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Plain guide
Can you fax court documents?
Sometimes, but less and less. Most courts now want papers filed online (e-filing), especially from lawyers. Some courts still take faxes, often from people filing without a lawyer. Always check your own court's rules first.
Not legal advice. We are not a law firm. Last checked: October 13, 2026.
Before you send
- 1Check that your court accepts fax filings for your type of case. Look on the court's website or call the clerk. Many courts now require e-filing.
- 2If the court has its own fax cover sheet that must come first (California uses form MC-005), know that our cover page is always added first today. For those courts, use another way to file for now.
- 3Keep your signed original. The court can ask to see it.
- 4Keep the delivery receipt. It shows when your fax reached the other machine, but it does not prove the clerk accepted it.
What a few states say
Rules change, and they differ by county and court. These are examples, not a full list.
Texas
Where e-filing is required, lawyers may not file by fax except in an emergency. People without a lawyer may still have other options. One appeals court takes faxes of 10 pages or fewer from people who aren't required to e-file.
New York
Papers may not be sent to the court by fax without the judge's approval first.
California
Fax filing works only in courts that have a local rule allowing it. Some, like Plumas and Riverside, do. The court's own cover sheet (MC-005) must be the first page.
Florida
Most filing goes through the statewide online portal. Some county clerks still list fax for certain papers, sometimes with a prepaid fee.
Filing once? $1.99 per fax
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See BusinessQuestions people ask
- Do courts accept fax filings?
- Some do, many don't. Most courts now want electronic filing (e-filing), especially from lawyers. Some courts still take faxes for certain case types, often from people filing without a lawyer. The only safe answer comes from your court's own website or clerk.
- Can I fax my divorce papers?
- Only if your court says so for family cases. Call the clerk or check the court's website before you send. If the court says no, a fax will not count as filed, and you could miss a deadline.
- Does Fax Monster add a cover page?
- Yes. Today every fax we send starts with our cover page, and it cannot be turned off yet. Some courts, like many in California, require their own cover sheet as the very first page. If your court has that rule, our service is not the right fit for that filing yet.
- Is a delivery receipt proof of filing?
- No. The receipt proves your fax reached the other machine and when. It does not prove the clerk accepted or filed it. Follow up with the court if you need a stamped copy.
- Do you check whether my court accepts fax?
- No. Fax Monster sends what you upload to the number you type. We do not check court rules, and we are not a law firm.
Sending forms to the IRS or another agency instead? See faxing government forms.