The Court offers a Pro Se Electronic Filing Portal ("Pro Se Filing Portal") for individuals who are representing themselves ("pro se parties") in civil actions in the Eastern District of Tennessee. The Pro Se Filing Portal is for pro se parties only. Attorneys must register and file documents through the Court's Case Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system. Any documents submitted by attorneys or represented parties through the Pro Se Filing Portal will be rejected.
Before filing, please carefully review the Frequently Asked Questions below. You may also download a copy of the filing instructions.
Upload documents here
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a new case electronically?
NO. To file a new case, you must mail or hand-deliver your complaint to the Clerk's Office.
The addresses for each division are:
Chattanooga Clerk's Office
900 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Greeneville Clerk's Office
220 West Depot Street, Suite 200
Greeneville, Tennessee 37743
Knoxville Clerk's Office
800 Market Street, Suite 130
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
What can I file electronically?
Once your case has been opened by the Clerk's Office and a case number assigned, you may electronically file the following document types in the Pro Se Filing Portal:
- In Forma Pauperis (IFP) Application
- Consent to Electronic Service
- Proof of service documents
- Motion
- Supporting Memoranda of Law
- Response to Motion
- Reply in support of Motion
- Notice of address change
- Exhibits in support of filing
Is there a required document format for electronic filing?
YES. Documents must be scanned and saved in PDF format. If possible the documents should be text searchable.
If you do not have access to a scanner, there are free applications available that allow you to use your smartphone camera to create a PDF document.
It is your responsibility to make sure all pages have been scanned and are legible.
Incomplete or illegible documents, or documents submitted in any format other than PDF, will be rejected by the Clerk's Office.
Can the Clerk's Office assist with scanning?
NO. If you are unable to scan and upload your documents, you must submit them by mail or hand-delivery to the Clerk's Office.
If you do not have access to a scanner, there are free applications available that allow you to use your smartphone camera to create a PDF document.
What information must I include in my documents?
- CONTACT INFORMATION. Include your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
- CASE NUMBER. Include your case number on the document.
- SIGNATURE. You must sign your document before submitting it.
Can I file exhibits to support my filing?
YES. Exhibits can be uploaded but should be clearly labeled and uploaded separately from the main filing whenever possible.
Can I upload photographs, audio files, or video files?
NO. Photographs, audio files, and video files should not be uploaded. Any such files uploaded through the portal may be rejected.
Can I include questions for the Clerk's Office in the documents filed?
NO. You should only upload documents intended to be filed in your case. Court staff do not monitor uploaded filings for questions or messages.
If you have questions, you may contact the Clerk's Office at (865) 545-4228.
Will someone confirm receipt of my filing?
YES. Filing can be confirmed by reviewing the docket sheet through PACER.
You may also receive documents more quickly by completing and submitting a Consent to Electronic Service form.
Filings can also be confirmed through the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS) by calling 1-866-222-8029.
Can I email the Clerk's Office any filings?
NO. Any documents emailed to the Clerk's Office will be disregarded by the recipient.
Can I email the assigned judge instead?
NO. Any documents emailed to a judge's chambers or other court email address will be disregarded by the recipient.
Can I receive court documents by e-mail?
YES. Complete and submit a signed Consent to Electronic Service form to receive court documents electronically.
Where do I electronically file the documents?
- The Eastern District of Tennessee Pro Se Filing Portal can be accessed using the upload button near the top of this page.
- After uploading your documents, do not close or leave the page until you receive confirmation that the upload was successful.
- DO NOT mail or deliver paper copies after successfully submitting documents through the portal.
What will the filing date be for the documents I submit through the portal?
Similar to documents received by mail, submissions received through the portal and accepted for filing will be considered filed on the date they are docketed by the Clerk's Office.
If, after reading the information provided on this page, you still have questions regarding the Pro Se Filing Portal, you may call the Clerk's Office at (865) 545-4228.