Rule 205.1.Filing Legal Papers. Mailing. Personal Presentation by Attorney Not Necessary.
Last amended April 29, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 205.1
Plain-English Summary
This rule removes the need to appear in person to file routine papers. Anything that does not require a judge’s signature or action before filing may be delivered or mailed to the prothonotary, sheriff, or other appropriate officer, along with any filing fee.
An attorney’s signature on the paper certifies authorization to file it, and noting the attorney’s Supreme Court identification number serves as proof of the right to practice. Endorsing an address for service satisfies the registration of address.
Timing matters for anything mailed: a paper sent by mail is not deemed filed until the officer receives it, so the date of receipt — not the postmark — is the filing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to appear in person to file a paper?
No. A legal paper that does not need a judge’s signature before filing may be mailed or delivered to the prothonotary or other appropriate officer. Neither the party nor the attorney has to present it in person.
When is a mailed filing considered filed?
When the officer receives it. A paper sent by mail is not deemed filed until it reaches the prothonotary or other appropriate officer, so allow for delivery time before a deadline.
Official Note
Official Note: The address endorsed on the legal paper must be one where the paper may be handed to or mailed to the attorney. See Rule 440(a)(1). The filing of legal documents prepared on recycled paper of good quality is encouraged.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 205.1 amended October 29, 1976, 6 Pa.B. 2737; amended March 21, 1995, effective April 8, 1995, 25 Pa.B. 1272; amended April 29, 2003, effective September 1, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 2356. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255153) to (255154) and (281405).