Apply for probate
Submit the probate application and the inheritance tax forms.
The grant is the document banks and the Land Registry need before anything can be sold or released.
- How long it takes
- Currently around 8–16 weeks after applying
- Typical cost
- £526 application fee for estates over £5,000 (free if £5,000 or less); extra copies £2 each with the application, £16 each later
- What you need before you start
- The original will, if there is one
- The estate valuation
- Inheritance tax forms submitted first if tax is due
Inheritance tax reporting comes first if the estate is taxable. Tax is due six months after the end of the month of death, even if probate has not come through.
Order several sealed copies of the grant — each organisation wants its own.
Do not distribute anything to beneficiaries until the grant is issued and debts are settled.
Reference numbers from this step
Saved on this device, and gathered together in your reference numbers.
General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 19 August 2026 by Simon D Campbell. Applies to England and Wales.