Applying for probate
Apply for probate
You can apply for probate yourself online or by post. This can be cheaper than paying a probate practitioner (such as a solicitor) to apply for you.
Read guidance from Money Helper about using a probate practitioner for information on hiring a legal professional.
You’ll usually get probate within 16 weeks of submitting your application. It can take longer if you need to provide additional information.
This guide and the service are also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Apply for probate online
You must have estimated the value of the estate to find out if there’s Inheritance Tax to pay before you can apply for probate.
If you’ve reported the full estate to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), before applying you must:
- start paying Inheritance Tax, if there is any
- wait 20 working days after sending the tax forms to HMRC
Return to or track your application
Sign in to the probate service to:
- check your existing application
- track the progress of an application
- see completed applications
If you need help applying online
There are 2 types of help available. You can get help if:
- you’re able to apply online and there’s a problem - for example a technical issue or you need advice
- you need support to apply online - for example you’re not confident using the internet
Help if you’re able to apply online and there’s a problem
You can get help if you:
- are having technical issues with the service
- need advice about the information you’re providing
Courts and Tribunals Service Centre
Telephone: 0300 303 0648
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Find out about call charges
Webchat
Email: contactprobate@justice.gov.uk
Help if you need support to apply online
You can phone the Digital Support helpline if you:
- do not feel confident using the internet
- do not have access to a computer or smartphone
Digital Support helpline
Telephone: 03300 160051
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays
Text FORM to 60777 and someone will call you back
Find out about call charges
Apply for probate by post
The form you need to fill in depends on whether the person left a will or not.
If there’s a will, fill in application form PA1P.
If there’s not a will, fill in application form PA1A.
If you’ve reported the full estate to HMRC, before applying you must:
- start paying Inheritance Tax, if there is any
- wait 20 working days after sending the tax forms to HMRC
It takes longer to process paper applications than online applications. Apply online if you can.