Sealed Documents

(a) A party may file under seal any document that a statute or rule requires or permits to be so filed. The term “document,” as used in this rule, means any pleading, motion, other paper, or physical item that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure permit or require to be filed. 21 Effective September 2, 2025 If no statute or rule requires or permits a document to be filed under seal, a party (b) may file a document under seal only on motion and by permission of the presiding judge. (c) When a party files a motion for leave to file a document under seal, the party may file the motion under seal and must attach the proposed sealed document as an exhibit.

If leave is granted, the sealed document will be deemed filed s of the date of the order granting leave, or as otherwise specified by the presiding judge, and the clerk will file a copy of the sealed document.