How long does probate take in 2026?
Short answer: once the application is in, HMCTS took an average of 6.5 weeks to issue a grant in Aug 2026. But the whole process, from death to inheritance, usually takes much longer than that.
Figures update automatically each month from HMCTS data. Last data: Aug 2026, from HMCTS management information - August 2026.
The latest HMCTS figures
- All applications: 6.5 weeks on average from submission to grant (6.4 weeks in Aug 2025).
- Online (digital): 4.4 weeks. 1.7 weeks if HMCTS didn't stop the application, or 11.7 weeks if it did.
- Paper: 16.4 weeks. 8.8 weeks if not stopped, or 23.6 weeks if stopped.
- Over the last 12 months (Sep 2025 to Aug 2026), the overall average was 6.3 weeks. The longest month in our data was Nov 2023 (15.8 weeks).
HMCTS also measures time "from document upload to grant". It starts later than submission, so it's shorter: 5.5 weeks overall in Aug 2026. Both are averages for grants issued that month, so individual cases vary. See the full trend.
GOV.UK's guidance is that you'll usually get probate within 12 weeks of submitting your application, and it can take longer if you need to provide more information (GOV.UK: Apply for probate).
Why some applications take much longer
- Being "stopped". The biggest difference in the data is between applications HMCTS had to stop, for example to ask for more information, and ones it didn't. Complete, accurate applications avoid this.
- Applying on paper. GOV.UK says paper applications take longer to process than online ones, and asks you to apply online if you can (GOV.UK).
- Missing documents. You need to send the original will. A photocopy can't be used (GOV.UK: If there's a will).
The whole timeline, not just the grant
1. Before you can apply
The executor (or the closest relative if there's no will) must value the estate and work out whether Inheritance Tax is due. If the estate isn't "excepted", they must send full details to HMRC on form IHT400. If tax is due, they must start paying it and wait for a code from HMRC before applying (GOV.UK: Before you apply). Inheritance Tax is due by the end of the sixth month after the death, and HMRC charges interest after that (GOV.UK: Pay Inheritance Tax).
2. Waiting for the grant
This is the part the HMCTS figures measure: currently 6.5 weeks on average.
3. After the grant
The executor sends the grant to banks and other organisations to collect the money. They then pay debts and taxes, may sell property, and finally pay beneficiaries. GOV.UK says not to make financial plans or put property on the market until you've got probate (GOV.UK: Applying for probate). There are no official figures for how long this stage takes. It depends on the estate, and especially on whether a property has to be sold.
What you can do to keep it moving
- Check with the banks and other organisations whether probate is actually needed. You may not need it if the estate is only savings, or jointly owned assets that pass to the surviving owner (GOV.UK).
- Apply online if you can, and send the original will and any requested documents promptly.
- If Inheritance Tax is due, ask the deceased's banks about the Direct Payment Scheme (form IHT423). It lets HMRC be paid straight from the deceased's accounts (GOV.UK).
- Track an online application by signing in to the probate service (GOV.UK: After you've applied).
These figures cover the probate service in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules (GOV.UK).
Waiting is hard if money is tight. Read your options while you wait.