Us Code § 1631 - Transfer to cure want of jurisdiction

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1631 — Transfer to cure want of jurisdiction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1631. Transfer to cure want of jurisdiction

Whenever a civil action is filed in a court as defined in section 610 of this title or an appeal, including a petition for review of administrative action, is noticed for or filed with such a court and that court finds that there is a want of jurisdiction, the court shall, if it is in the interest of justice, transfer such action or appeal to any other such court (or, for cases within the jurisdiction of the United States Tax Court, to that court) in which the action or appeal could have been brought at the time it was filed or noticed, and the action or appeal shall proceed as if it had been filed in or noticed for the court to which it is transferred on the date upon which it was actually filed in or noticed for the court from which it is transferred.

(Added Pub. L. 97–164, title III, §301(a), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 55; amended Pub. L. 115–332, §2, Dec. 19, 2018, 132 Stat. 4487.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–332 inserted "(or, for cases within the jurisdiction of the United States Tax Court, to that court)" after "any other such court".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1982, see section 402 of Pub. L. 97–164, set out as an Effective Date of 1982 Amendment note under section 171 of this title.

PART V—PROCEDURE

Chap.
Sec.
111.
General Provisions
1651
113.
Process
1691
114.
Class Actions
1711
115.
Evidence; Documentary
1731
117.
Evidence; Depositions
1781
119.
Evidence; Witnesses
1821
121
Juries; Trial by Jury
1861
123.
Fees and Costs
1911
125.
Pending Actions and Judgments
1961
127.
Executions and Judicial Sales
2001
129.
Moneys Paid into Court
2041
131.
Rules of Courts
2071
133.
Review—Miscellaneous Provisions
2101

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2005—Pub. L. 109–2, §3(b), Feb. 18, 2005, 119 Stat. 9, added item for chapter 114.

CHAPTER 111—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.
1651.
Writs.
1652.
State laws as rules of decision.
1653.
Amendment of pleadings to show jurisdiction.
1654.
Appearance personally or by counsel.
1655.
Lien enforcement; absent defendants.
1656.
Creation of new district or division or transfer of territory; lien enforcement.
1657.
Priority of civil actions.
1658.
Time limitations on the commencement of civil actions arising under Acts of Congress.
1659.
Stay of certain actions pending disposition of related proceedings before the United States International Trade Commission.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–465, title III, §321(b)(1)(B), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4946, added item 1659.

1990—Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §313(b), Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5115, added item 1658.

1984—Pub. L. 98–620, title IV, §401(b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3357, added item 1657.

About This Section

28 U.S.C. § 1631 is part of Title 28 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 28 U.S.C. § 1631. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1631

What does United States Code § 1631 cover?

Section 1631 ("Transfer to cure want of jurisdiction") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1631?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1631" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1631 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.