This guide is maintained as a current resource for September 2026 and covers only the laws of England and Wales. Information is for general guidance, not legal advice. Consult a qualified solicitor for advice specific to your situation.
Want to keep your will safe? Learn the step-by-step process for depositing your original will with the Probate Registry for secure, long-term storage and easy future access.
Registering a will with the Probate Registry is an optional but important step in estate planning for people in England and Wales. Unlike the formal requirements for making a valid will, there is no legal obligation to register a will for it to be effective. However, lodging the original document with the Probate Registry (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) provides secure custodial storage and helps ensure it can be found when needed to apply for probate after death. This article explains the process of registering (lodging) a will with the Probate Registry, the practical steps involved, associated fees, rights and responsibilities, potential risks, and answers to common questions.
What “Registering a Will” Means
In everyday use, “registering a will” usually refers to depositing the original signed will and any codicils with the Probate Registry for safe storage until it is needed for estate administration. The Probate Registry will keep the document securely and issue a certificate of lodgement confirming where it is held. After the testator's death, personal representatives can request the original will from the registry when applying for probate.
It is distinct from entering details on a national searchable register (such as the National Will Register), which records where a will is held but does not itself store the physical document.
Why Lodge Your Will With the Probate Registry?
Lodging your will with the Probate Registry offers several practical benefits:
- Secure storage by a government body responsible for probate matters.
- Accessibility for personal representatives and executors when applying for probate.
- Reduced risk of loss or damage compared with keeping the original document at home.
- Receipt of a certificate of lodgement, which helps prove where the will is stored.
A will stored with the Probate Registry can be retrieved during a testator's lifetime or released to personal representatives after death.
It is important that executors, beneficiaries and close family members know where and how the will is stored, especially if multiple documents exist or the testator has moved house or changed solicitors over time.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Register Your Will With the Probate Registry
The process for lodging a will with the Probate Registry involves completing a few straightforward steps.
1. Prepare Your Will and Codicils
Before registering, ensure you have the original signed and witnessed will, along with any valid codicils. Make a photocopy for your own reference-this copy is not legally sufficient for probate but is useful for your records.
2. Complete the Will Lodgement Label (PA7ENV)
Download and print the official PA7ENV envelope label from the GOV.UK website. Fill in the required details in block capitals. A witness should sign the label itself before it is attached to the envelope containing your will.
3. Enclose Payment for the Fee
A one‑off lodgement fee is payable to deposit your will or any codicils with the Probate Registry. Pay by cheque or postal order made payable to HM Courts and Tribunals Service. The current fee is set by HMCTS and guidance is available on the GOV.UK site. Help with fees may be available if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits.
4. Pack and Send Your Will
Place the will and any codicils in an envelope with the signed PA7ENV label attached. Then place this inside a larger envelope along with the fee or help‑with‑fees reference. Send the package by recorded delivery to the designated Probate Registry address:
Newcastle District Probate Registry
2nd Floor
Kings Court
Earl Grey Way
North Shields
NE29 6AR.
Recorded delivery provides proof of posting and helps minimise the risk of loss in transit.
5. What Happens Next
Once the Probate Registry receives your will, it usually takes around two weeks to process the lodgement. After processing, HMCTS will send you a certificate of lodgement confirming that the will is securely stored. Keep this certificate safe, as personal representatives will need it to request the will when administering the estate.
Help With Fees
If you are on certain means‑tested benefits or low income, you may qualify for help with fees. You can indicate your help‑with‑fees reference number on a piece of paper included with your will, or, if you applied online, email your reference to the Probate Registry as instructed on GOV.UK.
Accessing the Will After Lodgement
While this article focuses on registering (lodging) a will, it is also useful to understand how the document can be accessed later:
- During your lifetime, you can request the return of the original will by completing and sending the appropriate form to the Probate Registry with your certificate of lodgement.
- After your death, personal representatives (executors) can request release of the will by providing a certified copy of the death certificate and the certificate of lodgement. They will typically complete form PA7A to withdraw the will from storage. No fee is payable for withdrawing a will.
Alternatives to Probate Registry Storage
Keep in mind that lodging your will with the Probate Registry is optional. Other secure storage options include:
- Storing the will with your solicitor or will‑writing professional.
- Placing the will in a purpose‑built secure storage facility.
- Registering the will's existence with a national database such as the National Will Register, which helps ensure the document can be found but does not itself hold the original.
Each option has different costs, security features and accessibility considerations. Choose the method that best suits your circumstances, and ensure your executors know where the original will is kept.
Common Questions About Registering a Will
Do I have to register my will?
No. A will is legally valid without registration as long as it meets execution formalities. However, registering with the Probate Registry provides secure custodial storage and helps ensure it can be found when needed.
What if I move house after registering my will?
You should communicate the details of your will's lodging and the certificate of lodgement to your executors and consider updating any separate registration you may have made with a will register.
Can I withdraw my will after lodging it?
Yes. You can request the return of your will at any time during your lifetime by submitting the appropriate form and your certificate of lodgement to the Probate Registry; this service does not attract a fee.
Key Takeaways
Registering a will with the Probate Registry in England and Wales is a secure way to store your original testamentary document until it is needed for estate administration. The process involves preparing the original will and any codicils, completing a postal lodgement label (PA7ENV), paying the required fee, and sending the documents by recorded delivery to the designated registry. After processing, the Probate Registry issues a certificate of lodgement confirming secure storage. While registration is optional, it offers peace of mind that your will is preserved and accessible when your personal representatives apply for probate. Other options, such as solicitor storage or registration with a national register, can also support secure management of your will.
