For purposes of this section, “facsimile transmission” and “electronic means” shall be as defined in subdivision (f) of rule 2103 of this chapter.
§ 2110.Definitions
Article 21-A. Filing of Papers in the Courts by Facsimile Transmission and by Electronic means · Last amended 2015 · Last verified July 21, 2026
In one sentenceCPLR 2110 defines "facsimile transmission" and "electronic means" for Article 21-A by pointing to the same definitions used in CPLR 2103's service rules, so the terms mean the same thing whether papers are being served or filed.
Full Text of CPLR 2110
Plain-English Summary
Article 21-A governs filing papers with the courts by fax and by electronic means, and rather than write new definitions, CPLR 2110 borrows them from CPLR 2103(f), the service-of-papers rule. "Facsimile transmission" and "electronic means" carry the identical meaning whether the question is how a paper was served on an adversary or how it was filed with the court.
That cross-reference keeps the rules for filing and the rules for service pointed in the same direction. A method of transmission that qualifies as electronic means for service purposes qualifies the same way for filing purposes, so lawyers don't have to track two different definitions of the same technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does CPLR 2110 get its definitions of "electronic means" and "facsimile transmission"?
From CPLR 2103(f), the definitions used for serving papers on other parties. Article 21-A adopts them for filing papers with the court instead of writing separate definitions.
Does "electronic means" under CPLR 2110 mean something different for filing than for service?
No. The definition is identical in both contexts, since CPLR 2110 incorporates CPLR 2103(f) directly.
Why does CPLR 2110 exist as a standalone section if it just points to another rule?
Article 21-A needed defined terms for its own filing provisions, and cross-referencing CPLR 2103(f) avoided drafting duplicate definitions that could drift out of sync over time.
Does CPLR 2110 itself authorize electronic filing?
When did CPLR 2110 become part of the CPLR?
It was added in 2015, along with the rest of Article 21-A, when the Legislature restructured how New York courts authorize filing by fax and by electronic means.
Amendment History
L 2015, ch 237, § 2, effective August 31, 2015.
Source & verification. Provision text, History, and Advisory
Committee Notes are reproduced verbatim from the Consolidated Laws of New York.
Last verified July 21, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: electronic means definition New York courtsfacsimile transmission definition CPLRNew York e-filing definitionsArticle 21-A CPLR definitions