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Update, October 2026: the fee changes mentioned above never happened; instead the application fee is a flat £526 for estates worth more than £5,000 (no fee at £5,000 or less), up from £300 on 13 July 2026, with extra copies of the grant £2 each when ordered with the application. Applying online is now the standard route for executors and for administrators where there is no will. You give the estate's values in the application itself (excepted estates no longer complete IHT205); only estates that must send form IHT400 wait for HMRC's unique code first. Post the original will and any codicils after applying; photocopies are not needed. For help with an application call the HMCTS Courts and Tribunals Service Centre on 0300 303 0648 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm); 0300 123 1072 is HMRC's Inheritance Tax line. Straightforward online applications were being granted in around five weeks on average in mid-2026 (GOV.UK says to allow up to 12 weeks).
HM Courts & Tribunals (HMCTS) has rolled out its online probate application process, cutting out the need for executors to travel to a regional probate office. But probate fees are rising!
Applying for probate? Get started online…
Until recently, executors dealing with a deceased estate would need to visit a probate registry or solicitor's office to swear an oath in person. But thanks to the launch of HM Courts & Tribunals Service's (HMCTS) online probate application system, this can now be done online.
The online probate application service is already proving to be a success. HMCTS says the service has been trialled "by invitation" and 93% of the people who have used it said they were satisfied. A significant improvement compared to the experience of visiting a local probate registry, where visitors complain of long waiting times and poor customer service. Reviews of the London Probate Office provide an insight into the experience of some visitors.
You can use the online probate service if the following criteria has been met:
- You are an executor of the will
- You have the original will
- You have the original death certificate or an interim death certificate from the coroner
- You have already reported the estate's value
And as with any probate application, you'll need to provide the following supporting documents:
- The original copy of the will and two photocopies
- The death certificate
- Completed inheritance tax forms and information
- Any other related documents, for example, a renunciation form if someone has declined to act as executor
To use the online probate service follow the link below and go to the section titled apply for probate online: https://www.gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance/applying-for-a-grant-of-representation
And if you need more help phone HMRC on 0300 123 1072. The helpline is open 9-5, Monday to Friday.
Next steps
Probate properties can be sold at auction whatever their condition. Request a free pre-auction appraisal or call us on 0800 862 0206 - we'll be happy to help.
