Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for archiving and clearing a document for publication. Upon receiving the document, the system takes actions to archive the document in a database. In doing so, the system automatically records a date upon which the document is archived. Next, the system receives a request to clear the document for publication. This causes the system to send an approval request to a first clearing authority. Upon receiving an approval from the first clearing authority, the system proceeds to clear the document for publication. Otherwise, if a denial is received from the first clearing authority, the system prevents the document from being cleared for publication. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the system receives an approval from the first clearing authority, the system sends an approval request to a second clearing authority. Upon receiving an approval from the second clearing authority, the system clears the document for publication.