Applying for probate
PA1P or PA1A: which probate form do you need?
Written and reviewed by our experienced team. Checked against GOV.UK and the sources listed at the end on 15 September 2026. ProbateCheck is an independent service, not a law firm.
Use form PA1P to apply for probate by post if the person left a will, and form PA1A if they did not (that is an application for letters of administration). Both carry the £526 application fee for estates over £5,000, and GOV.UK says paper applications take longer than online ones, so apply online if you can. Form PA1S is different: it is the £16 postal search for an existing grant, not an application. Checked 15 September 2026.
Every PA form on GOV.UK, and what it is for
| Form | Use it when | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| PA1P | Applying by post for a grant of probate: the person left a will and you are an executor (or a beneficiary if there are no executors) | £526 (estate over £5,000) |
| PA1A | Applying by post for letters of administration: the person did not leave a will | £526 (estate over £5,000) |
| PA1S | Searching by post for an existing grant or will (deaths from 1858), or lodging a standing search | £16 search, £4 standing search |
| PA8A | Entering a caveat to stop a grant being issued | £4 |
| PA8B | Extending a caveat for a further six months | £4 |
| PA11 | Appointing someone to apply for you (there is a will) | Part of the application |
| PA12 | Appointing someone to apply for you (no will) | Part of the application |
| PA13 | Reporting that the original will is lost | Part of the application |
| PA14 | Medical certificate where an executor cannot act | Part of the application |
| PA15 | Giving up your right to apply as executor permanently (renunciation) | No separate fee listed |
| PA16 | Giving up your right to apply as administrator | No separate fee listed |
| PA17 | Executor renunciation, probate practitioners | No separate fee listed |
| PA19 | Applying with a foreign death certificate not translated by a licensed company | Part of the application |
PA1P: if there is a will
GOV.UK: you can apply if you are named as an executor in the will or a codicil. You must send the original will (a photocopy is not accepted, and the registry keeps it; it becomes a public record). Up to four executors can be named on the application, and if only one applies they must show they tried to contact the others. An executor who does not want to act can hold "power reserved" (in writing, if others are applying) or renounce permanently on PA15. If the original will is lost, PA13 supports the application.
PA1A: if there is no will
GOV.UK: "If there's not a will, the closest living relative can apply." The most entitled person applies to become the administrator: the husband, wife or civil partner first (including if separated), followed by any children 18 or over (including legally adopted children but not step-children). GOV.UK is explicit that "You cannot apply if you're the partner of the person but were not their husband, wife or civil partner when they died." The grant issued is letters of administration, and the estate is shared under the intestacy rules (see who inherits without a will).
Online or on paper?
93% of probate applications were made digitally in January to March 2026, and HMCTS reports that digital applications not stopped took about 2 weeks to grant. GOV.UK: "It takes longer to process paper applications than online applications. Apply online if you can." If you do not have internet access or do not feel confident using it, GOV.UK lists We Are Group on 03300 160 051 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for help, and the probate helpline 0300 303 0648 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm) for guidance on a paper application.
Where to send a paper form
Paper applications go to the Probate Service Centre: HMCTS Probate, PO Box 12625, Harlow, CM20 9QF. Find a Court or Tribunal says the centre "services all of England and Wales for probate" and does not provide an in-person service. The probate registries page lists the seven district registries that still take appointments.
Form PA1S: searching, not applying
PA1S is often confused with the application forms. It is the postal search of the probate records for someone who died in or after 1858. It costs £16, includes a copy of the record and the will if there is one, and GOV.UK says you should get a response within 4 weeks. The same form lodges a standing search for £4 where no grant exists yet. The online search at gov.uk/search-will-probate does the same job faster, and our PA1S guide compares the two.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between PA1P and PA1A?+
PA1P is the postal application for a grant of probate when the person left a will; PA1A is the postal application for letters of administration when they did not. Both cost the same fee and both can be replaced by the online service.
What is form PA1S?+
The postal search of the probate records: £16, includes a copy of the grant and will, response within 4 weeks (GOV.UK). It also lodges a £4 standing search. It is not an application for probate.
How much does it cost to apply with PA1P or PA1A?+
£526 if the estate is over £5,000, nothing if it is £5,000 or less, from 13 July 2026. Extra copies are £2 each with the application.
Where do I send PA1P or PA1A?+
HMCTS Probate, PO Box 12625, Harlow, CM20 9QF (the Probate Service Centre, per Find a Court or Tribunal on 15 September 2026).
Can I apply online instead of using PA1P or PA1A?+
Yes, and GOV.UK recommends it: paper applications take longer to process. 93% of applications were digital in January to March 2026.
Who can apply on form PA1A?+
The closest living relative, starting with the husband, wife or civil partner (including if separated), then children aged 18 or over. An unmarried partner cannot apply (GOV.UK).
What if the original will cannot be found?+
GOV.UK says you may be able to apply for probate with form PA13, which reports the will as lost. A photocopy cannot be used in place of the original.
Sources checked for this guide
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: apply for probate (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: if there's a will (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: if there is not a will (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Apply for probate by post if there is a will: Form PA1P (last updated 29 December 2025) (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Apply for probate by post if there is not a will: Form PA1A (last updated 27 February 2025) (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Find a will or probate document: Form PA1S (last updated 6 August 2026) (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK collection, Probate forms (read 15 September 2026)
- Find a Court or Tribunal, Probate Service Centre (HMCTS Probate postal address and helpline) (read 15 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Applying for probate: fees (read 15 September 2026)
- Ministry of Justice, Family Court Statistics Quarterly: January to March 2026, section 17 Probate Service (published 25 June 2026) (read 15 September 2026)