Motions to seal and the document(s) subject to the motion to seal must be filed electronically using the Court’s Case Management/Electronic Case Files (‘CM/ECF’) system. After filing, the motion to seal and the proposed sealed documents are accessible to the Court only. Filers are not able to view and download restricted documents from CM/ECF. Motions to seal must be served conventionally on opposing counsel by other appropriate means as provided by the Federal Rules and the Court's Local Rules
Filing, Service, and Access to Sealed Documents
- General Order of September 18, 2025.
- Emergency Order of September 18, 2025 to the Local Rules Re: Motions to Seal
- Guidance Regarding Motions to Seal
- Notice Regarding Sealed Documents in CM/ECF
- Request for Copies of Sealed Documents
Ex Parte Filings
Pursuant to LR Gen 102(b), ex parte motions must be filed electronically through CM/ECF. An ex parte motion does not require a separate motion to seal, but should clearly be labeled “FILED EX PARTE” on the cover page of the pleading.
To file an ex parte motion, click on “Motions to Seal” under “Motions and Other Filings” in the Civil or Criminal Events menus in CM/ECF. From the list of options, select “Ex Parte motion”.
Note to CJA Attorneys: Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act (18 U.S.C. §3006A), claims for services other than counsel should be made to the Court on an ex parte basis. These requests for services other than counsel should be filed directly in CJA eVoucher—not in CM/ECF.
Additional Resources
Electronic Availability of Case Information
Notice to Counsel and Pro Se Litigants
Sample Certificates of Service
Help
CM/ECF Help
Contact the Clerk's Office if you have a general question related to electronic filing or need assistance with your ECF registration.
401-752-7200 (M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST)