Order to Proceed Without Prepaying Fees or Costs
Federal · United States Courts · Effective August 1, 2023
This form is an order that decides whether a person can start a case without paying the required filing fees or costs upfront. It states what actions the court clerk and the United States marshal must take based on the judge's decision.
Where this fits in a case
JudgmentStage: Judgment
This form is used when a plaintiff applies to the United States District Court to ask the judge for permission to start a case without paying the initial fees or costs.
Either party may file.
Common questions
- What does this form do?
- This form is an order that tells everyone involved what the court will do regarding a request to start a case without paying fees first.
- Who files this form?
- The text indicates this is an order based on a plaintiff's application.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect August 1, 2023.
Related forms
- AO 239
Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Long Form)
This form is an application used to ask the court to allow someone to continue a case without having to pay the required fees or costs upfront. It asks the person to provide detailed financial information about themselves and their spouse.
Fillable PDFStart a case
Eff. Jan 1, 2015
- AO 240
Application to Proceed in District Court Without Prepaying Fees or Costs (Short Form)
This form is an application used by a plaintiff or petitioner to ask the court to allow them to continue with a case without having to pay upfront fees or costs. The form asks the applicant to answer questions about their income, assets, and expenses.
Fillable PDFStart a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2010