Complete guide to the probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 18 min.
This step-by-step probate application guide explains the order of the main tasks in England and Wales: check whether probate is needed, value the estate, deal with inheritance tax reporting where required, gather the probate documents and apply online or by paper form.
It is designed for executors and administrators who need a practical sequence, including when IHT work has to happen before the probate application can be completed and how EstateManager can help track documents, deadlines and application progress.
The Probate Registry typically takes up to 12 weeks from the date of application to issue the grant. But the total time from starting to receiving the grant — including valuing the estate and dealing with HMRC — is usually four to six months for a straightforward estate. Complex estates with IHT disputes or contested wills can take much longer.
No. If inheritance tax is owed, you must start paying it before the Probate Registry will issue the grant. If the estate's money is frozen in bank accounts, the HMRC Direct Payment Scheme allows some banks to pay IHT directly from the deceased's accounts before probate — contact the bank to ask if they participate.
You need the HMRC unique code if the estate is not excepted and you submit IHT400 before applying for probate. GOV.UK says you must submit the IHT400, start paying Inheritance Tax if any is due, and wait for HMRC to send the unique code before you apply online or by post.
A Grant of Probate is issued when the person left a valid will and an executor is applying. Letters of Administration are issued when there is no will (intestacy) or when the will does not name a valid executor. Both documents give you the same legal authority to deal with the estate — the name just reflects the circumstances.
Yes. Up to four executors can apply together. One acts as the lead applicant and manages the application; the others sign the legal declaration electronically. All named executors who are not applying must formally 'power reserve' — meaning they are not applying now but reserve the right to apply later.
If the original will cannot be found, you may be able to apply using a copy — but you will need to provide a sworn statement explaining why the original is unavailable. If no will exists at all, the estate is distributed under the intestacy rules and you apply for Letters of Administration rather than a Grant of Probate.
Order the number you expect to need. Copies requested with the application cost £2 each. Copies requested after you submit the application cost £16 each.
If you applied online, you can sign in to the probate service at apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk to check the status. If you applied by post, you should receive a letter or email within 12 weeks. If you have not heard anything after 12 weeks, call the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 303 0648 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm).
The fee is £526 for an estate worth more than £5,000. There is no application fee if the estate is worth £5,000 or less.