PA1P Probate Form UK: How to Apply with a Will
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When someone dies and leaves a will, the named executor usually needs legal authority before they can deal with bank accounts, property, and other assets in the estate. That authority comes in the form of a grant of probate, and the PA1P is the paper application used to request it from HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
It is the starting point for anyone administering an estate where a valid will exists and who prefers to apply by post rather than online. Getting the form right matters, because errors or missing information tend to delay the grant by weeks or even months.
This guide walks through who should complete the PA1P, what information you will need to hand, and the practical steps involved, plus common pitfalls that catch families out at an already difficult time.
What this document is
The PA1P is the postal application form used in England and Wales to apply for a grant of probate where the person who died left a will. The grant is a court-issued document that confirms the executor has legal authority to collect in the deceased's assets, settle debts and taxes, and distribute what remains according to the will.
Without it, banks, registrars, and other institutions will generally refuse to release funds or transfer ownership above certain thresholds. The form captures details about the person who died, the will itself, the executors named in it, the value of the estate, and the family members who survive.
It also flags situations that need special handling, for example where an executor cannot or will not act, where the will has been damaged, or where foreign assets are involved. If there is no will, a different form (PA1A) is used to apply for letters of administration instead.
How to use this document
- Gather the core documents before you start. You will need the original will (and any codicils), the original death certificate or an interim certificate from the coroner, and any inheritance tax paperwork you have prepared. The probate registry expects the original will, not a photocopy, so handle it carefully and never staple or remove pages.
- Work out the estate value and handle inheritance tax first. Before submitting the PA1P, you generally need to establish whether inheritance tax is due and, if so, submit the relevant IHT return to HMRC. For many estates this is straightforward, but larger or more complex estates require form IHT400 and a wait before probate can be granted.
- Complete the PA1P carefully and in full. Fill in details of the person who died, the executors applying, the value of the estate, and the surviving family. If any executor named in the will is not applying, you must explain why, for example because they have died, renounced their role, or reserved power to act later.
- Sign the legal statement and post the application. All applying executors sign the statement of truth on the form. You then send the completed PA1P, the original will, the death certificate, any supporting documents, and the fee to the address given in the current guidance on gov.uk. Keep copies of everything you post.
- Wait for the grant and respond to any queries. The registry may come back with questions or request further evidence, which is common if the will has unusual features. Once issued, the grant of probate can be sent to banks, the Land Registry, and other institutions so you can begin administering the estate.
Common questions
Q When should I use PA1P rather than PA1A?
Use PA1P when the person who died left a valid will. It is the application for a grant of probate, which authorises the executors named in the will to act. PA1A is used when there is no will at all, in which case the closest eligible relative applies for letters of administration under the intestacy rules. Choosing the wrong form will lead to the application being rejected.
Q Can I apply for probate online instead of using the paper PA1P?
In many cases yes. HM Courts and Tribunals Service offers an online probate service for most straightforward applications where there is a will. The paper PA1P is still used for applications that do not fit the online route, for example certain cross-border situations or where extra supporting statements are needed. Check the current guidance on gov.uk before deciding which route to use.
Q Is there a fee for submitting the PA1P?
Yes, a court fee applies for issuing a grant of probate, and there is usually a reduced or nil fee for smaller estates below a set threshold. Additional copies of the grant carry a small per-copy charge, which is worth ordering because banks and other institutions each tend to want their own sealed copy. Check gov.uk for the current amounts before you send your application.
Q What happens if one of the executors named in the will does not want to act?
They have options. An executor can formally renounce their role, meaning they step aside entirely, or they can have power reserved, meaning they take no active part now but could step in later if needed. Both situations need to be disclosed on the PA1P, and a signed form of renunciation may need to be included with the application.
Q How long does probate take after sending the PA1P?
Timescales vary depending on the registry's workload and the complexity of the estate. Straightforward postal applications can be granted within a few months of submission, but delays are common where inheritance tax clearance is needed, where documents are missing, or where the will raises queries. Online applications are often processed faster than paper ones, but this can change.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete the PA1P?
No, you are not required to use a solicitor, and many executors complete the PA1P themselves, particularly for smaller and uncomplicated estates. Professional help is worth considering if the estate is large, includes a business, involves foreign assets, has trusts in the will, or where there is any prospect of a dispute among beneficiaries or family members.
Q What if the original will has been lost or damaged?
This makes the application significantly more complicated. The probate registry generally expects the original will, and if only a copy exists, or the original is damaged, you usually need to apply with supporting witness evidence explaining the circumstances. The registry may require additional statements before granting probate, and in some cases the court will need to be satisfied the will has not been revoked.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm PA1P: Apply for probate by post if there is a will (gov.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovApplying for probate (gov.uk)gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovInheritance Tax and probate (gov.uk)gov.uk
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.