Complete guide to the probate application process, forms needed, costs, and typical timeframes.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster.
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 grant is usually issued within 12 weeks of submitting your application, and it can take longer if the registry needs additional information. Valuing the estate beforehand can itself take several months. How long the whole process takes from death to final distribution depends on the estate — our guide How Long Does Probate Take? breaks it down.
Normally, no. You must start paying the tax before the Probate Registry will issue the grant. If the estate's money is frozen, the Direct Payment Scheme lets participating banks and investment providers pay HMRC directly from the deceased's accounts using form IHT423 — ask the provider first, because not all take part. If you genuinely cannot pay, you can ask HMRC about a grant on credit.
When the estate is not excepted. GOV.UK requires you to submit form IHT400, start paying any Inheritance Tax due, and wait for HMRC to send the unique code before you apply — online or by post. For postal applications after reporting the full estate, wait for HMRC's letter containing the code.
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. If there is a will but it does not name an executor, or the named executor cannot apply, the document is Letters of Administration with Will Annexed. All three give the same legal authority to deal with the estate.
Yes. Up to four executors can be named on the application. One acts as lead applicant; the others sign the legal declaration electronically, using a link sent by email and a code sent by text. Executors who are not applying must tell the lead applicant in writing that they hold power reserved — and if they later apply, a second application fee of £22 is payable.
If the original will has been lost, you may be able to apply using form PA13, which supports an application when the will cannot be produced. If there is no will at all, the estate is distributed under the intestacy rules and you apply for Letters of Administration instead.
Order as many as you expect to need. Each organisation holding an asset may want an official copy and may keep it. Copies cost £2 each when ordered with your application and £16 each afterwards.
If you applied online, sign in to the probate service to check its status. If you applied by post, expect a letter or email within 12 weeks; after that, call the Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 303 0648 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm).
£526 for an estate worth more than £5,000. There is no application fee if the estate is worth £5,000 or less. Help with fees may be available on a low income or certain benefits.