This page is for submitting Pro Se PDF filings ONLY.

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois accepts filings through the portals below from pro se litigants that do not have access to file documents directly in CM/ECF. The portals allow filers to submit documents for filing in an existing case or to initiate a new case. Documents must comply with the formatting requirements set forth in Local Rule 5.2. If filing a new case, please review the Filing A Civil Case Without an Attorney guide.

Filers cannot use these portals for documents that contain personally identifiable information (PII) (e.g., social security numbers, birthdates, names of minor children, etc.). Documents with PII are considered sealed documents and filers must follow Local Rule 26.2, Sealed Documents, for filing these types of documents.

The portals only accept documents in PDF format that do not exceed 35 MB. The Court does not accept Word or Excel files, documents larger than 35 MB, or multi-page files uploaded one page at a time.

Filers receive confirmation when documents are successfully uploaded. If a document is not processed because it does not comply with Local Rule 5.2, does not include a case number, or does not include a case caption, the filer receives email notification from the Court. If the document meets the requirements of the court, you will receive a stamped copy of the document by email.

The Court dockets filings in CM/ECF within 24 business hours, or approximately 3 business days, of receipt. Documents submitted after business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) are not reviewed or processed until the next business day, but the file date is the date the document was submitted, if properly formatted. Documents are processed in the order they are received.

Please note: When submitting any filing, it is necessary to check the guidelines set forth in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court’s Local Rules, and the procedures and guidelines set forth by the assigned judge. Information on case procedures is available on each judge's webpage.

Information on How to Consent to Receive Immediate Notifications of Court Filings.

Pro se filers may choose to receive notices of electronic filings via email by completing the Pro Se Appearance Form. Please submit the completed form through the appropriate portal below.