Welcome To The Prothonotary's

Web Page

 

 

Pamela S. Lee - Prothonotary

Billie Jo Bones - Chief Deputy

Gregory E. Gettle - Solicitor

 

Our Location: York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401

Office hours - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday

Passport Office hours - 8:30 am - 4:15 pm, Monday-Friday

Phone: (717) 771-9611      Email: pslee@york-county.org

 

Click on the link for information on these topics:

 

 

Fees

Forms

Passport Application Information

 Protection from Abuse Orders

History

York County Local Rules

PA Rules of Civil Procedure

Pro Se Information

 

The title Prothonotary means first officer. As the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Civil Division, under the supervision of the judges of this court, the Prothonotary generally has the power to sign and affix the seal of the court to all writs and processes, and, also to the exemplifications of all records and process.

 

All civil litigation is filed with the Prothonotary. A few examples include the following: unpaid debt complaints, malpractice actions, mortgage foreclosures, personal injury cases, equity actions, replevin, district justice civil judgment appeals, license suspension appeals, administrative agency appeals, actions in ejectment, condemnation proceedings, family court matters such as divorce, child custody and protection from abuse cases. Liens against real estate and personal property are also part of the records. Records date back to 1759.

 

The Prothonotary or one of her deputies must be present in court during all civil cases to administer oaths to witnesses and juries and keep track of exhibits. The Prothonotary is responsible for the Naturalization Ceremony held twice a year, and is also the Acceptance Agency for U.S. Passport applications.

 

The position of Prothonotary is an elected official. The term of the office is four years. 

PROTHONOTARY FEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2009

 

 

NOTES

York County Local Rules require a backer on all filings.

All filings should be one-sided.

Judgments must be accompanied by 236 Notices.

Divorce finalizations require submission of a Divorce Information Sheet and the Social Security Information Sheet.

Failure to provide all required paperwork may result in returned filings. 

The Prothonotary shall not be required to enter on the docket any suit or action nor order of court or enter any judgment thereon or perform any services       whatsoever for any person or political subdivision of the Commonwealth until the requisite fee is paid.

Stamped, self-addressed envelopes must be included with any documents to be returned.

 

ONLY CASH OR BUSINESS CHECKS, CERTIFIED CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS OR TRAVELERS CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE “PROTHONOTARY OF YORK COUNTY” ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR PAYMENT OF FEES.  OUR OFFICE NO LONGER ACCEPTS PERSONAL CHECKS.  A FEE OF $20.00 WILL BE CHARGED FOR RETURNED BUSINESS CHECKS

 

 

 

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS

 

The Prothonotary of York County is the official acceptance agent for Passports in York County.   In addition to appearing at the Prothonotary’s office in the York County Judicial Center, applicants may also appear at the Hanover Post Office.  You may contact the Hanover Post Office at (717) 637-2147.

 

Applicants should be prepared to submit a Certified Birth Record from the State Dept. of Health, Division of Vital Records, a Certificate of Naturalization or an expired previous U.S. Passport.  Many people present documents that are not acceptable such as a Notice of Birth Registration or a hospital birth record.  Please make sure you have a Certificate of Birth, which bears the seal of the Department of Health.  Also required are two (2) identical Passport photos, size 2” X 2,” which must be in color.  Please note that these are a specific type of photo.  School photos or photos obtained from a “photo booth” may not be acceptable.  In addition, applicants will need to submit current photo identification (usually a driver’s license).  Minors who do not drive must be accompanied by a parent who has proper identification.

 

 

 

Note: Please do not bring cell phones or pagers into the Judicial Center. You will not be allowed to enter the building with these items and security personnel will not hold them for you.

 

 

 

PASSPORT OFFICE HOURS - 8:30 AM TO 4:15 PM,  MONDAY-FRIDAY, PHONE -771-4760

 

 

PASSPORT BOOK FEES

 

FEES:

ADULTS - 16 years old and up
U.S. Department of State fee	$75 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$25 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$100
MINORS – 15 years old and younger
U.S. Department of State fee	$60 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$25 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$85

 

Customers using regular service from our office will receive their passports in approximately 4 to 6  weeks.  To allow time for processing and delivery, we advise you to gather necessary materials and apply early. 

 

Those wishing to receive their passports sooner may request expedited service which assures processing within 21 business days from the receipt of completed applications.  The fees for expedited service are listed below.

 

EXPEDITE FEES:

ADULTS - 16 years old and up
U.S. Department of State fee	$149.85 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$  42.50 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$192.35
MINORS – 15 years old and younger
U.S. Department of State fee	$134.85 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$  42.50 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$177.35

 

. 

NEW PASSPORT CARD:  

    

       Customers will now have the option to apply for a Passport Book, a Passport Card, or both. The Passport Card may only be used for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The Passport Card will provide a less expensive, smaller, and more convenient alternative for those who travel to these destinations.

 

PASSPORT CARD FEES

 

 

ADULTS - 16 years old and up
U.S. Department of State fee	$20 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$25 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$45
MINORS – 15 years old and younger
U.S. Department of State fee	$10 (Must be personal check or money order. NO CASH!)
Prothonotary fee	$25 (cash, personal check, or money order)
TOTAL FEE	$35

 

 

Customers using regular service from our office will receive their Passport Card in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. To allow time for processing and delivery, we advise you to gather necessary materials and apply early.

 

 

Payment Methods:

Prothonotary application fees are payable by cash, personal check, business check or money orders. We do not accept credit cards. 

 

Dept. of State fees are payable by personal checks, business checks, or money orders. We do not accept cash for this fee. We do not accept credit cards.

 

Itineraries are no longer required for expedited service from our office.  However, proof of departure in the form of tickets or itinerary are still required if the customer appears in person at the Philadelphia or Washington Agencies for same day service.  Those departing in 14 days or less are to appear at the Washington or Philadelphia Passport agencies.  Customers applying to Philadelphia or Washington MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT.  Only customers traveling within 14 calendar days (2 weeks) with proof of departure or those who require extra time to apply for visas are eligible to schedule an appointment.  Customers traveling in more than 2 weeks must apply for their passport at the York County Prothonotary’s office.

 

Customers may schedule an automated appointment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1 (877) 487-2778.  Again, proof of departure MUST be submitted with all appointments.

 

Customers applying for same day service should be aware that it takes 3-4 hours to process urgent passports.  We recommend that these customers schedule a morning appointment to avoid having to return the next day to pick up the passport.  All other customers with scheduled appointments will have their passports mailed out in 3 business days.  The customer may request and pay for overnight mail service.

 

PHILADELPHIA PASSPORT AGENCY

U.S. CUSTOM HOUSE                       

200 CHESTNUT STREET, ROOM 103

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-2970

1 (877) 487- 2778 

BRIEF AUTOMATED MESSAGE AND APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

HOURS:  9:00 – 4:00 M-F

 

 

WASHINGTON PASSPORT AGENCY

1111 19^TH STREET, N.W.  Suite 300     

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036-1705

1 (877) 487- 2778 

BRIEF AUTOMATED MESSAGE AND APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

HOURS:  8:00 – 3:00 M-F

 

 

MORE PASSPORT INFORMATION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SITE:      http://travel.state.gov

At this site, you can download forms, get renewal information, and get answers to your Passport questions. You can also obtain current public announcements and travel warnings at this website or by calling (202) 647-5225.

 

 

ITEMS REQUIRED FOR A PASSPORT APPLICATION

 

ADULTS – 16 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER (ORANGE FORM DS-11)

 

1.        Application must be filled out completely by typing or printing.  Use only blue or black ink. Do not sign the application.

 

2.       Original or certified copy of birth certificate, previous U.S. Passport or original Naturalization Certificate.   Hospital birth certificates and notification of birth registrations are not acceptable.

 

3.   Two identical photographs.    Passport photographs are 2”x 2” and must have a white or off-white background.  No school or vending booth photos.

 

4.       Valid photo identification in the form of driver’s license or state-issued I.D., previous Passport or Naturalization Certificate.

 

5.       Passport Book –- $100.00 Fee – $75.00 check or money order payable to U.S. Dept of State (no cash), and $25 cash, money order, personal check or business check payable to 

      Prothonotary.

 

6.       Passport Card –- $45.00 Fee – $20.00 check or money order payable to U.S. Dept of State (no cash), and $25 cash, money order, personal check or business check payable to     

      Prothonotary.

 

    NOTE - If the book and card are applied for at the same time, there is only one $25 fee payable to the Prothonotary.

 

7.   Applicants age 16-18 with a check to the U.S. Dept. of State from a birth parent’s account and a valid driver’s license may appear without a parent or guardian. 

 

 

MINORS –15 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER (ORANGE FORM DS-11)

 

1.       Same preparation as above with the following exceptions:

 

2.       Passport Book – $ 85.00 fee – $60.00 check or money order payable to U.S. Dept of State (no cash), and $25 cash, money order, personal check or business check payable to Prothonotary.

 

3.   Passport Card – $ 35.00 fee – $10.00 check or money order payable to U.S. Dept of State (no cash), and $25 cash, money order, personal check or business check payable to Prothonotary.

 

    NOTE - If the book and card are applied for at the same time, there is only one $25 fee payable to the Prothonotary.

 

4.       Applications for applicants 13 and under are executed by both parents or guardians. All Children Must Appear In Person.  Identification of the accompanying adult will be used for minors without a valid driver’s license. *( FORM DS-3053)

 

RENEWALS (PURPLE FORM DS- 82) – This form is available in the Prothonotary’s office but the applicant must personally complete and mail it.

 

1.       Applicant must submit the most recent passport issued after 16^th birthday and within five years after expiration.

            

2.       Two recent passport photos

 

3.       Check for $75.00 made payable to the U.S. Dept. of State

 

 

4.       Mail the above items to:

                  NATIONAL PASSPORT CENTER

                  P O BOX 90155

                  PHILADELPHIA, PA  19190-0155

 

 

 

 

PROTECTION FROM ABUSE PROCEDURES

(23 Pa. C.S.A. section 6101 et seq.)

 

The following instructions will aid an individual in understanding the process.

 

Upon application to the PCDAV, attorneys may access the internet to create a Petition and review an Order. Call PFAD Technical Support at 1-888-235-3425 or go to the website at www.pfad.org

 

PRO SE PROTECTION FROM ABUSE INSTRUCTIONS

(Pro Se – on one’s own behalf; without an attorney)

 

ACCESS SHELTER (York) 846-6500 or SAFE HOME (Hanover) 632-0007 can provide support, assistance with filling out forms, and someone to accompany you through this process, or you may see the PFA Coordinator in the Court House.

 

 

Be prepared to spend several hours at the York County Judicial Center.

 

Note: Please do not bring cell phones or pagers into the Judicial Center. You will not be allowed to enter the building with these items and security personnel will not hold them for you.

          

1.    Go to: York County Judicial Center      (717) 771-9662

                 45 North George Street

                 York, Pa 17401

                 Hours: 8:30 a.m.  To  4:30 p.m. 

 

2.          The PFA Clerk will assist you in preparing your petition

You will need the following information on hand when filling out these forms:

a.       Defendant’s full name and address (abuser)

b.       Defendant’s birth date and year, and Defendant’s Social Security number.

c.       Dates you and Defendant lived together, or if married, date you and Defendant were married.

d.       If you are not married or living together, indicate your relationship to the Defendant (for example, a stepparent).

e.       Dates of incidents of abuse

f.         Specific abusive acts 

 

 

ATTENTION:

IF YOU DROP THE PFA (PROTECTION FROM ABUSE) PETITION,

YOU ARE LIABLE TO PAY COURT COSTS

TO THE YORK COUNTY PROTHONOTARY’S OFFICE.

 

 

 

 

PROTHONOTARY HISTORY

 

Prothonotary described in Black’s Law Dictionary is the title given to an officer who officiates as principal clerk of some courts. The term Prothonotary first appears in Pennsylvania history in 1707 when the Court of Common Pleas was first established as a separate court. The term Prothonotary was used interchangeably with that of Clerk of Courts and both positions were filled by the same man. This man was appointed by the Governor of the colonies to issue all writs (a judicial order to perform a specified act) and processes (any means used by court to acquire or exercise its jurisdiction over a person or over specific property) of the court under county seal. Unless removed for malfeasance or senility, Prothonotaries remained in office for life which meant 20 to 30 years. The Prothonotary frequently found himself in the middle of angry buyers, sellers and surveyors because land records were also under his care. Settlers and speculators all wanted to make certain that the land they owned was properly recorded. So great was the Prothonotary’s influence that inhabitants of the county advised him of any political action that ran contrary to the present interests of the day. The Prothonotary, people knew, represented law and order.

 

In 1838, the Prothonotary became an elected official for three years, which continued until 1909. In some counties all court clerk positions were held by one person, which in some counties is true today. In 1929 county laws were revised. First, second, third and fourth-class counties shall have one Prothonotary and one Clerk of Courts. Fifth, sixth, and seventh class counties will elect one person to be both Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts. In eighth class counties, one person shall fill all five clerical offices.

 

The Prothonotary must be an American Citizen and a resident of the county for at least one year before assuming office. If the Prothonotary dies, the governor may appoint a successor with a confirmation of 2/3 of the Senate.

 

 

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