NYSCEF County List provides a complete reference of all courts in New York that support electronic filing. This list helps lawyers, paralegals, and legal staff quickly identify which courts accept NYSCEF submissions. Filing documents electronically saves time, reduces errors, and ensures faster processing of civil and family cases. Each county has specific courts connected to NYSCEF, including Supreme Courts and County Courts. Users can check the list before preparing filings to avoid delays. NYSCEF also tracks submissions, providing instant confirmation for each document.
NYSCEF County List ensures transparency and convenience for anyone working with New York courts. Electronic filing allows legal professionals to manage cases efficiently without visiting the courthouse. Courts included in this list follow strict document and format requirements, making filing smooth and reliable. Civil, commercial, and family cases can all be submitted electronically in supported counties. The system also keeps a secure record of all filings, making case management easier. Using the NYSCEF County List reduces administrative burdens and improves workflow for legal teams.
What Is NYSCEF?
NYSCEF stands for the New York State Courts Electronic Filing system. It is the official platform for submitting legal documents electronically in participating New York courts. Established to simplify case management, NYSCEF reduces reliance on paper filings while improving speed, accuracy, and accessibility for attorneys and court staff.
The system covers a broad range of courts, including:
- Supreme Courts – Civil divisions across all counties.
- Surrogate’s Courts – Probate and estate-related cases.
- Court of Claims – Cases filed against the State of New York.
- County Courts and Commercial Divisions – Specific civil matters and business litigation.
By offering electronic filing, NYSCEF allows legal professionals to submit complaints, motions, and supporting documents online. Unlike traditional filing, where documents are physically delivered to the clerk’s office and manually entered into the court docket, NYSCEF immediately timestamps submissions and provides confirmation of receipt. This system eliminates common delays and errors associated with paper handling, ensuring faster case processing and easier access to case records.
How NYSCEF Works — Authorized Courts & Case Types
The NYSCEF system allows legal documents to be filed electronically in authorized New York courts. Participation varies by court, with some requiring mandatory e‑filing and others offering voluntary submission. The platform ensures that attorneys, litigants, and court staff can manage cases efficiently while reducing the reliance on paper filings.
Authorized Court Types
NYSCEF supports a range of courts across New York, including:
- Supreme Court (Civil & Commercial Divisions) – Handles most civil lawsuits, including personal injury, contract disputes, and business litigation.
- Surrogate’s Court – Manages probate, estate, and guardianship matters.
- Court of Claims – Accepts claims against the State of New York.
- Family Court (select counties) – Supports certain family-related civil matters electronically.
- Appellate Divisions – Limited e‑filing is available for appeals in specific circumstances.
The scope of NYSCEF continues to expand as more courts adopt electronic protocols. Currently, all 62 counties have at least one court participating in e‑filing, but the type of cases and divisions supported can vary by jurisdiction.
Mandatory vs Voluntary Filing
Some courts require mandatory e‑filing, particularly for commercial cases and large civil matters. For example, Supreme Court’s Commercial Divisions in major counties often mandate NYSCEF submissions for all business litigation.
Other courts allow voluntary e‑filing, giving attorneys the choice to submit documents electronically or via traditional paper filings. Voluntary filing is common in smaller counties or in divisions where adoption is still expanding.
Case Types Allowed
NYSCEF supports a wide range of filings, including:
- Civil Cases – Complaints, motions, supporting affidavits, and exhibits.
- Commercial Litigation – Business disputes, shareholder claims, and contract enforcement.
- Surrogate Proceedings – Probate petitions, estate inventories, and guardianship applications.
- Court of Claims – Petitions against the state, including tort and contract claims.
- Family Court (select cases) – Certain petitions and motions, depending on local rules.
Each court establishes specific e‑filing protocols, including document formats, page limits, and filing deadlines. Attorneys must follow these requirements carefully, as deviations can result in rejected submissions.
Differences by Court
- Supreme Court: Full civil and commercial coverage, with mandatory filing in designated divisions.
- Appellate Division: Limited e‑filing, primarily for appeals or special motions.
- Family Court: Only selected case types in certain counties; many family matters still rely on traditional filing.
- Surrogate’s Court: Comprehensive e‑filing for estate and probate cases in participating counties.
NYSCEF County List
Below is a state‑wide view of county e‑filing status for the New York State Courts Electronic Filing (NYSCEF) system. It shows which courts in each county support e‑filing, whether e‑filing is required or optional, and what types of cases can be filed online. The system covers Supreme Court, Surrogate’s Court, and many other civil case types across most counties.
A – C Counties
Albany County
• Supreme Court – Mandatory for new civil actions and many case types.
• Surrogate’s Court – E‑filing available for estate/probate matters.
• Notes: Standard civil and commercial e‑filings accepted.
Allegany County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported; consult protocols.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
• Notes: Some case types may remain voluntary.
Bronx County
• Supreme Court – Full NYSCEF coverage.
• Civil Court – E‑filing supported for many civil matters.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
• Notes: Appellate e‑filing also available.
Broome County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing available.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
• Notes: Check county protocols for exceptions.
Cattaraugus County
• Supreme Court – Supported e‑filing.
• Surrogate’s Court – E‑filing available.
Cayuga County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing status supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Available.
D – G Counties
Dutchess County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Erie County
• Supreme Court – Mandatory for most civil actions.
• Surrogate’s Court – E‑filing available.
• Notes: Expanded civil e‑filing program in effect.
Erie County
• Supreme Court – Mandatory for many civil filings.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Genesee County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
H – L Counties
Hamilton County
• Supreme Court – Supported e‑filing.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported where appropriate.
Kings County (Brooklyn)
• Supreme Court – Mandatory e‑filing for civil and many proceedings.
• Surrogate’s Court – Available.
• Notes: Local rules on case types apply.
Lewis County
• Supreme Court – NYSCEF supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Available.
Livingston County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – E‑filing available.
M – R Counties
Madison County
• Supreme Court – Supported e‑filing.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Monroe County (Rochester)
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Montgomery County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Nassau County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported for civil matters.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Niagara County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Oneida County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing available.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Onondaga County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Orange County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Orleans County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing available.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Oswego County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Otsego County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Putnam County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Available.
S – Z Counties
Queens County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Civil Court – E‑filing in many civil matters.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Rensselaer County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Richmond County (Staten Island)
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Rockland County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Saratoga County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Schenectady County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Schoharie County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Schuyler County
• Supreme Court – Supported e‑filing.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Seneca County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing available.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Steuben County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Suffolk County
• Supreme Court – E‑filing supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Sullivan County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Tioga County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Tompkins County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Ulster County
• Supreme Court – Mandatory e‑filing for most actions.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
• Notes: Some matters like Election Law and Mental Hygiene Law still require paper filing.
Warren County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Washington County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
Westchester County
• Supreme Court – Supported.
• Surrogate’s Court – Supported.
General Notes on County E‑Filing
• Most Supreme Courts and Surrogate’s Courts across New York support electronic filing through NYSCEF.
• In many counties, mandatory e‑filing covers civil and commercial cases; exemptions are set for certain matters (e.g., Mental Hygiene Law, Election Law).
• Some non‑Supreme courts (like Civil Court in NYC) have e‑filing programs for specific case types.
• Always review the NYSCEF protocols for a county to confirm which cases are covered and any e‑filing exceptions that apply.
Appellate & Other Specialized Courts Supporting NYSCEF
The NYSCEF system also operates in several Appellate Division departments and other specialized courts across New York, broadening electronic filing options beyond trial‑level Supreme and Surrogate’s courts. These courts have adopted specific Appellate e‑filing NY rules and protocols to handle appeals and high‑level matters electronically.
Appellate Division Coverage
First Department (Manhattan & Bronx) requires e‑filing through NYSCEF for most appeals and original proceedings, including those originating in Supreme, Family, Surrogate’s, and Court of Claims cases. E‑filing is generally mandatory for all matters, though attorney‑specific exemptions apply under Appellate Division e‑filing rules. Paper filings are typically not needed once e‑filed.
The Second Department (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Staten Island) mandates e‑filing for appeals originating in Supreme, Surrogate’s, and Court of Claims cases throughout its jurisdiction. Article 78 proceedings and many original filings also fall under NYSCEF e‑filing rules. Family Court and certain criminal or attorney matters may remain outside NYSCEF and follow traditional filing unless otherwise ordered.
Steps: Register & File With NYSCEF
Submitting documents through NYSCEF allows attorneys and litigants to file electronically across participating New York courts. The process streamlines case management, ensures faster service, and reduces paper handling errors.
Register an Account
To start, visit the official NYSCEF portal: https://www.nycourts.gov/efile. Click “Register” to create a new account. Provide valid contact details, bar credentials (if an attorney), and a secure password. Once your information is verified, you will receive login credentials, giving full access to filing and tracking features.
Choose Court & County
After logging in, select the court type (Supreme, Surrogate’s, Court of Claims, or Family Court if applicable) and the county where the case is filed. Each court may have specific e‑filing rules and eligible case types, so confirming that your case is covered prevents rejected submissions.
Upload & Document Formatting Rules
Prepare your documents according to NYSCEF document formatting guidelines. Most courts require PDF format, with:
- Clear, legible text and proper page orientation
- Correct numbering and labeling of exhibits
- Adherence to court-specific naming conventions
E-filing tips:
- Combine related documents into one PDF where allowed.
- Ensure signatures and dates are included.
- Check file size limits to avoid upload errors.
Once documents are ready, upload them through the NYSCEF portal. Review each file before submission to ensure compliance with all formatting rules.
Fees & Confirmation
If the filing requires a court fee, you can pay it online using NYSCEF’s integrated payment system. Once the documents are submitted, the system generates an instant confirmation receipt with a timestamp. Keep this receipt for your records; it serves as proof of filing and is often required in disputes or audits.
Service Automation
NYSCEF automatically serves documents to all parties listed in the case, including opposing counsel and the court clerk. Email notifications alert all participants to new filings, and the system updates the case docket in real time. This eliminates the need for manual service, saving time and reducing errors.
NYSCEF E‑Filing FAQs
This section addresses common questions about electronic filing in New York courts through NYSCEF, helping attorneys and self-represented litigants understand system capabilities and limitations.
Can I e‑file Small Claims cases?
Currently, Small Claims Court filings are largely excluded from NYSCEF. Most NY counties still require paper submissions for these cases. Check your local Small Claims Court rules for any pilot e‑filing programs, as a few counties may allow limited electronic submissions.
Is NYSCEF available for criminal cases?
Criminal filings are generally not permitted in NYSCEF. The system primarily supports civil, commercial, Surrogate, and Court of Claims matters. Criminal cases continue to follow traditional court procedures, including in-person submissions and clerk-managed filing.
Can Pro Se litigants use NYSCEF?
Yes. Self-represented (Pro Se) litigants can register for a NYSCEF account and submit eligible documents electronically. However, some courts may have restrictions on case types available to Pro Se filers. Always confirm your case’s eligibility before attempting to e-file.
How do I get technical support for NYSCEF?
If you encounter technical issues, NYSCEF provides official support resources:
- Phone: 518‑285‑7015 (Monday–Friday, business hours)
- Email: efile@nycourts.gov
- Help Resources: https://www.nycourts.gov/efile/faq.shtml
Support can help with registration, document uploads, system errors, and login problems. Keeping your browser updated and using supported PDF formats improves the success of e-filing.