> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.vlex.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.vlex.com/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/search-and-discovery/using-supplemental-search.md).

# Using Supplemental Search

Use Supplemental Search to query the court directly and pull a case into Docket Alarm if it's not already in the database.

### Summary

Learn how to use the Supplemental Search tool to query a court directly and retrieve cases that may not yet be indexed in the Docket Alarm database.

### Why This is Important

Docket Alarm maintains a massive database of millions of cases, but we don't have *every* case ever filed, especially if it was filed very recently (e.g., today) or in a less active jurisdiction. **Supplemental Search** allows you to bypass our internal database and ask the court's system (like PACER or a state court portal) directly: *"Do you have this case?"* If the court says yes, Docket Alarm instantly downloads the case and adds it to our library for you.

### When to Use This Tool

* You have a valid Docket Number but it returns "No Results" in a standard search.
* You know a case was filed **today** or **yesterday** and want to see it immediately.
* You are looking for an older case in a jurisdiction that isn't frequently updated.

### Step-by-Step Guide

**Step 1: Select the Specific Court** You cannot run a Supplemental Search across "All Courts." You must be specific.

1. Click the **All Courts** (Jurisdiction Selector) button next to the search bar.
2. Click **Supplemental Search** to the right of the court.

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2F0uOEIqRSEMHSPN8xa73E%2FThe%20Supplemental%20Search%20button%20appears%20only%20after%20you%20have%20selected%20a%20specific%20court..gif?alt=media&amp;token=1c926d97-dbdc-4088-9f2c-28acfee1fda4" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Supplemental Search button appears only after you have selected a specific court.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Step 2: Select the Court and Enter Case Details**

1. Select the intended court.
2. A new search form will appear tailored to that specific court's requirements.
3. Enter the **Docket Number** (recommended) or **Party Name**.
4. Click **Search**.

**Step 3: View and Import**

* Docket Alarm will connect to the court's live system.
* If the case is found, it will be displayed in the results.
* Click on the case title to import it into Docket Alarm. It is now permanently saved in our database and accessible to you.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Note on Fees:** For Federal courts, Supplemental Search performs a live query to PACER. Standard PACER fees may apply depending on your subscription plan.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Related Articles

* [How to Search for a Case](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/search-and-discovery/how-to-search-for-a-case.md)
* [Integrating ECF/PACER](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/tracking-and-alerts/integrating-ecf-pacer.md)

### Need more help?

If Supplemental Search still does not find your case, please double-check the docket number format or contact Support to verify if the court's online portal is currently active.

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