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What to Do When Someone Dies

Applying for Probate

19 Oct, 2026

Applying for Probate

Once you've confirmed probate is needed and the estate has been valued, applying for the grant itself is fairly straightforward, though the details matter, a small error on the form is one of the most common causes of delay.

What You'll Need First

Before you can apply, you need:

  • The death registered, with certified copies of the death certificate
  • The original will, if there is one, not a photocopy
  • The estate valued, since you'll need to confirm whether Inheritance Tax is due before applying
  • An Inheritance Tax reference number from HMRC, if tax is owed, requested at least 3 weeks before paying

Which Form You Need

  • With a valid will: the executor named in it applies using form PA1P, for a Grant of Probate.
  • Without a will: the closest eligible relative applies using form PA1A, for Letters of Administration instead. The process and fee are the same, only the form and the title of what you receive differ.

How to Apply

You can apply online through the probate service on GOV.UK, or by post. Online is generally the faster route for most straightforward estates, you complete the application, then send the original will and any supporting documents to the address the service provides.

Costs and Timescales

There's no fee for estates worth less than £5,000. Above that, the standard probate fee applies (currently £526, having risen from £300 in July 2026, so it's worth checking the current figure on GOV.UK before applying). It's worth ordering a few additional sealed copies of the grant at the same time, £1.50 each, since banks, the Land Registry, and investment providers will each want to see their own copy.

Processing times vary: online applications typically take around 4 to 8 weeks, postal applications tend to take longer, often 8 to 16 weeks. Applications are frequently sent back for incomplete forms, missing documents, or an unsigned declaration, so it's worth double-checking everything before submitting.

Once the Grant Arrives

With the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) in hand, you now have the legal authority to deal with the estate: closing bank accounts, transferring or selling property through the Land Registry, and dealing with investments or shares. This is generally the point where the practical work of settling the estate can properly begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?

No, it's possible to apply yourself, particularly for a straightforward estate. For anything complex, disputed, or involving significant assets, many people choose to instruct a solicitor or a probate specialist to handle the application.

What happens if Inheritance Tax is due?

You'll generally need to start paying it before the Grant of Probate is issued, this can be a cash-flow challenge since the estate's own funds are usually frozen until probate is granted, though some banks will make payments directly to HMRC from a frozen account for this purpose.

Can I apply if I'm not sure whether the estate needs probate?

It's worth confirming this first, applying unnecessarily adds time and, above the £5,000 threshold, a fee. If you're unsure, check the asset-by-asset rules before starting the application.

What if my application is rejected or sent back?

The Probate Registry will explain what's missing or incorrect, most rejections come down to incomplete forms or missing documents rather than a fundamental problem with the application, correcting and resubmitting is usually straightforward.

Related reading: Checking If You Need Probate · Valuing the Estate

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