What Is a Grant of Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry (part of HMCTS). It confirms the deceased's Will is valid and that the named executors have authority to administer the estate. Without it, most institutions will not release assets or transfer property.
💡 Letters of Administration is the equivalent document when someone dies without a Will. The applicant is a next of kin rather than a named executor. The process is similar.
When Do You Need a Grant of Probate?
You almost always need one if the deceased owned property in their sole name, had bank accounts above a certain threshold, or held shares or investments solely. Each institution sets its own threshold — typically £5,000 to £50,000.
You may not need probate if all assets were jointly owned (passing by survivorship), or the estate is very small.
The Probate Application Process
| Step | Action | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Value all assets and liabilities | 2–4 weeks |
| 2 | Complete HMRC inheritance tax forms | 2–4 weeks |
| 3 | Pay any IHT due | 1–2 weeks |
| 4 | Submit probate application to HMCTS | 1 day |
| 5 | HMCTS processes application | 8–16 weeks |
| 6 | Grant issued — administration begins | — |
How Much Does It Cost?
The HMCTS court fee is £526 for estates over £5,000. Additional certified copies cost £2 each — you typically need 4–6.
Sources & references
- GOV.UK — Applying for probate
- GOV.UK — Wills, probate and inheritance
- HMRC — Valuing the estate of someone who has died
- Citizens Advice — Dealing with the financial affairs of someone who has died
Authoritative UK government, HMRC, statute and Citizens Advice sources. Last reviewed: 31 May 2026.
Make sure your own affairs are in order
ClearLegacy writes Wills only; we do not handle probate. A clear, valid Will is the single thing that makes probate simpler for the people you leave behind.
Start My Will — £89 →Can I apply for probate myself?
Yes — directly via gov.uk. However, errors in IHT submission or the application can cause significant delays and penalties. Professional preparation reduces this risk considerably.