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.
Learn how to register a will in England and Wales, including what will registration is, why it matters, how to record your will's existence and location, popular register options, and practical steps to support effective estate planning.
Registering a will is a proactive step in estate planning that helps ensure the original testament can be found quickly when it is needed. In England and Wales, there is no legal obligation to register a will. Registries are optional services that record the existence and location of a will so that executors, beneficiaries and other relevant parties can locate it when the time comes to apply for probate. Registering a will can reduce delays and confusion in the probate process and support lawful estate administration.
This article explains what will registration is, why people choose to register, how the process works in practice, the options available, and common questions and risks to consider.
What Is Will Registration?
Will registration is not the same as storing the original will. A registry entry records basic information about the will, such as the testator's name, the date the will was made and where the original is kept, without requiring the actual document to be surrendered. A registration increases the chances that the correct, most recent will is found when an estate is being administered.
Registration does not affect the validity of the will, nor is it legally required; it simply serves as an auxiliary record to assist executors and estate administrators.
Why Register a Will?
Although not compulsory, registration is widely recommended because:
- It helps ensure that executors and beneficiaries can locate the most up‑to‑date version of the will after the testator's death.
- It reduces the risk of the original will being lost, forgotten, or overlooked in a box of paperwork.
- It provides certainty and traceability for those administering the estate, which can be especially valuable if there have been multiple wills or updates.
Without registration, family members or executors may have to search manually for the original will and may not be certain they have found the correct version, potentially delaying the probate process.
Where You Can Register a Will
There are a few common options for will registration in England and Wales:
National Will Register
The National Will Register is the leading provider of voluntary will registration. It is endorsed by professional bodies and used by solicitors, will writers and members of the public to record where a will is stored.
To register a will with this service:
- Provide basic details about the testator, such as full name and date of birth.
- Give information about where the original will is kept (for example, with a solicitor, a professional storage facility or at home).
- Submit the registration, usually with a nominal fee payable by the person registering.
Once processed, the service issues a certificate of registration and enters the will's existence and location into its database, where executors and others can later search for it.
The register does not hold or view the content of the will itself; it simply records its existence and location.
Alternative Will Registers
Some other organisations, such as The UK Wills Register, offer optional registration services that record will details and notify nominated people (including executors) of the registration. These services may be free or involve a fee, and terms vary by provider.
Professional Storage With Optional Registration
Solicitors and will‑writing practices often provide storage services for original wills. Many offer to register the will with a national register as part of their service, but this is not automatic or legally required unless explicitly agreed. Always confirm with your solicitor whether your will will be registered and where.
How the Registration Process Works
Registration typically involves the following steps:
- Collect Information: You will need the testator's full name, date of the will, and the storage location of the original.
- Complete the Registration Form: Most registries have an online form that you complete with the required information.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Some registries charge a one‑off fee (e.g., £30 with the National Will Register), while others may offer free registration or promotional periods.
- Receive Confirmation: Upon successful registration, you will receive a certificate of registration confirming that the will's details are on record.
- Keep Records Updated: If the will is updated or moved to a new storage location, the registry should be amended to reflect the change.
Registration does not mean the original will is held by the register; the document remains in the custody of the individual or organisation storing it.
Practical Considerations and Risks
Registration Is Voluntary
No legal requirement exists to register a will in England and Wales, and choosing not to register will not affect its legal validity. However, not registering may make the will harder to find when needed.
Accurate Information Is Essential
When registering, provide accurate information about where the original will is stored. If the location changes (for example, if you move house or change solicitors), update the registration details to prevent confusion later.
Executors Should Be Informed
Even with registration, inform your executors and trusted family members about where the will is stored and that it has been registered. Registration eases location efforts, but executors still need to know who holds the original and how to access it.
Registration Does Not Replace Secure Storage
Will registration does not mean the will itself is held in a secure vault. Registration merely records the existence and location of the document. You should still store the original will in a secure and known place, such as with a solicitor or a will storage facility.
Common Questions from our Readers
Is a will register the same as a public record?
No. Will registers record the location and existence of wills; they do not make will contents public. Wills only become public when submitted to a Probate Registry during a probate application.
Can anyone search will registers?
Will registers can usually be searched by executors, beneficiaries or others with legitimate interest. A search may require identification and supporting documentation to access details.
What if my will is not registered?
If your will is not registered, it still remains valid. Executors may need to conduct a more thorough search to locate the original will when administering the estate, which can delay probate.
Key Takeaways
Registering a will in England and Wales is an optional but useful step in estate planning. It helps record the existence and location of the original will with a trusted service such as the National Will Register, ensuring it can be found efficiently when required. Registration does not affect the legal validity of the will itself, nor does it replace secure storage of the original document. Executors and family members should be informed about where the will is stored and that it has been registered. Registering a will can reduce stress, prevent delays in the probate process, and help ensure the testator's wishes are carried out smoothly.
