Navigating PACER’s Mandatory MFA: A Guide to the New Security Update
Access to federal court documents is a cornerstone of legal practice, and for years, the PACER system has been the primary gateway. However, a recent and necessary security upgrade is causing significant friction for many legal professionals. If you’ve found yourself frustrated by the new login procedures, you are not alone.
The federal judiciary is in the process of rolling out a mandatory security enhancement for all users of its electronic court records systems. PACER has mandated Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all accounts, a move designed to protect sensitive legal information from unauthorized access. While MFA is a standard and highly effective security practice, its implementation across the vast network of federal courts has been fraught with challenges, leaving many users struggling to access critical documents.
The Push for Enhanced Security
The move to MFA is a direct response to the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting sensitive data. By requiring a second form of verification—such as a code from a mobile app or a text message—in addition to a password, MFA makes it exponentially more difficult for bad actors to compromise an account.
This upgrade applies to both PACER and the NextGen CM/ECF (Case Management/Electronic Case Files) system. The goal is to create a single, more secure point of access for viewing and filing court documents. In theory, this streamlines and protects the entire process. In practice, the transition has been less than smooth.
Widespread Reports of Implementation Challenges
Across the country, attorneys, paralegals, and other legal staff have reported significant hurdles when trying to enable MFA on their accounts. The process can be confusing, and when something goes wrong, finding timely and effective support has proven difficult.
The primary issue stems from a disconnect between the central PACER administration and the support staff at individual district courts. Users naturally turn to their local court clerk for help, but many of these local offices have not been adequately trained or equipped to troubleshoot the new, centralized MFA system.
This has created frustrating roadblocks for legal professionals who are often working under tight deadlines. Being locked out of PACER is not a minor inconvenience; it can jeopardize case filings and client interests.
Actionable Steps for a Smoother Transition
Waiting until you have a filing deadline is the worst time to deal with a new security protocol. The key to avoiding access issues is to be proactive. If you have not yet enabled MFA on your PACER account, follow these steps to ensure a seamless transition.
Don’t Procrastinate: The most important piece of advice is to set up your Multi-Factor Authentication as soon as possible. Do not wait until you have an urgent filing deadline. Set aside 15-20 minutes to complete the process when you are not under pressure.
Link Your Accounts First: Before you can enable MFA, you must link your PACER account to your NextGen CM/ECF account. If you file documents in federal court, you likely already have this done. If you only use PACER for viewing documents, you may need to upgrade your account first.
Choose Your Authentication Method: You will typically have a few options for your second factor of authentication. Using an authenticator app on your smartphone (like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy) is generally considered more secure than receiving codes via SMS text message.
Save Your Backup Codes: During the setup process, you will be given a set of one-time-use backup codes. This is a critical step. Print these codes or save them in a secure digital location, such as a password manager. If you lose access to your primary MFA device, these codes will be the only way to get back into your account without a lengthy support process.
Know Who to Contact for Help: If you run into problems, do not assume your local Clerk of Court can help. The MFA system is managed centrally. For assistance, you should contact the PACER Service Center directly. Their contact information is available on the main PACER website.
While the rollout of this new security measure has been challenging, it is a necessary evolution in protecting the integrity of the federal court system’s electronic records. By taking these proactive steps, you can secure your account, prevent future login headaches, and ensure you have uninterrupted access to the critical documents your work depends on.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/09/08/pacer_mfa_rollout/
