Applying for probate
Fees
You may have to pay a fee to apply for probate. Whether you need to pay depends on the value of the estate.
If the value of the estate is over £5,000, the application fee is £300.
There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less.
You can order extra copies of the probate document for £1.50 each. This means you can send them to different organisations at the same time.
If probate has already been granted, it costs £20 to make a second application. For example, if you want to apply as an executor after holding ‘power reserved’ on the first application. You’ll have to pay the fee even if the value of the estate is £5,000 or less.
Get help with fees
You may be able to get help to pay the probate fee and other court fees if you have a low income or are on certain benefits.
You can apply for help with fees online or fill in form EX160 before applying for probate.
If you apply for probate online, you’ll have to pay the full probate fee when you apply. You’ll get a refund later if your application for help with fees is successful.
After you apply for help online
Send your online help with fees reference number:
- with form PA1P or PA1A if you’re applying for probate by post (the address is on the form)
- with your supporting documents, such as the will, if you’re applying for probate online (you’ll be told the address in your application)
- by email to the help with fees team, if you’re applying for probate by post or online - put ‘HWF/[full name of person who died]/[date of death]/probate application’ in the email subject line
Probate help with fees team
[email protected]
If you apply using form EX160
Fill in form EX160 and send it by:
- post to the national probate registry in Newcastle - include a note to say you’re applying for probate
- email to the help with fees team - put ‘HWF/[full name of person who died]/[date of death]/probate application’ in the email subject line
Probate help with fees team
[email protected]