Rule 205.3.Filing Pleadings and Other Legal Papers with the Prothonotary. Originals and Copies.

Adopted August 3, 1998 · Last amended December 29, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 205.3 lets a party file an original paper or a copy — including a facsimile copy — as long as the copy shows the original was properly signed and verified, treats that copy as the equivalent of the original, and lets any other party demand the original within fourteen days.

Full Text of Rule 205.3

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b)

(a) A party may file with the prothonotary an original pleading or other legal paper, or a copy including a facsimile copy provided that the copy shows that the original pleading or other legal paper was properly signed and, where applicable, verified. Except as otherwise provided by law, the copy shall be deemed the equivalent of the original document.

(b) If a party has filed of record a copy of a pleading or other legal paper, any other party may require the filing of the original document by filing with the prothonotary and serving upon the party who filed the copy a notice to file the original document with the prothonotary within fourteen days of the filing of the notice.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule makes copies usable for filing. A party may file the original pleading or paper, or a copy (including a fax copy), provided the copy shows that the original was properly signed and, where required, verified. Unless a law says otherwise, the filed copy is treated as the equivalent of the original.

The other side keeps a check on this. If a party files a copy, any other party may compel production of the original by filing and serving a notice; the filer must then file the original with the prothonotary within fourteen days of that notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a copy instead of the original document?

Yes. You may file a copy, including a facsimile copy, if it shows that the original was properly signed and, where required, verified. The copy is deemed the equivalent of the original unless the law provides otherwise.

Can the other side make me produce the original?

Yes. After a copy is filed of record, any other party may serve a notice requiring the original. You then have fourteen days from the notice to file the original with the prothonotary.

Official Note

Official Note: This rule does not authorize the filing of legal papers with the prothonotary by facsimile transmission, but, rather, authorized the filing of a non-original facsimile or other copy. See Rule 205.1 governing the manner of filing with the prothonotary. See Rule 76 for the definition of facsimile copy. The facsimile copy must be on paper of good quality. See Pa.R.A.P. 124(a)(1).

Amendment History

The provision of this Rule 205.3 adopted August 3, 1998, effective January 1, 1999, 28 Pa.B. 3928; amended December 29, 2008, effective immediately, 39 Pa.B. 304. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331689) to (331690).

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: originals and copiesfacsimile copyfiling a copy