    A lawyer admitted to the District of Puerto Rico on or after June 1, 2025, is not required to pay the renewal fee in 2025.  A lawyer with special admission to practice in the District of Puerto Rico under Local Rule 83(A)(e) is not required to pay the renewal fee.

  • Will I receive confirmation that my payment was processed?

    Yes. After submitting your renewal application, the Clerk’s Office will review and process your renewal. You will receive an email notification once your renewal has been approved. Please allow up to one week to receive this notification. Your membership status will be updated to “In Good Standing” through September 30 of the following year.