Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

A short certificate is a document which evidences the appointment and authority of the personal representative (executor or administrator) of an estate. It is issued by the Register of Wills upon the filing of a completed form petition for the probate of a will; or if there is no will, for the issuance of letters of administration.

There is no "expiration date". It lasts for as long as the estate is open. The certificate should not be needed once the administration of the estate is completed.