How to apply for a grant of representation

For an overview of grants of representation, see our guide "What is a grant of representation?".

Personal representatives cannot apply for a grant at the start of the probate process. The application for a grant of representation tends to come "in the middle" of the process, though timing varies depending on the estate. 

Some applications are made a few weeks or a few months after death, or, on rare occasions, more than a year after death. Sometimes a grant is not required. See our guide "Is a grant of representation required?".

Valuation of the estate and payment of inheritance tax

The personal representatives must do a number of things before they can apply for the grant of representation. 

These include:

1. Registering the death;
2. Arranging the funeral;
3. Checking the will (if any) and working out who is responsible for the probate process;
4. Valuing the estate; and
5. Paying inheritance tax, if any.

Typically, valuing the estate is the most significant of these tasks. Depending on the size and complexity of the deceased's estate, it may take just a couple of weeks, more than a year, or, more likely, somewhere in between.

Step 3 of The Probate Wizard guides you through the valuation of the estate.

How to apply for the grant

Once the valuation of the estate has been completed, and inheritance tax paid (if any), the personal representatives can apply for a grant of representation from The Probate Service.

If dealing with the estate without assistance from a probate solicitor or other authorised professional, the application will consist of:

1. the "Probate application" form (PA1);
2. the "Return of estate information" form (IHT205), if the estate is exempt from tax, or a receipt for payment of inheritance tax (having completed and submitted form IHT400, the full "Inheritance tax account", to HM Revenue & Customs);
3. other supporting documents, such as the death certificate; and
4. the "Claim to transfer unused nil rate band for excepted estates" form (IHT217) if applicable.

One or more of the personal representatives will then be invited attend a registry where they will be asked to swear an oath. The grant will be sent shortly after. See our guide "What happens at a probate registry?".