The writ may be reissued or substituted as in a civil action.
Rule 3029.Reissuance and Substitution of Writ.
Adopted October 1, 1964 · Last amended December 19, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThe writ of revival may be reissued or substituted the same way as a writ in an ordinary civil action, so a creditor who misses the service window or loses the writ can keep the proceeding alive.
Full Text of Rule 3029
Plain-English Summary
This short rule borrows ordinary civil-action practice for keeping a writ in force. The writ of revival may be reissued — extending its life for a fresh service period — or substituted if it is lost or destroyed, just as the rules allow for a writ of summons.
The Official Note points to the rule that governs reissuance and substitution of a summons. The effect is that a creditor whose first writ was not served within the ninety-day window can revive the proceeding without starting over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a revival writ be reissued?
Yes. The rule permits reissuance and substitution of the writ.
Why allow reissuance?
Service may not be completed on the first attempt; reissuance keeps the proceeding open.
Official Note
Official Note: See Rule 401(b) governing reissuance and substitution of a writ of summons.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3029 adopted October 1, 1964, effective April 1, 1965; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended December 19, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 22. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (213388).
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: reissuance substitution writ revival