Storing a Will Safely: What to Do With an Original Will

Why safe storage matters

If an original will cannot be found after a death, it is legally presumed to have been destroyed by the deceased with the intention of revoking it. This means the estate may be administered under intestacy — which could mean completely different people inherit from those intended.

A will that was never found because it was stored in an inaccessible place (or because the executor didn't know where to look) is just as damaging as no will at all. Safe storage and communication about storage location are equally important.

Storage options

There are several options for storing a will:

Depositing a will with the Probate Registry

The Probate Registry (part of HM Courts and Tribunals Service) accepts wills for safe custody. The current fee is £20. The will is held securely and can be retrieved on application.

The existence of the deposit is recorded in the Probate Registry's records, which executors can search when applying for probate. This makes it very difficult for the will to be "lost".

To retrieve the will for amendment, the depositor (the testator) must apply personally. On death, the executor or beneficiary can apply with a death certificate. The original is then available for the probate application.

The National Will Register

The National Will Register (operated by Certainty) is a private register of wills. It does not store the will itself but records where it is being kept. When the deceased dies, executors and beneficiaries can search the register (for a small fee) to find out whether a will was registered and where the original is held.

Registration costs approximately £30–£50 for a lifetime registration. Many solicitors offer registration at the time of drafting the will. If the will is not registered, executors must search through other channels.

Avoid bank safe deposit boxes

Storing a will in a bank safe deposit box is problematic. The executor may not be able to access the box without probate — but they need the will to apply for probate. This creates a circular problem.

Some banks will allow a limited access to retrieve a will specifically, but this is not guaranteed. Avoid safe deposit boxes for will storage unless the specific bank's policy on death access is confirmed in advance.

Tell your executor

Whatever storage option is chosen, the executor must know:

• That a will exists
• Where the original is stored
• How to access or retrieve it

Consider keeping a separate "location letter" with important documents that tells your executor where to find the will, digital assets, and other key information. See our guide to letters of wishes for how to document your wishes alongside the will.

If a will cannot be found, see our guide on what happens when a will is missing. For the full probate process once the will is found, see our applying for probate guide, complete UK probate guide 2026, and executor first steps guide. For guidance on letter of wishes (which often accompany a will), see our letter of wishes guide. For storing information about digital assets, see our digital assets after death guide. For making a deed of variation after probate, see our deed of variation guide. For the estate administration checklist, see our estate administration checklist. For IHT reporting, see our IHT400 guide. Farra can help you manage estate administration — get started here.