1-20: TRANSCRIPTS and AUDIO RECORDINGS ** UPDATED 02-02-2026 ** 

Many rules authorize the creation of a "transcript," which means a written record of an audio recording or live testimony.  Audio recordings are made in many court settings such as court hearings, depositions, Rule 2004 examinations, and 341(a) Meetings of Creditors.  The ONLY transcripts and audio recordings the court can prepare are from court hearings.  

• Court Hearings: See links below to procedures for a party to order a written transcript or audio recording of a court hearing only.  NOTE:  a transcript 
• 341(a) Meeting of Creditors: See link below to contact the Office of the U.S. trustee to obtain an audio recording of a 341(a) Meeting of Creditors.  See FRBP 2003(c) that requires the U.S. trustee to prepare certified copies at the expense of the person who requests them.
• Deposition or Rule 2004 Examination:  In advance of the date of a deposition or Rule 2004 Examination, persons who seek a deposition or Rule 2004 examination of another person must arrange for an authorized person to record the testimony and an authorized service to convert the oral testimony into a transcript or audio recording.

See link below to Transcriber Information & Procedures.  This is a how-to booklet for court-approved transcribers to create a transcript of a court hearing and file it on a court docket, including using proper event codes for the transcriber to docket a normal transcript vs, a redacted transcript.  A CM/ECF User can benefit from reviewing this booklet to be reminded how to order, access and retrieve a transcript of a court hearing.  The booklet contains valuable information about the transcript process that is helpful to any party.  

• Highlights the procedure a party uses to order a transcript.
• Offers details that a court-approved transcriber uses when preparing a transcript, including format and contents of a transcript.  
• Explains the process of a transcriber filing the original transcript and delivering a copy to the party who requested the transcript.
• Explains the 90-day timeline for a transcript to be blocked from public view, so that (1) the party who requested the transcript can determine if any words should be redacted and submit a redaction request, and (2) the transcriber can make the requested redactions and file a redacted transcript.  NOTE:  DURING THE 90-DAY PERIOD after a transcript is filed, the transcript is not on the "public view" docket.  Thus, the only people who can view the transcript on a court docket for the first 90 days are court personnel who have access to a non-public docket, and people who come to a court intake area and use a public computer terminal.    
• Explains how a transcript can be viewed on the docket after the 90-day period ends.