As of  17 November 2025, the cost of obtaining official copies of probate documents has increased in price from £1.50 to £16 per copy – an increase that will affect executors, families, and professionals handling estates.

What’s Changing?

The new £16 fee applies to:

• Copies are ordered when submitting a probate application
• Additional copies requested after a grant has been issued
• Historical document copies used for research or legal matters

This represents a major jump in cost, especially for executors who often need multiple copies for banks, insurers, share registrars, and property-related transactions.

Why the Increase?

According to the Ministry of Justice, the previous £1.50 fee did not reflect the true cost of delivering the service. The new charges aim to ensure HMCTS can continue operating on a full cost-recovery basis.

How Will This Affect Executors and Families?

For many estates, this change will have a real financial impact. For example:

• Ordering 10 copies used to cost £15
• Now, the same order will cost £160

That’s a substantial increase, especially when multiple institutions still require physical or certified copies as part of their verification process.

What Should You Do Now?

If you’re currently preparing a probate application or expect to submit one soon, there are two steps worth taking:

Review your needs carefully – Before ordering copies, make a list of every organisation that will need one. Don’t just guess, contact them and ask specifically what they require.

Order wisely – Whilst you don’t want to be caught short, there’s no point ordering excessive copies “just in case” at these prices. Make sure you know how many copies you’ll need before ordering.

Plan Ahead – If you’re in the early stages of applying for probate, now is the time to think this through rather than ordering additional copies later at the higher rate.

How We Can Help

At Ridley & Hall, we understand that dealing with probate is challenging enough without worrying about unexpected costs. Our experienced team can help you navigate these changes and ensure you’re ordering exactly what you need, nothing more, nothing less.

If you’re currently dealing with an estate or have questions about probate, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via email at info@ridleyandhall.co.uk or via a free phone at 0800 8 60 62 65. We’re here to guide you through the process and help keep costs as manageable as possible during what we know is a difficult time.

Hannah Pedley, Associate Solicitor