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Written by Brad Askew
Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
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Updated April 2026 · England & Wales
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Part of
Wills & Probate
BA
Written by Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Civil & Commercial Law background · Founder of LegalDocuments.co.uk
Updated May 2026
·
England & Wales
When someone dies, the person dealing with their estate often needs legal authority to access bank accounts, sell property, and distribute what the deceased left behind. That authority comes from a grant of representation, issued by HM Courts and Tribunals Service through the Probate Registry.
Most applications can now be made online, but paper forms remain available and are sometimes necessary, particularly where the estate involves unusual circumstances or where the applicant prefers to deal with the process by post. This page walks through the main postal forms used in England and Wales, what each one is for, and the supplementary forms you may need depending on the situation.
It is written for personal representatives handling a straightforward estate themselves, without a solicitor, and aims to help you work out which forms apply before you start filling anything in.
What this document is
Probate is the legal process of proving a will and getting authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. Where there is a valid will, the named executors apply for a grant of probate. Where there is no will, or the will does not appoint an executor who is willing and able to act, the closest eligible relative applies for letters of administration instead.
Both routes lead to a grant of representation, which is the document banks, the Land Registry and other institutions ask to see before releasing funds or transferring assets. The paper route uses form PA1P when there is a will, and form PA1A when there is not.
Additional forms exist for specific situations, such as when an executor cannot act personally, when a will has gone missing, or when evidence of capacity at the time the will was signed is needed. Application fees apply above a certain estate value threshold, and you can check the current amount on gov.uk before sending your paperwork in.
How to use this document
01
Work out whether you need a grant at all. Small estates, particularly those made up entirely of jointly owned assets or low-value accounts, sometimes do not need a grant. Contact the institutions holding the assets and ask what they require. If any of them ask for a grant, you will need to apply.
02
Choose the correct main form. Use form PA1P if the deceased left a valid will. Use form PA1A if they died without a will, known as dying intestate. Only one of these applies to your application, and sending the wrong one will delay things while the registry writes back asking for the right paperwork.
03
Value the estate and deal with inheritance tax first. Before submitting the probate application, you need to value everything the deceased owned and owed, and report this to HMRC where required. The inheritance tax position must be settled or underway before the Probate Registry will issue a grant, so leave time for this stage.
04
Complete any supplementary forms that apply. Depending on the circumstances, you may need additional forms such as PA11 or PA12 for power of attorney arrangements, PA13 where the original will cannot be found, or PA14 where a medical certificate is needed. Read the guidance on each before completing it.
05
Send the application and supporting documents to the Probate Registry. Post the completed main form, any supplementary forms, the original will and codicils if applicable, the death certificate, and the correct fee to the address given in the current guidance on gov.uk. Keep copies of everything you send.
Common questions
QWhat is the difference between PA1P and PA1A?
PA1P is the paper application form used when the person who died left a valid will, and the applicant is usually an executor named in that will. PA1A is used when there is no will, and the applicant is the closest eligible relative applying to administer the estate under the intestacy rules. The forms ask for different information because the legal basis for each application is different.
QDo I have to apply by post, or can I apply online?
Many probate applications can now be completed online through the gov.uk service, which is often quicker. Paper forms remain available and are sometimes necessary, for example where the application involves unusual circumstances, multiple executors who cannot all use the online system, or where the applicant simply prefers to deal with the matter on paper. Either route leads to the same grant.
QHow much does it cost to apply for probate?
The Probate Registry charges an application fee above a certain estate value threshold, with additional copies of the grant available for a small amount each. Fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current amount before sending your application. Extra copies of the grant are usually worth ordering, as banks and other institutions often want to see one each.
QWhat is form PA14 for?
PA14 is a medical certificate used where an executor or administrator is unable to act because of mental incapacity. It is completed by a medical practitioner and confirms the nature of the incapacity, so the Probate Registry can decide whether another person should apply in their place. It is only needed in specific situations, not as a standard part of every application.
QWhat happens if the original will is lost?
If the original will cannot be found, you may still be able to apply for probate using a copy, but you will need to complete form PA13 explaining what has happened and what steps were taken to locate the original. The Probate Registry will consider the evidence and decide whether to accept the copy. These applications are more complex and often benefit from professional input.
QHow long does a postal probate application take?
Timescales vary depending on how busy the Probate Registry is and whether your application needs any follow-up queries. Straightforward postal applications have historically taken several weeks to several months from submission to receiving the grant. If the registry writes to you with questions, the clock effectively pauses until you respond, so replying quickly keeps things moving.
QCan I use these forms if the deceased lived outside England and Wales?
The PA1P and PA1A forms are used for estates where the deceased was domiciled in England and Wales, or where they had assets in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate systems, called confirmation and probate respectively, with different forms and processes. If the position is cross-border, it is worth getting specific help before applying.
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Brad Askew Legal Tech Founder
Brad has a background in civil and commercial law and founded LegalDocuments.co.uk to make clear, reliable legal information accessible to everyone. This site is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not solicitors. For advice on your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor.
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