Form

How to apply for probate by post if there is a will

Updated 27 February 2025

漏 Crown copyright 2025

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at /government/publications/form-pa1p-apply-for-probate-the-deceased-had-a-will/how-to-apply-for-probate-by-post-if-there-is-a-will

Who can apply

You can apply if you are one of the following:

  • an 鈥榚xecutor鈥� 鈥� a person named in a will of the person who鈥檚 died (grant of probate)
  • a 鈥榖eneficiary鈥� where there鈥檚 a will but none of the executors are applying (letters of administration with will annexed)
  • a probate practitioner representing the executors or the beneficiaries if there are no executors (grant of probate or letters of administration with will annexed)

Apply as an executor without a probate practitioner

Download the 鈥榗itizen applicants only鈥� form to apply by post.

Alternatively, you can apply for probate online.

You may also be able to apply using this form if:

  • you are a beneficiary named in the will, and there are no executors able to apply for the grant
  • if there are no executors named in the will

Apply as a probate practitioner

Download the 鈥榩robate practitioners only鈥� form to apply by post. Alternatively, you can apply online if you or your practice has a MyHMCTS account.

Before you apply

You鈥檒l need to:

How to apply

  1. Download the correct paper form.

  2. Fill in all sections that apply.

  3. Complete the checklist.

  4. Print the form.

  5. Sign and date the application.

  6. Include a cheque with your application (see How to pay).

  7. Send your completed form and supporting documents.

Where to send your application

If you鈥檙e applying as an administrator without a probate practitioner, send your completed form and supporting documents to:聽

HMCTS Probate聽
PO Box 12625聽
贬补谤濒辞飞听
CM20 9QE聽

If you鈥檙e applying as a probate practitioner, send your completed form and supporting documents to:聽

Newcastle District Probate Registry聽
2nd Floor聽
Kings Court聽
Earl Grey Way聽
North Shields聽
NE29 6AR

What to include in your application

The original will

You will need to submit the original will and the official death certificate. Photocopies of these documents will not be accepted.

The original will become a public document by law when HM Courts and Tribunals Services (HMCTS) gives you the grant. It will not be returned to you, as HMCTS must store it in the public records.

How to pay

You must pay by sending a cheque payable to 鈥楬M Courts and Tribunals Service鈥� with your documents.

How long it will take

It can take up to 12 weeks to process your application if there鈥檚 no delay in receiving your documents.

Contact us

If you have not heard from us after 12 weeks or need help to complete this form, you can contact us.

Probate helpline
Telephone: 0300 303 0648
Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm
Closed on weekends and bank holidays

Find out about call charges

Back to top