Instructions for Requesting Summons Issuance in a Civil Case

If the filing fee for a non-prisoner civil case has been paid, or in forma pauperis status has been granted, e-filers may prepare a proposed summons for issuance and present it to the clerk for issuance by uploading it using the docket event, Request for Clerk to Issue Document. A pro se litigant who does not have e-filing privileges may present the summons to be issued in person at the clerk’s office, send a summons via mail, or email the proposed summons to the clerk’s office:

After the clerk confirms that a summons may be issued, the clerk will email or mail you the issued summons so you may proceed to have them served under the provisions of Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (If in forma pauperis status/service was granted, the clerk will deliver the summons and complaint to the U.S. Marshals Service so they may attempt service.)