PA1P vs PA1A: Which Probate Application Form Do I Use?

PA1P — Probate Application with a Will

Form PA1P is used when the deceased left a valid will. The resulting grant is called a Grant of Probate. The named executor(s) in the will are the applicants.

Key eligibility requirements for PA1P:

• The deceased must have left a valid will executed in accordance with the Wills Act 1837 (signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses who also signed).
• The applicant must be named as executor in the will (or residuary beneficiary if the named executor has predeceased or renounced).
• All applying executors must be named in the same PA1P application — you cannot make separate applications.

If you are having difficulty locating the will, see our guide on how to locate a will.

PA1A — Letters of Administration Without a Will

Form PA1A is used when the deceased died intestate — that is, without leaving a valid will. The resulting grant is called Letters of Administration, and the person who administers the estate is called an "administrator" rather than an executor.

Who can apply using PA1A? Priority to apply is determined by the Rules of Intestacy:

1. Surviving spouse or civil partner
2. Children (or grandchildren if a child has predeceased)
3. Parents
4. Siblings (or nieces/nephews if a sibling has predeceased)
5. Grandparents
6. Aunts and uncles

The person at the highest priority who is willing to act applies using PA1A. Those who have equal priority but do not wish to apply must complete a renunciation or "power reserved" form.

What the Forms Have in Common

Both PA1P and PA1A ask for:

• Full details of the deceased (name, address, date and place of death, date of birth, occupation, marital status).
• Details of all applicants (name, address, relationship to deceased).
• Whether the estate is excepted (no IHT400 required) or whether IHT400 has been filed.
• Gross and net estate values.
• Declaration that the information given is true.

Documents to Submit with PA1P or PA1A

For a full list of documents needed at the probate stage, see our what documents you need for probate.

Online vs Postal Application

Both forms can be submitted online via the GOV.UK probate service or by post to one of the Probate Registry offices. Online applications are generally processed faster. The online service guides you through both PA1P and PA1A with prompts at each stage.

Tips for a smooth application:

• Use the exact name of the deceased as it appears on the death certificate — any discrepancy with the will may cause delays.
• Order enough sealed copies of the Grant when applying — each costs only £1.50. Most executors need 10–15 copies for banks, Land Registry, share registrars, etc.
• Do not send original documents by standard post — use Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Processing Times

The Probate Registry typically processes applications within 8–16 weeks from submission, though this can vary depending on workload. Complex applications, or those with errors or missing documents, take longer. For strategies to minimise delay, see our guide to probate delays and IHT interest.

After the Grant Is Issued

Once the Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration) is issued, you can begin collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate. Key next steps:

• Collecting bank accounts
• Collecting investments and shares
• Advertising for creditors in The Gazette
• Distributing cash to beneficiaries
• Transferring property via AS1 assent form

For the complete picture, see our estate administration checklist. Use our free estate administration tool to generate your personalised task list.