Guide to filing a mechanics lien in Philadelphia County

Where is the Philadelphia County Prothonotary's Office that files mechanic liens?

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s Office located at:

284 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: 215-686-6653
fax: 215-567-7380

What is Philadelphia County's Recording Backlog?

The Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s Office does not publicly disclose information on recording backlog.

Should I file my mechanics lien in Philadelphia County?

If your construction project is located in Philadelphia County, then yes, you should file your lien here.

What are Philadelphia County's requirements for recording a mechanics lien?

Follow the general lien laws in Pennsylvania. Include information like:

1. You and your attorney’s information.
2. The property owner’s information.
3. The hiring party’s information.
4. The first and last dates that work on the project was done. This is otherwise known as the first and last dates of performance.
5. Notices of Intent to Lien are required in Pennsylvania, so include the dates that notices were sent.
6. Include a statement of labor and materials furnished for the job.
7. Use that statement to calculate your amount for the claim.
8. Include the legal description of the property, which can be found at the Allegheny County Prothonotary’s Office.

What are the margin & page size requirements to file a lien in Philadelphia County?

To file a mechanics lien in Allegheny County, simply fill out the standard form for the State of Pennsylvania. The margin and page size is as follows:

1. All liens should be legible and typed.
2. Each page must be 8.5 x 11 in size.
3. Pages must be printed on one side only, the first page with a .5 inch margin on top,
and all subsequent pages with a .5 inch margin at the top and a .5 inch margin all the sides and bottom.
4. All pages, attachments included, must be numbered.
5. All information to be recorded must be written in 10 point font, black ink typeface.
No handwritten material will be accepted.
6. Paper stock must be 20-pound opaque stock in white or off-white.

How can I make payment to the Philadelphia County Prothonotary's Office?

The Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s Office accepts cash, business checks and money order. No personal checks or credit/debit cards.

What are the filing fees to record a mechanics lien in Philadelphia County?

The Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s recording fees are as follows:

Lien Fees

Filing of a Lien as a First Filing:
(a) Base Fee: $23.10

Copy Fees

Photocopy of Records: $0.50/page
Electronic Records: $0.10/page
Certification or Certificate: Base Fee $29.70
Exemplification: Base Fee: $59.40

How do I get a recorded copy of my lien from the Philadelphia County Prothonotary's Office?

You can obtain a recorded copy of your lien in person at the Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s Office located at:

284 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Phone: 215-686-6653
Fax: 215-567-7380

Copy fees are as follows:

Photocopy of Records: $0.50/page
Electronic Records: $0.10/page
Certification or Certificate: Base Fee $29.70
Exemplification: Base Fee: $59.40

You can also search for Philadelphia County Prothonotary’s records online at:

You can get the property’s legal description from the Philadelphia County Prothonotary of Deeds Office in person located at:
https://fjdefile.phila.gov/efsfjd/zk_fjd_public_qry_00.zp_disclaimer?uid=EntSAcwVvIolqsSYDxam&o=Nsz3tMpoPxozKg8