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Find a Will (gov.uk probate search)

The Find a Will service is the Probate Registry's public search tool for grants of representation issued in England and Wales since 1858. It is the canonical route to obtaining a copy of a will after probate has been issued. The service is run by HMCTS at gov.uk/search-will-probate. [source: gov-uk/search-will-probate-2026-08-08.html]

The search returns three categories of grant: Probate and Grant and Will (where a will exists), Admon with Will (administration with the will annexed, also containing a will), and Administration (Admon) (no will. The deceased died intestate). Identifying which category applies tells you whether a will is even available to order. [source: gov-uk/search-will-probate-2026-08-08.html]

A copy of the probate record and any attached will costs £16 when ordered online or by post via Form PA1S. A new record appears in the online service approximately 14 days after probate is issued. Records before 1996 are stored under the year the grant was issued, not the year of death; very old or very recent grants sometimes need a check across adjacent years. [source: gov-uk/search-will-probate-2026-08-08.html]

  1. Go to gov.uk/search-will-probate and choose "Start now".
  2. Enter the person's surname and year of death. If the grant may have been issued in a different year, search the year after as well.
  3. Match the result on first name, date of death and last address, then choose the record and pay the £16 fee by card.
  4. The service then supplies the copy of the grant, and the will if one was proved. Keep the order confirmation in case it needs chasing.

If nothing comes up

A missing result does not mean there is no will. It usually means probate has not been granted yet, the grant is less than about 14 days old, or the year searched is wrong. While a grant is pending, a standing search through Form PA1S asks the Probate Registry to send a copy as soon as the grant issues. Grants issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland are not in this service. gov.uk points to ScotlandsPeople for Scottish records and to PRONI for Northern Ireland.

→ How to get a copy of a will

Last verified: 29 April 2026 against gov.uk/search-will-probate.

AfterLoss

Our how to get a copy of a will guide explains the Find a Will service, what becomes public after probate, and the standing-search route while a grant is pending. Information and Documents records where the original will is kept while the testator is alive, so the family does not need the search service for a will that is sitting in a drawer at home.