On 17th November 2025, the cost of obtaining official copies of probate documents in England and Wales increased from £1.50 to £16 per copy. This change, introduced under The Court and Public Guardian Fees (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025, replaced the previous fee structure set out in the Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order 2004.
The revised fee applies to all requests for copies of grants of probate, letters of administration, and wills held by the Probate Registry. It affects both initial applications and subsequent requests, including those for historical records. Whether ordered during the probate process or years later for research or legal purposes, each copy will now incur the significantly higher cost.
Implications for practitioners, families, and researchers:
- Those administrating estates should reassess how many copies are absolutely necessary. Multiple originals are often required to deal with banks, insurers, share registrars, and property transactions.
- Legal professionals and genealogists accessing archived probate records will need to factor in the higher retrieval costs.
- Some institutions now accept scanned or sealed digital versions. It’s advisable to confirm requirements before ordering multiple originals.
- Copies can often be returned after use – this may help reduce the number needed overall.
This near-1000% increase raises broader concerns about affordability and access to public records, particularly for individuals navigating probate without legal representation. It also places additional financial pressure on those managing modest estates or conducting historical research.
The last major change came in 2017, when the fee doubled from £5 to £10 following the closure of many public probate registries. As the process moved online and became less labour-intensive, the price later dropped to £1.50. The Ministry of Justice has now justified the latest hike in price as a reflection of the operational costs incurred by HMCTS.
This change is likely to affect a wide range of stakeholders – from solicitors and probate practitioners to genealogists, financial institutions, and families managing estates. For those managing estates or researching family histories, adapting early will make a meaningful difference.
Speak to our team about how we can help matters stay efficient, cost-conscious, and client-focused in the face of rising fees.
