Grant of Probate Cost Calculator
Grant of Probate Cost Breakdown
Application Fee-
Extra Sealed Copies-
Total Grant of Probate Cost-
Grant of Probate Fee Schedule 2025/26
| Estate Value | Application Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under £5,000 | £0 (Free) | No fee for small estates |
| £5,000 and above | £300 | Standard fee for all estates over threshold |
| Extra sealed copies | £1.50 each | Recommended 5-10 copies |
The fee is the same whether you apply for a Grant of Probate (with will) or Letters of Administration (without will).
What You Need to Apply
Death Certificate
Required
Original Will
If applicable
IHT Form
IHT205 or IHT400
Processing Time
8-16 weeks
ID Verification
Required
Oath/Statement
Included online
How to Use This Calculator
1
Enter the estate value
The gross value of all assets determines whether a fee is payable.
2
Specify copies needed
Order extra sealed copies for banks, insurers, and asset holders. 5-10 copies recommended.
3
Select applicant type
Executors apply for Grant of Probate; administrators apply for Letters of Administration.
4
Choose application method
Online applications via GOV.UK are generally processed faster than paper forms.
5
Review the cost
The total includes the application fee and cost of additional sealed copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a grant of probate cost?
The grant of probate application fee is 300 pounds for estates valued at 5,000 pounds or more. Estates under 5,000 pounds are free. Additional sealed copies cost 1.50 pounds each. This is the government fee only and does not include any solicitor fees if you use one.
How many sealed copies do I need?
It is recommended to order 5-10 sealed copies. Each organisation holding assets (banks, building societies, insurance companies, share registrars, Land Registry) will need to see an original sealed copy. Some will return it but this causes delays. Having multiple copies speeds up the process significantly.
Can I apply for probate online?
Yes, you can apply online through GOV.UK. The online process is straightforward and usually faster than paper applications. You will need to post the original will and death certificate after submitting the online application. The fee is the same regardless of method.
How long does it take to get a grant of probate?
The probate registry typically takes 8-16 weeks to process an application. Online applications tend to be processed faster. If there are issues with the application or if it is stopped (for example, due to a caveat), it can take significantly longer.
What if the estate is below 5,000 pounds?
If the gross estate value is under 5,000 pounds, there is no fee for the grant of probate application. However, you may not need probate at all for very small estates. Many financial institutions will release funds below certain thresholds without requiring probate.
What is a caveat and how does it affect costs?
A caveat is a notice lodged with the probate registry to prevent a grant being issued. It costs 3 pounds to lodge. If someone enters a caveat against your application, the grant cannot be issued until the caveat is removed or expires (6 months). This can significantly delay the process.
Official Sources & References
Data verified against official UK government sources. Last checked April 2026.