Grant of Probate

A Grant of Probate is the court order that confirms an executor has legal authority to administer an estate where the deceased left a valid will. It's issued in England and Wales by the Probate Registry (part of HM Courts & Tribunals Service) once the application has been processed and any inheritance tax obligations cleared.

For an estate without a will, the equivalent document is Letters of Administration, which appoints an administrator under intestacy rules instead.

The application is made online or on paper using Form PA1P (with a will) or Form PA1A (no will). Where the estate is not an excepted estate, an IHT400 return must be filed with HMRC before the grant can be issued. [source: gov-uk/applying-for-probate-2026-04-29.html]

The application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000. There is no fee for estates of £5,000 or less. [source: gov-uk/probate-fees-2026-04-29.html]

Once issued, the grant is the document banks, building societies, the Land Registry, and other asset holders ask to see before transferring or releasing assets to the executor. → How to apply for probate

Last verified: 29 April 2026 against gov.uk/applying-for-probate.