Is NYSCEF free to use?

There is no separate charge for the system itself; ordinary court filing fees still apply to filings that require them.

Can I see my case docket online?

Parties and the public can generally view e-filed dockets, subject to confidentiality restrictions on sealed or protected documents.

What if the system goes down on my deadline?

Document the outage immediately and follow the court's guidance on technical failures; do not simply file late without a record of the problem.

Getting started · For the both

NYSCEF and Electronic Filing in Kings County

New York's electronic filing system, NYSCEF, is how most documents reach the court in Supreme Court matters and a growing set of other case types. Filing electronically is faster and creates an authoritative docket both sides can see, but the system enforces its own formatting and consent rules that trip up new users constantly.

Who must e-file

Attorneys in mandatory case types must e-file. Unrepresented litigants generally cannot be compelled to use the system and may file on paper, but many choose to consent because the docket is easier to follow and deadlines are harder to miss. Check the case type and county rules before assuming either way.

Formatting and labeling

Upload text-searchable PDFs, name each document accurately, and select the correct document type from the menu. A brief filed as an 'exhibit' or an affidavit uploaded as an image can be rejected or simply overlooked by chambers. Confirm each filing appears on the docket and check the confirmation notice.

Service through the system

For parties participating in NYSCEF, electronic filing generally serves the document at the time of filing. Parties outside the system must still be served conventionally. Mixed cases — one represented party e-filing and one self-represented party on paper — require care, and forgetting the paper service is a routine and avoidable error.

Common rejections

Wrong index number, missing signature, illegible scan, oversized file, unredacted personal information, or filing under the wrong case. Redaction matters: social security numbers, account numbers and minors' names must be handled under the confidentiality rules. Filing an unredacted document publicly is difficult to fully undo.

Common questions

Is NYSCEF free to use?: There is no separate charge for the system itself; ordinary court filing fees still apply to filings that require them.
Can I see my case docket online?: Parties and the public can generally view e-filed dockets, subject to confidentiality restrictions on sealed or protected documents.
What if the system goes down on my deadline?: Document the outage immediately and follow the court's guidance on technical failures; do not simply file late without a record of the problem.

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Related guides

This guide is general information about court procedure in Kings County, New York. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Court rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting. Dispute Counsel PLLC serves New York residents, businesses and New York local representation.