Group X: Superior Court and Clerk · Last amended 2017 · Last verified July 14, 2026
In one sentenceRule 79-I explains how the clerk date-stamps filed papers and issues certified copies proving a document was filed, and it sets strict rules for removing an original case file or document from the clerk's custody.
(1)In Person Filings. When a paper is received and filed, the clerk must stamp the date of filing on the face of the paper next to the title of the cause and must also stamp the date of filing separately on any exhibit. If a person filing a paper requests a certification of such filing, a copy of the paper provided by the person must be marked to show the time and date of the filing and initialed by the person with whom the paper was filed. Such certified copy is prima facie evidence in any proceeding that the original of the paper was filed as shown by the certification.
(2)Electronic Filings. Any filings made electronically, as permitted by these rules or by administrative order, is considered date stamped as specified by rule or administrative order.
(b)CUSTODY OF DOCUMENTS. The clerk or his or her designee is the custodian of all papers filed in all civil cases. No original paper, document, or record in any case may be removed from its place of filing or custody, except under the following conditions:
(1)Except with approval of the court, no paper, document, or record may be taken from the courthouse by any person other than the custodian of the paper, document, or record, who must retain possession of it and must return it to its place of filing immediately upon completion of the purpose for which it was removed.
(2)When required for use before a division of the court or a person to whom the case has been referred for consideration, or when ordered by a judge of the court, the custodian, the custodian's designee, any attorney or party to the case, or any person designated by a judge may be permitted to remove such paper, document, or record for the use required or ordered.
(3)In any case where the paper, document or record is removed by any person other than the custodian, or the custodian's designee, a receipt must be given to the custodian and the paper, document, or record, must be returned to its place of filing or custody immediately upon completion of the purposes for which it was removed.
Comment
Stylistic changes were made to this rule to conform with the 2007 amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Plain-English Summary
When a paper is filed in person, the clerk stamps the filing date on the face of the document next to the case caption and separately stamps any exhibits. If the person who filed it wants proof, the clerk can mark a copy with the time and date of filing and initial it, and that certified copy then stands as prima facie evidence in any proceeding that the original was filed as the certification shows. Papers filed electronically are treated as date-stamped automatically, according to whatever rule or administrative order governs that filing.
The clerk, or a designee, is the custodian of every paper filed in a civil case, and Rule 79-I keeps a tight grip on how those originals move. Absent the court's approval, only the custodian of a given paper can take it out of the courthouse, and even then only for as long as it takes to complete the purpose for the removal, with a prompt return to its place of filing afterward. When a paper is needed for use before a division of the court, by someone the case has been referred to, or under a judge's order, the custodian, the custodian's designee, an attorney or party in the case, or someone the judge designates can remove it for that specific use. Whenever anyone other than the custodian or the custodian's designee takes a paper out, that person must give the custodian a receipt and return the paper the moment its purpose is served.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a certified copy proving my document was filed with the court?
When you file a paper in person and ask for certification, the clerk marks your copy with the time and date of filing and initials it. Rule 79-I(a)(1) makes that certified copy prima facie evidence in any proceeding that the original was filed as shown.
Does an electronically filed document get date-stamped the same way as a paper filing?
Not through a clerk's manual stamp, but Rule 79-I(a)(2) treats it as date-stamped automatically, according to whatever rule or administrative order governs the electronic filing system used.
Who has custody of the papers filed in my civil case?
The clerk, or the clerk's designee, is the custodian of all papers filed in civil cases under Rule 79-I(b), and no original paper, document, or record can be removed from its place of filing except under the specific conditions the rule sets out.
Can I take an original document out of the courthouse for a hearing?
Only under specific conditions. If you are not the custodian, you generally need the court's approval, or the document has to be needed for use before a court division or under a judge's order, and you must give the custodian a receipt and return the document as soon as its purpose is served.
What happens if the paper I removed from the court file isn't returned right away?
Rule 79-I(b) requires prompt return to its place of filing immediately upon completion of the purpose for which it was removed, whether the person removing it was the custodian or someone else who gave a receipt for it.
Source & verification. Rule text and official Comments are
reproduced verbatim from the District of Columbia Superior Court Rules of Civil
Procedure, adopted by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Last verified July 14, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:certified copy of filed document dc superior courtcustodian of court files dcremove original document from court file dcelectronic filing date stamp dc superior court