Apply for probate by post if there is a will: Form PA1P
Apply for probate by post as an executor named in the will of someone who's died or as a beneficiary if there are no executors.
Documents
Details
If you are applying online, you do not need to submit a paper application.
You can apply for the legal right to manage the estate of someone who has died and left a will. You’ll receive a ‘grant of probate’.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are one of the following:
- an ‘executor’ – a person named in a will of the person who’s died (grant of probate)
- a ‘beneficiary’ where there’s a will but none of the executors are applying (letters of administration with will annexed)
- a probate practitioner representing the executor(s) or the beneficiaries if there are no executors (grant of probate or letters of administration with will annexed)
Apply as an executor without a probate practitioner
Download the ‘citizen applicants only’ form to apply by post.
Alternatively, you can apply for probate online.
You may also be able to apply using this form if:
- you are a beneficiary named in the will, and there are no executors able to apply for the grant
- if there are no executors named in the will
Apply as a probate practitioner
Download the ‘probate practitioners only’ form to apply by post. Alternatively, you can apply online if you or your practice has a MyHMCTS account.
Before you apply
You’ll need to:
- report the value of the estate of the person who died to HMRC
- pay any inheritance tax due
To apply for the grant:
1. download the correct paper form
2. fill in all sections that apply
3. complete the checklist
4. print the form
5. sign and date the application
6. include a cheque with your application (see How to pay)
7. send your completed form and supporting documents to:
HMCTS Probate
PO Box 12625
Harlow
CM20 9QE
What to include in your application
The original will
You will need to submit the original will and the official death certificate. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted.
The original will become a public document by law when HM Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS) gives you the grant. It will not be returned to you, as HMCTS must store it in the public records.
How to pay
You must pay by sending a cheque payable to ‘HM Courts and Tribunals Service’ with your documents.
How long it will take
It can take up to 16 weeks to process your application if there’s no delay in receiving your documents.
Contact us
If you have not heard from us after 16 weeks or need help to complete this form, you can contact us.
Probate helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 0648
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Closed on weekends and bank holidays
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Last updated 21 August 2023 + show all updates
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Updated helpline opening times
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Updated helpline opening times
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Updated April's bank holiday week opening times
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Added a welsh version of the practitioner form
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Removed the pre-2022 citizen applicant form only.
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Updated opening times for the probate helpline
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Removed the wrong address being shown on legal statement page of the form.
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Updated to show we're closed on Saturdays.
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Updated form page with new paper forms for applicants with and without an excepted estate
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Added information about how to pay.
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Updated helpline information.
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Revised form including equality and diversity questions.
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Probate helpline opening times amended.
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New legal practitioner form published.
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Revised application form.
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Revised PA1P.
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Revised Welsh PA1P uploaded.
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Removed the link to HMRC as it is no longer needed.
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First published.