What is an index number?

An index number is the docket or case identifier assigned by a clerk when an initiating document and fee are accepted. It allows records to be tracked in the court or agency system and establishes the filing reference.

When must I pay the fee?

Pay the index number fee at the time you submit the initiating document unless local rules permit deferred payment or fee waiver; failing to pay may result in rejection or delayed docketing.

Can I e-sign the fee application?

Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA in most states, subject to court or agency rules and any exceptions for specific document classes.

What payment methods are accepted?

Clerks commonly accept check, money order, credit card, or electronic payment. Confirm accepted methods with the receiving office and include transaction IDs when filing electronically.

What if information is incorrect?

If the clerk identifies errors, you may need to file an amendment or corrected application. Incorrect entries can cause rejection, lost filing dates, or require resubmission with additional fees.

How long until I receive the index number?

Many courts assign the index number same day for complete filings; electronic systems often return a confirmation immediately, while manual processing may take one to several business days.

Electronic Signature
Templates
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Application for Index Number Fee

Application for Index Number Fee

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Supreme Court of the State of New York

County of

In the Matter of the Application of

Index Number

for Leave to Change Their Name(s) To

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, , certify that I am, , and at all times during the service of process was, not less than 18 years of age and not a party to the matter concerning which service of process was made. I further certify that the service of this summons and a copy of the complaint was made by: (date)

Mail Service: Regular, first class United States mail, postage fully pre-paid, and addressed to:

Personal Service: By leaving the process with defendant or with an office or agent of defendant at:

Residence Service: By leaving the process with the following adult at:

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date:

Signature:

Print Name

Business Address

City

State

Zip

What the Application for Index Number Fee Is and when it matters

The Application for Index Number Fee documents payment of a court or administrative index number required to initiate a case or formal filing. It records the filer, the fee amount, and the filing event so the clerk can assign an index number and begin processing. This application is typically submitted with the underlying initiating document and the required fee; accuracy in names, case type, and payment method reduces rejection risk. Many jurisdictions accept electronic filing and e-signed fee applications subject to local court rules.

Why completing this application correctly protects your filing

Submitting an accurate Application for Index Number Fee ensures timely assignment of an index number, avoids processing delays or returned filings, and documents that required fees were paid under the correct case caption and party names.

Who typically completes the Application for Index Number Fee

Various parties prepare and submit this application depending on the filing: attorneys, pro se litigants, court clerks, and administrative staff.

Attorneys and paralegals filing pleadings for clients in civil or administrative matters
In-house legal or compliance teams submitting matters on behalf of businesses
Individuals representing themselves (pro se) who must follow local filing requirements

Stepwise process to complete and submit the fee application

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and file the Application for Index Number Fee.

01

Prepare Documents: Gather initiating papers and fee schedule.
02

Complete Form: Fill fields with exact names and amounts.
03

Attach Payment: Include check, transaction ID, or online payment proof.
04

Submit to Clerk: File electronically or in person per local rules.

How the filing and index number assignment works

A concise view of what happens after you submit the application and fee.

Receipt and Verification: Clerk confirms payment and matches to initiating document.
Index Number Assignment: Clerk issues index number and updates docket.
Notice of Filing: System or clerk provides confirmation to filer.
Routing for Processing: Case is routed to calendar, judge, or administrative queue.

Typical e-filing workflow settings for the fee application

When using an e-filing system, configure these settings to align the fee application with your filing workflow.

Field	Configuration
Document Type	Map to initiating document class
Auto-fill Fields	Enable party names and addresses
Payment Capture	Enable credit card and e-check
Confirmation	Send signed receipt and index number

Technical considerations for eSubmission and e-signing

Ensure your chosen filing platform supports the document formats and authentication required by the court or agency.

Formats: PDF/A and DOCX supported
Integrations: Works with Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger 2FA available

Core components included in a professional fee application package

A complete submission bundles the application with evidence of payment, a clear case caption, and any supporting attachments the clerk requires for docketing.

Application Form

Completed fee application with all mandatory fields filled to match the initiating document and payment information for clerk verification.

Payment Proof

Copy of cleared check, transaction ID, or electronic payment receipt attached to confirm funds and facilitate immediate docketing.

Initiating Document

Complaint, petition, or notice submitted alongside the fee application so the clerk can link the payment to the correct filing.

Cover Letter

Optional short cover explaining any unusual payment arrangements, fee waivers requested, or expedited processing requests for clerk reference.

Certificate of Service

Proof that opposing parties were served, if required at time of filing, using the method mandated by local rules.

E-filing Receipt

System-generated confirmation including index number, timestamp, and audit trail of the submission and payment.

Supporting documents commonly filed with the fee application

Including the right attachments prevents delays and supports immediate docketing of the new matter.

Payment Voucher

Use the court or agency's payment voucher form when required to ensure funds are credited correctly.

Fee Schedule

Attach or reference the exact fee schedule item to justify the amount paid in complex or tiered filings.

Power of Attorney

If an agent files on behalf of a party, attach authority documentation showing signatory permission.

Exhibits Index

List of exhibits if any are filed at the outset to help the clerk associate attachments with the initiating document.

Common errors that delay fee processing

Mismatched names between application and initiating document causing clerk rejection
Incorrect fee amount or missing surcharge leading to unpaid status
Missing payment proof or incorrect transaction reference preventing credit
Improper file format or unreadable attachment rejected by e-filing portal

Data handling and security controls to protect fee applications

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

At-Rest Protection: AES-256 encryption

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps and IP logs

HIPAA Support: BAA available when required

Compliance: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliant

Consequences of incorrect or late fee submissions

Filing Rejection: Clerk returns filing; case not opened

Late Fee: Additional surcharges charged

Lost Priority: Filing date may be delayed

Administrative Fines: Civil penalties in specific statutes

Motion Practice: Opposing party may seek sanctions

Refund Delay: Reimbursement requires formal request

Key milestones from preparation to docketing

A typical timeline shows preparation, submission, clerk review, index assignment, and final confirmation stages for fee applications.

01

Document Preparation

Complete application and attach initiating document and payment proof

02

Submission

File electronically or deliver to the clerk per local procedure

03

Clerk Review

Clerk verifies fee and matches documents to filing

04

Index Assignment

Clerk issues index number and updates the docket

Representative eSignature vendor pricing and feature snapshot

Compare baseline pricing and feature presence for common eSignature providers when choosing a platform for submitting fee applications and capturing e-signatures.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	No	No	No	No
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Real-world examples of electronic fee submissions and signing

These brief examples show how organizations used digital signing and e-submission for filings that include fee applications.

Martin Properties

A regional property manager needed remote handling of filing fees and documents to maintain closings during offsite operations.

They adopted online submission to reduce in-person trips.
"I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Optica Ventures

A small investment firm required an easy interface for clients to pay filing fees with signature workflows.

The team relied on a simple user interface for clients.
"The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Frequently asked questions about the Application for Index Number Fee

Answers to common questions about completing, submitting, and validating the fee application for court or administrative filings.

Need help? Contact support

What is an index number?
An index number is the docket or case identifier assigned by a clerk when an initiating document and fee are accepted. It allows records to be tracked in the court or agency system and establishes the filing reference.
When must I pay the fee?
Pay the index number fee at the time you submit the initiating document unless local rules permit deferred payment or fee waiver; failing to pay may result in rejection or delayed docketing.
Can I e-sign the fee application?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA in most states, subject to court or agency rules and any exceptions for specific document classes.
What payment methods are accepted?
Clerks commonly accept check, money order, credit card, or electronic payment. Confirm accepted methods with the receiving office and include transaction IDs when filing electronically.
What if information is incorrect?
If the clerk identifies errors, you may need to file an amendment or corrected application. Incorrect entries can cause rejection, lost filing dates, or require resubmission with additional fees.
How long until I receive the index number?
Many courts assign the index number same day for complete filings; electronic systems often return a confirmation immediately, while manual processing may take one to several business days.

Explore Templates

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