Request for Transcript (Appeal)

When the request for transcript is used

Timing: within 14 days after filing the notice of appeal or after entry of an order disposing of the last timely post-judgment motion, whichever is later. Appeals follow a final judgment in most cases. The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure govern this stage.

What the rule requires

• Within 14 days after filing the notice of appeal or entry of an order disposing of the last timely remaining motion of a type specified in FRAP 4(a)(4)(A), whichever is later, the appellant must either order in writing from the reporter a transcript of the parts of the proceedings not already on file that the appellant considers necessary, and file a copy of the order with the district clerk, or file a certificate stating that no transcript will be ordered (FRAP 10(b)(1)).
• If the appellant intends to argue on appeal that a finding or conclusion is unsupported by the evidence or is contrary to the evidence, the appellant must include in the record a transcript of all evidence relevant to that finding or conclusion (FRAP 10(b)(2)).
• Unless the entire transcript is ordered, the appellant must file a statement of the issues and serve it and the order or certificate on the appellee within the same 14 days (FRAP 10(b)(3)(A)).

In practice, read each requirement closely. Then check whether your court adds anything of its own. For example, many courts set page limits, formatting rules or a duty to confer with the other side first.

You can read the full text of Fed. R. App. P. 10(b) online. Also, the federal judiciary publishes the current rules and recent amendments.

The request for transcript in state court

This page covers the federal version. In state court, the request for transcript may have a different name, a different deadline or a different form. For example, a state may count days differently or require a separate notice. So start with your state’s rules of civil procedure, then check the local rules. Our state procedures guide links to the official rules for every state and DC.

Key terms

In addition, these terms come up often with this procedure:

• Record on appeal: the materials the appellate court reviews: the original papers and exhibits filed in the trial court, the transcript of proceedings, and a certified copy of the docket entries (Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 10(a)).

Related procedures

Similarly, these procedures often come up alongside it:

• Notice of Appeal: the filing that starts an appeal from a federal district court to a court of appeals.
• Motion for a Stay Pending Appeal: a request to pause a judgment or order while an appeal is decided.

Before you rely on this page

Always read the current rule yourself instead of relying on a summary. Next, check the local rules and the judge’s standing orders, since they often add steps. Then look for recent decisions from your court that apply the rule. Finally, talk to a licensed attorney about your situation. You can find one in our directory.

State court procedure for this filing

The federal rule above applies in federal court. In state court, the same filing is governed by that state's own rules of civil procedure, statutes and local court rules. Many states model their rules on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, so the requirements are often similar, but names, numbers, deadlines and forms can differ. Always use the version that applies to the court where your case is filed.

Examples from the largest state court systems

Each state citation was checked against the rule or code text (official source or a published copy) on October 24, 2026. Rules are amended often, so confirm the current version on the state's official site below.

Find the rule in your state

In your state's rules, look for the rule on request for transcript (appeal). In states that number their rules like the federal rules, it is often the same rule number as the federal rule.