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Since October 22, 2001, attorneys entering many facilities of the state court system have been required to pass through magnetometers as well as x-ray examination of any briefcases, bags, boxes or other containers. In April 2002, the New York State Unified Court System began issuing an attorney identification card known as the "Secure Pass." The Secure Pass permits attorneys to bypass the aforementioned security measures in certain state courts while a high level of court security is maintained. Accordingly, the Secure Pass provides convenience to attorneys who may be entering the facilities on a daily basis while additionally reducing the burden on the state court officers. Although based upon experience there are exceptions where the Secure Pass is not honored and the attorney must be subject to search such as in the federal courts, New York County Surrogate's Court, and the Appellate Divisions for the First and Second Departments.
Secure Pass cards were previously valid for two years and are now valid for five years. The procedure for renewal has also been amended to permit electronic filing effective July 1, 2015. Attorneys may now renew their Secure Pass through the state Unified Court System web site. Further instructions and information can be found at http://www.nycourts.gov/attorneys/registration/securepass.shtml
