Copy probate fees set to increase

The Ministry of Justice has announced that the fee for obtaining copies of probate grants, wills or letters of administration in England and Wales will increase from £1.50 to £16 per copy on 17 November 2025.

How much are copies of probate grants?

Following amendments made under The Court and Public Guardian Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has announced that from 17 November 2025 the fee for obtaining copies of probate grants, wills or letters of administration in England and Wales will increase from £1.50 to £16 per copy.

The new legislation supersedes The Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004 and the increase applies to all copy requests, including copies ordered at the time of applying for probate, as well as any subsequent requests after the grant has been issued.

The increased fee will apply from the date of receipt, which means paper applications prepared before 17 November but received after the date will still need to pay the increased fee.

Why are probate copy fees increasing?

In an explanatory memorandum accompanying the legislation, the MOJ explained the fee increase was “in line with Managing Public Money principles” and that it “reflects the true cost of the service and means we can focus taxpayers’ money on improving other parts of the under-pressure court system.” They added that the increase will “ensure that HMCTS can continue to deliver its services effectively”

How much does it cost to apply for probate?

In England and Wales, the application fee for probate is currently £300 if the value of the estate is £5,000 or over. There’s no fee if the estate is under £5,000.

If there’s inheritance tax to pay, normally you’ll have to pay at least some of it before you’ll be granted probate. You’ll usually receive the grant of probate (or letters of administration) within 4 weeks of sending in your documents.

How do you apply for probate?

Apply for probate online

In England and Wales, you can apply for probate online if you’re the executor and you:

have the original will to upload
have the original death certificate or an interim death certificate from the coroner to upload
have already reported the estate’s value for inheritance tax to HMRC

You’ll need to send the original will by post after you submit your online application. No additional copies of the will are required.