Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas.gov eFiling for Courts?
eFiling for Courts is the official electronic filing solution for the State of Texas. eFiling for Courts is provided by Texas.gov, the official website of the State of Texas.
With eFiling for Courts, filers can submit documents online to participating courts and clerks can receive and process the documents and associated fees.
Visit the Texas Supreme Court’s Judicial Committee on Information Technology for more information about eFiling rules and standards.
Registration
How do I register to eFile?
To get started, select a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) from the list below and complete the free registration.
Once you have registered with a service provider, you are automatically registered with Texas.gov eFiling for Courts. Now, you can begin eFiling documents in new and active cases.
Electronic Filing Service Providers:
eFiling Documents
How do I file documents with eFiling for Courts?
Once you have registered, log on to the EFSP’s website. Select the applicable jurisdiction for your case and complete the filing information online. Then, add your document and attachments. Click the Submit button and you’re done!
What do I need to eFile?
All you need is a computer with Internet access, word processing software (such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect), and free Adobe Reader software to read PDF documents.
What documents can I eFile?
eFiling for Courts accepts filings in civil, family, probate, justice of the peace , appellate, and criminal (only filed in Appellate Court) cases. You can file original petitions, pleadings, and motions in new cases and established cases, even if the case was initiated with traditional paper filings.
What document formats are accepted?
Standard word processing document formats are accepted. The documents are automatically converted to PDF files by the eFiling for Courts system in order to maintain formatting and remove the editing history.
What is the filing size limit?
The size limit for the entire filing is 40MB. A filing may include several documents; however, the size limit for documents within a filing differs by Service Provider. Please check with your Service Provider directly on their document size limits.
Can I eFile a document that requires a physical signature or that exists only in paper format?
Yes. You may submit these documents as scanned images.
Where can I find information regarding case information sheets?
To locate case information sheets and information regarding requirements, please visit Texas Courts Online.
Confirmation & Acceptance
How do I know if my eFiling was received?
You will receive an immediate acknowledgement message by email when you submit a document. Once your eFiling is accepted by the clerk, you will receive a confirmation message and file-stamped copy via email.
What time and date stamp are applied to my eFiling?
The time and date stamp applied to your accepted filing is the exact time and date that you submitted the document.
eService
What is eService?
eService is a feature of eFiling for Courts that allows filers to electronically serve documents to other case parties. eService also enables filers to be served electronically. As a registered filer, you can choose to be served electronically in your cases via eService.
eService is available for delivery of discovery requests, interrogatories, letters, and service copies of electronically filed documents. Filers should use eService rather than eFiling to serve these documents that are not normally filed with the court.
How do I receive eService for a case?
To receive eService, follow these steps:
- Log on to your EFSP’s website (or register with an EFSP if you haven’t already).
- Select the eService profile option
- Update your eService profile to accept eService in all cases or in selected cases.
Please note: If your email address changes, make sure to update your eService profile with the EFSP so you continue to receive confirmation and eService notices.
If you would like to receive eService without registering to eFile, you can setup a complimentary account here.
Can I eServe discovery without eFiling?
Yes. You can electronically serve discovery, letters, and other documents that are not typically filed with the court.
Fees and Payment
What are the fees for eFiling and eService?
eFiling fees average $10 per filing, based on the EFSP used and the county where filed. Texas.gov eService is $5.50 per transaction for any number of parties and any number of documents. Your EFSP may collect an additional fee.
How do I pay to eFile?
You may pay by credit card or monthly billing, depending on the payment options that are offered by your selected EFSP.
Security
Is the eFiling for Courts system secure?
Yes. eFiling for Courts features multiple firewalls and full-time intrusion detection monitoring that is compliant with the security standards established by the State of Texas.