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Prothonotary

Also called: county prothonotary, clerk of courts of common pleas

The elected county official who maintains the civil records of the Court of Common Pleas. In Pennsylvania notary practice, the Prothonotary is the officer with whom a newly appointed notary files the oath of office within 45 days of appointment.

Every PA county has a Prothonotary’s office at the county courthouse. Filing fees for the oath are modest ($10–$30 typically). Bring a photo ID and the signed oath; the Prothonotary records it and returns a stamped copy the notary keeps as evidence of timely recording.

Source: 57 Pa.C.S. § 321(c)

See also: oath-of-office, commission

This page is educational information, not legal advice. Pennsylvania notary law changes; always verify against the current version of RULONA (57 Pa.C.S. §§ 301–331) and 4 Pa. Code at pa.gov. Consult a PA-licensed attorney for specific situations.