Rule 424.Corporations and Similar Entities.

Adopted July 5, 1985 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 424 provides that service of original process on a corporation or similar entity is made by handing a copy to an executive officer, partner, or trustee, the manager or person in charge of a regular place of business, or an agent authorized in writing to receive service.

Full Text of Rule 424

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Service of original process upon a corporation or similar entity shall be made by handing a copy to any of the following persons provided the person served is not a plaintiff in the action:

(1) an executive officer, partner or trustee of the corporation or similar entity, or

(2) the manager, clerk or other person for the time being in charge of any regular place of business or activity of the corporation or similar entity, or

(3) an agent authorized by the corporation or similar entity in writing to receive service of process for it.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule sets how to serve a corporation or similar entity. Service is made by handing a copy to any of the following, so long as the person served is not a plaintiff: an executive officer, partner, or trustee of the entity; the manager, clerk, or other person for the time being in charge of any regular place of business or activity; or an agent authorized in writing to receive service for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a corporation served with a lawsuit?

By handing a copy to an executive officer, partner, or trustee, the person in charge of a regular place of business, or an agent authorized in writing to receive service — provided the person served is not a plaintiff.

Official Note

Official Note: Substituted service pursuant to Rule 402(a)(2) upon a corporation or similar entity is not permitted by this rule.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 424 adopted July 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; rescinded June 14, 1999, effective September 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3191. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256958) to (256959). (Editor’s Note: The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has suspended its order of June 14, 1999, published at 29 Pa.B. 3191 (June 26, 1999). See 29 Pa.B. 4859 (September 18, 1999).)

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. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: corporation serviceservice on a companyregistered agent