Applying for a Grant of Probate Online UK (2026): The HMCTS MyHMCTS Service Step by Step

The HMCTS online probate service was launched in November 2019 and allows most executors to apply for a grant of probate (or letters of administration for intestate estates) entirely online — without visiting a probate registry in person: (1) THE SERVICE: the HMCTS probate application service is accessed via the MyHMCTS portal (apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk). Both PERSONAL APPLICANTS (executors acting without a solicitor) and PROFESSIONAL APPLICANTS (solicitors and legal professionals) use this service. Personal applicants also have access via the GOV.UK probate page; (2) WHO CAN USE THE ONLINE SERVICE: the online service is available for: (a) grants of probate — where the deceased left a valid will and named executors are applying; (b) letters of administration (intestate estates) — where the deceased left no will and the next of kin is applying as administrator; (c) letters of administration with the will annexed — where there is a will but no living executor is willing and able to apply; (3) WHO CANNOT USE THE ONLINE SERVICE: the online service is NOT available for: (a) estates where the death occurred before 1 January 1926; (b) some complex foreign estates; (c) contentious probate applications (caveats filed); (d) some estates requiring special forms (e.g. exempt estates requiring IHT421 submission in a specific format); in those cases, a paper application must be submitted to the HMCTS Probate Registry (PO Box 5769, Harlow CM20 9RA for personal applicants); (4) WHAT THE SERVICE DOES: the online application guides the applicant through: (a) submitting the application details; (b) paying the probate fee; (c) posting the original will and death certificate to the Probate Registry. The grant is then issued and sent by post.

Before starting the online application, gather the following documents and information: (1) THE ORIGINAL WILL (AND ALL CODICILS): the original signed will (not a photocopy) must be POSTED to the Probate Registry after the online application is submitted. The online application asks you to confirm the will exists and describe its contents. Keep a copy before posting. If the original will is lost, specialist advice is needed; (2) DEATH CERTIFICATE: an ORIGINAL or CERTIFIED COPY of the death certificate is required. The Probate Registry will keep the certified copy — the original is returned. Many executors request multiple certified copies from the registrar when registering the death, as banks and other institutions also require original certificates; (3) IHT DOCUMENTATION: depending on the estate, different IHT documentation is needed: (a) EXEMPT ESTATE (no IHT payable — estate below thresholds): complete HMRC form IHT205 (or for deaths after 1 January 2022, the estate information is submitted via the online service using the updated process — IHT205 was replaced by the online IHT reporting for excepted estates); (b) TAXABLE ESTATE (IHT payable): complete IHT400 (full account) and all relevant supplementary schedules. Pay IHT due BEFORE applying for probate (HMRC will issue an IHT421 confirmation). Probate will not be issued without evidence that IHT has been paid or that an estate is excepted; (4) EXECUTORS' DETAILS: full names, addresses, dates of birth, and National Insurance numbers of all executors applying. If some executors are 'having power reserved' (not applying), their details are also needed; (5) ESTATE SUMMARY: an approximate valuation of the estate assets (property, bank accounts, investments, personal property) and liabilities.

The probate fee is paid at the time of the online application — before the grant is issued: (1) THE FEE (2026): the current probate fee for PERSONAL APPLICANTS (applying without a solicitor) is £300 for estates valued above £5,000. There is NO FEE for estates valued at £5,000 or less. For estates over £5,000: (a) personal application fee: £300; (b) additional copies of the grant: £1.50 per copy (useful for banks, Land Registry, insurance companies — order at least 10 at the time of application); (2) PROFESSIONAL APPLICANT FEE: solicitors and legal professionals pay the same £300 fee as personal applicants. There is no additional surcharge for professional applications; (3) WHEN PAID: the fee is paid online by credit or debit card at the time of submitting the online application. The Probate Registry will not process the application until the fee is paid; (4) PAYMENT FROM THE ESTATE: the probate fee is an EXPENSE OF THE ESTATE — it is paid by the executor on behalf of the estate and reimbursed from the estate assets once the grant is issued. The executor should keep a receipt; (5) REFUND: if the application is withdrawn before the grant is issued (e.g. because the estate turns out to be below the threshold or the will is challenged), the probate fee may be refundable — contact HMCTS; (6) NOTE ON PROPOSED FEE CHANGES: the government has periodically consulted on increasing probate fees substantially (the 2019 proposal for fees up to £6,000 was abandoned). As of June 2026, the fee remains £300 for personal applicants. Always check the current fee on GOV.UK before applying.

The time from submitting the online probate application to receiving the grant varies: (1) CURRENT HMCTS PROBATE TIMELINES (2026): the HMCTS Probate Registry aims to process straightforward applications within 8-16 weeks of receiving all documents. In practice, timelines have varied significantly in recent years: (a) 2020-2022: significant backlogs due to COVID-19 and staffing issues; some applications took 6-12 months; (b) 2023-2024: backlogs reduced; most straightforward applications processed in 8-16 weeks; (c) 2026: HMCTS currently aims for most straightforward applications within 8-12 weeks — check the current service timelines at HMCTS probate service page before relying on a specific date; (2) STAGES OF THE APPLICATION: the key stages and typical timelines are: (a) ONLINE SUBMISSION: immediate — done in one session; (b) POSTING DOCUMENTS: the executor must post the original will and death certificate within 15 working days of submitting the application. Delay here delays the entire process; (c) DOCUMENT RECEIPT BY HMCTS: typically 3-5 working days after posting; (d) DOCUMENT CHECKING AND PROCESSING: HMCTS checks the documents; if queries arise, HMCTS will write to the executor; (e) GRANT ISSUED AND POSTED: the grant is posted to the executor once approved. Allow 5-7 working days for delivery; (3) FACTORS THAT CAUSE DELAYS: (a) missing or unclear documents (original will not posted; death certificate issues); (b) IHT not fully paid before application; (c) contentious matters (caveat filed by potential claimant); (d) complex estates with multiple executors; (e) applications during peak periods (January-April); (4) CONTACT: executors can check their application status online via MyHMCTS or by calling the HMCTS Probate Service helpline (0300 303 0648, Monday to Friday).

Yes — the online service is specifically designed for personal applicants (executors acting without a solicitor). Many straightforward estates can be administered without professional help: (1) WHEN PERSONAL APPLICATION IS APPROPRIATE: a personal application is suitable for: (a) a straightforward estate with clear assets, a valid will, and no disputes; (b) executors who are confident dealing with paperwork and HMRC forms; (c) excepted estates (below the IHT threshold) where a full IHT400 is not required; (d) small or medium estates with limited complexity; (2) WHEN PROFESSIONAL HELP IS ADVISABLE: a solicitor or licensed professional should be considered where: (a) IHT is payable and an IHT400 (with supplementary schedules) must be completed; (b) the estate includes a business, agricultural property, or foreign assets; (c) there are complex trusts in the will; (d) there are potential challenges to the will (testamentary capacity disputes; undue influence); (e) there are estranged family members who might bring an Inheritance Act 1975 claim; (f) the estate includes a property requiring a deed of appointment or complex transfer; (g) the executor is out of the UK (a UK-based co-executor or professional is recommended); (3) THE 'FIXED FEE PROBATE' OPTION: many solicitors offer a fixed-fee probate service for straightforward estates — typically ranging from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on estate complexity. This can be cost-effective compared to hourly rates; (4) SWEARING THE OATH: personal applicants no longer need to attend a probate registry to swear an oath — the online application includes a statement of truth that replaces the traditional oath. This was one of the main benefits of the 2019 online service launch; (5) CONTESTED PROBATE: if a caveat has been entered against the estate (by a potential claimant or challenger), the online service cannot proceed. Professional representation is essential in contentious probate.