Adopted December 14, 1989 · Last amended August 8, 2023 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule supplies the standard form of subpoena commanding a witness to attend and testify, the document used whenever a subpoena issues under the rule governing trial and deposition subpoenas.
Full Text of Rule 234.6
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A subpoena issued pursuant to Rule 234.1 shall be substantially in the following form: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of (Caption) SUBPOENA TO ATTEND AND TESTIFY To : (Name(s) of Witness(es)) 1. You are ordered by the Court to come to (Specify courtroom or other place) at , Pennsylvania, on at o’clock, . M., to testify on behalf of in the above case, and to remain until excused. 2. And bring with you the following: . If you fail to attend or to produce the documents or things required by this subpoena, you may be subject to the sanctions authorized by Rule 234.5 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, including but not limited to costs, attorney fees and imprisonment. Requested by: (Attorney’s name, address, telephone number and identification number) BY THE COURT, Date: By Seal of the Court (Name of Prothonotary) Return of Service: (Reverse side of Subpoena) On the day of , , I , served with the fore- (name of person served) going subpoena by: (Describe method of service) . I verify that the statements in this return of service are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Date: (signature)
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the form of the subpoena that compels a person to appear and give testimony. It is captioned in the action, addressed to the named witness, and orders attendance at a stated time and place, with room to require documents or things to be brought.
The accompanying note directs that this form be used whenever a subpoena issues under the governing rule, including for depositions and related hearings. A uniform form means a witness receives the same clear command, and the same warning about ignoring it, in every court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a required form for a subpoena?
Yes. A subpoena must be substantially in the form set out in this rule.
Official Note
Note: This form of subpoena shall be used whenever a subpoena is issuable under Rule 234.1, including hearings in connection with depositions and before arbitrators, hearing officers, commissioners, etc. To require the production of documents or things in addition to testimony, complete paragraph 2.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 234.6 adopted December 14, 1989, effective January 1, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 7; amended April 7, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 1921; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266; amended August 8, 2023, effective October 1, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 5108. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (255179) to (255180).
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