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 12 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 the estate’s not ‘excepted’, you must also submit full details (the estate’s assets and debts, any gifts made, and any reliefs and exemptions) to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) using form IHT400 before applying.

And you must:

Apply for probate

Return to your application

Sign in to the probate service to:

  • continue an existing online application
  • see completed applications

Check how to track the progress of your application.

If you need help applying online

Who you contact depends on the type of help you need.

If you’re having technical issues or need guidance about how to apply

Courts and Tribunals Service Centre
contactprobate@justice.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 303 0648 
Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm
Closed on bank holidays
Find out about call charges 
Webchat

If you do not have access to the internet or do not feel confident using it

We Are Group
support@wearegroup.com
Telephone: 03300 160 051
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 for HMRC to send you a letter with a code before you apply

It takes longer to process paper applications than online applications. Apply online if you can.

Check how to track the progress of your application.