> 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/tracking-and-alerts/integrating-ecf-pacer.md). # Integrating ECF/PACER Add your ECF credentials to convert alerts into shareable, real-time notifications and reduce PACER costs. ### Summary Learn how to link your PACER/ECF credentials to Docket Alarm to enable real-time alerts, download "Free Look" documents automatically, and reduce your overall PACER fees. ### Why This is Important Without integration, Docket Alarm has to periodically "pull" the court for updates, which can cause a slight delay. By linking your ECF account, Docket Alarm intercepts the official "Notice of Electronic Filing" (NEF) email sent by the court. #### **Benefits:** 1. **Real-Time Speed:** You get the alert within seconds of when the court sends it. 2. **Free Documents:** The system automatically downloads the "Free Look" PDF attached to the NEF. This saves you the standard PACER document fees. 3. **Shareable Links:** Unlike the standard PACER link which expires after one click, Docket Alarm converts the document into a permanent link that you can share with your entire team without incurring double charges. #### Step-by-Step Guide **Step 1: Access Setup** 1. Go to the **Dashboard**. 2. Look for the **ECF Integration Setup** button (located on the bottom right of the page). 3. Alternatively, go to **My Account > ECF Setup**.

Link your credentials to unlock real-time speed and cost savings.

**Step 2: Input Credentials** 1. Select the specific court(s) you have credentials for. 2. Enter your **PACER Username** and **Password**. 3. Click **Connect ECF Account.** **Step 3: Verify Integration** * Once linked, the alert will automatically add to your case dashboard once there has been a new filing. * You will see alerts in your dashboard displayed in **blue italics**, indicating they were sourced directly from an ECF notification. ### Security & Privacy * **Security:** Docket Alarm does not store your ECF password and does not pull confidential documents. We only add a secondary email within your ECF settings to receive copies of the public Notice of Electronic Filing. {% hint style="success" %} **Cost Saving Tip:** By centralizing your firm's tracking through Docket Alarm with ECF integration, you ensure that a document is paid for **only once**. If 10 attorneys need to read the same motion, they all view the cached Docket Alarm copy, rather than each paying $3.00 to PACER. {% endhint %} ### Related Articles * [How to Track a Docket](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/tracking-and-alerts/how-to-track-a-docket.md) * [Bulk Downloading Documents](/docket-alarm/docket-alarm-home/document-management/bulk-downloading-documents.md) ### Need more help? If your password changes on the official PACER site, remember to update it here in Docket Alarm to prevent interruption of your alerts. **What's Your Next Step?** | **New to** vLex Library **?** | **Already a** vLex Library **Customer?** | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [See how vLex Library can transform your practice. **Request a personalized demo**.](https://vlex.com/book-a-demo?utm_source=website\&utm_medium=organic\&utm_campaign=web_trial_homepage\&campaign_id=4270741) | [If you still have questions or need help with a specific feature, our team is here to assist. **Contact our Support team**.](https://vlex.com/contact-us) |