How to Apply for Probate Online

Applying for probate online is now the standard way for most people to obtain legal authority to deal with a deceased person's estate in England and Wales. This process can be done without visiting a Probate Registry in person and is generally faster and more efficient than submitting a paper application. This guide explains exactly how the online application works, what you need to prepare, the steps involved, common issues and practical tips for executors, administrators and anyone responsible for estate administration.

What Is Probate and Why Apply Online

Probate (officially known as a grant of probate when there is a will, or letters of administration where there is no will) is the legal document that gives a person authority to collect and manage a deceased person's property, money and possessions (their “estate”). You normally need probate before you can sell property, close bank accounts, or transfer investments and other assets.

Applying online has been possible for personal applicants for several years. It removes the need to attend a Probate Registry in person and allows you to submit the application, pay fees and make legal statements digitally.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply and When

Only certain people can apply for probate:

• If the deceased left a will, the executor(s) named in the will are usually responsible for applying.
• If there is no will, the closest surviving relative (such as a spouse, civil partner or adult child) can apply for letters of administration.

You should only apply once:

• The death has been registered and
• You have valued the estate and checked whether any Inheritance Tax (IHT) is due.

Before applying online, you must determine whether the estate is excepted (small and simple) or requires full IHT reporting. If full reporting is needed, you must send the IHT400 form to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and wait for a unique HMRC code before submitting the probate application.

Documents and Information You Need

Before you begin your online application, gather the key information and documents:

• Original death certificate or official interim certificate
• Original will and any codicils (if applicable)
• Accurate estimates of the value of the estate's assets and liabilities
• Details of any gifts, exemptions or reliefs relevant to IHT
• HMRC's unique reference code (if reporting full estate values was required)

Having this information ready helps prevent delays and reduce the risk of the application being returned for more information.

Step‑by‑Step: Applying for Probate Online

1. Register and Create an Account

To start an online application, you must create an account on the Apply for Probate service. This requires a valid email address unique to you; even if someone helps, you must use your own address because the service corresponds only with the registered email.

2. Begin the Application

Once logged in:

• Start a new probate application
• Select the appropriate application type:
  • Grant of probate (where there is a will), or
  • Letters of administration (where there is no will).
• Answer questions about the deceased's details, estate value, assets, liabilities and whether there's a will.

3. Provide Estate Values and HMRC Information

If HMRC required full IHT reporting, enter the unique HMRC code you received. Online applications cannot be submitted until HMRC has acknowledged the IHT form and issued the code.

4. Legal Statements and Declaration

You are required to complete a legal statement and submit a statement of truth within the online form. This confirms that the information you have provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

5. Review and Pay the Fee

After completing the online questions:

• Review the information carefully
• Pay the probate application fee online (currently £300 for estates over £5,000; estates under £5,000 may be exempt)

You must pay before submitting. If you are eligible for help with fees (due to low income or certain benefits), you may apply for a refund later through the Get Help with Court Fees service before or after applying for probate.

6. Submit the Application

Once payment is made and the legal declaration is completed, you submit the application. After submission, you will see confirmation and can track progress through your online account.

7. Sending Supporting Documents

After application, you generally need to send supporting physical documents – including the original will and certified copies of the death certificate – by post to the HMCTS Probate Service Centre in Harlow.

After Submission: Tracking and Next Steps

Once you have submitted your online application:

• You can track progress in your online account.
• Probate is usually granted within about 12 weeks, but it can take longer if more information is needed or if the estate is complex.

Be prepared to respond promptly to any requests from HM Courts & Tribunals Service for further evidence or clarification, as delays often occur when documentation is incomplete.

Common Issues and Practical Tips

Inheritance Tax Delays

If HMRC has not issued the unique code within 20 working days of submitting the IHT form, contact HMRC promptly, as you cannot complete the probate application without this code.

Help With Fees

You may qualify for Help with Court Fees if your income and savings are below certain thresholds. Applying for Aid can reduce the financial burden of probate applications.

Original Documents

Although the application is digital, you must still send original documents such as the will and death certificate to the Probate Service Centre after submission. Retain certified copies for your records.

Common Questions

Can I save my online application and return later?
Yes. The online service allows you to save a partially completed application and return when you have full information.

What if there is no will?
You can apply for letters of administration online using a similar process for estates without a will.

Do I need a solicitor to apply online?
No. Personal applicants can apply directly online without a solicitor, though professional assistance can be helpful for complex estates.

Key Takeaways

Applying for probate online in England and Wales enables executors and administrators to complete and submit applications from home. It involves registering for the official service, reporting estate values to HMRC, completing the probate questions and legal statements, paying fees online, and then posting supporting original documents to the Probate Service Centre. Submitting a well‑prepared application reduces delays, but probate processing times can still take several weeks, especially where HMRC or additional information is involved.