How to Store a Will with the Probate Service in 2026: A Guide for UK Firms

Every estate planning firm has heard the same story. A client dies, the family knows there was a Will, and nobody can find the original. A photocopy will not usually do, and the estate can end up being dealt with as if no Will existed. Storing the original safely is one of the simplest ways to stop that happening.

One low cost option in England and Wales is to deposit the Will with HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) through the Probate Service. This guide explains how the service works in 2026, what it costs, and how Will writers, IFAs and estate planners can use it as part of a complete client journey.

What is the Probate Service Will storage scheme?

HMCTS lets you deposit a Will, and any codicils to it, for safekeeping. The official step by step guidance is published on GOV.UK: How to store a Will with the Probate Service. It is a postal service, so there is no online upload of the original document.

Once the Will is lodged, the testator receives a lodgement certificate. That certificate is the proof that the original is held by HMCTS, so it should be kept with the client's other important papers and its existence recorded for the executors.

How much does it cost to store a Will with HMCTS?

There is a one off fee of £24 to deposit a Will or a codicil. It is paid by cheque or postal order made out to "HM Courts and Tribunals Service". If the Will and a codicil are sent together in the same envelope, they are not charged separately.

Clients on benefits or a low income may qualify for Help with Fees. They can apply online and enclose their reference number, or complete form EX160 and send it in with the Will. The GOV.UK guidance also gives an email route for sending the reference or a scan of the form.

How do you store a Will with the Probate Service, step by step?

1. Make a copy first. Keep a copy of the Will for the client's own records before anything is posted.
2. Print the PA7ENV label. Download and print the label from GOV.UK and complete every field in block capitals.
3. Seal the Will in an envelope. Place the Will and any codicils in an envelope.
4. Get the label witnessed. A witness must sign the label, which is then attached to that envelope.
5. Add the fee. Put the labelled envelope inside a larger envelope with the £24 cheque or postal order, or your Help with Fees evidence.
6. Post it by recorded delivery to Newcastle District Probate Registry, 2nd Floor, Kings Court, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, NE29 6AR.

Lodgement takes around two weeks, after which the lodgement certificate is sent out. The probate helpline is 0300 303 0648, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.

Can a stored Will be withdrawn or updated?

Yes. A Will stored with HMCTS can be withdrawn at any time, and GOV.UK publishes separate guidance on how to do it. This matters because Wills should be reviewed after marriage, divorce, a new child, a house move or a significant change in wealth. If a client makes a new Will, the old stored Will should be withdrawn so there is no confusion about which document is the last valid one.

For advisers, a stored Will should never mean a forgotten Will. Build regular review reminders into your client journey so updates happen and the stored version stays current.

Is HMCTS storage the right choice for every client?

It is low cost and run by the courts, which many clients find reassuring. But it is not the only option, and it suits some clients better than others. Points worth discussing with clients include:

• Postal process: clients must print, witness, package and post the original themselves, or ask their adviser to help.
• Payment method: the fee is paid by cheque or postal order, which some clients no longer use.
• Executor awareness: storage only helps if executors know the Will exists and where it is held.
• Ongoing contact: HMCTS stores the document, but it does not manage reviews or keep in touch with the client.

Many firms offer their own secure storage as an alternative or alongside HMCTS storage. Either way, the real goal is the same: the right Will, found quickly, by the right people.

How can estate planning firms turn Will storage into a better client service?

Will storage is a natural point of contact with a client, which makes it an opportunity rather than an admin task. Firms using Ai Wills can:

• Take Will instructions through branded Online Wills journeys and offer storage as a paid add on at checkout.
• Record where the original is held inside the Executor Toolbox, so executors know exactly where to look.
• Send automated email, SMS or WhatsApp review reminders, so stored Wills stay up to date.
• Track every storage request, withdrawal and review in the CRM pipeline, with no spreadsheets to chase.

The result is a client who feels looked after long after the Will is signed, and a firm that stays front of mind when probate, LPA or trust advice is needed.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to store a Will with the Probate Service?

It is a one off fee of £24, paid by cheque or postal order to HM Courts and Tribunals Service. A Will and codicil sent together in one envelope are not charged separately.

Which form do I need to store a Will with HMCTS?

You need the PA7ENV label from GOV.UK. Complete it in block capitals, have a witness sign it and attach it to the envelope containing the Will.

Where do I send a Will for storage?

Post it by recorded delivery to Newcastle District Probate Registry, 2nd Floor, Kings Court, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, NE29 6AR.

How long does it take to lodge a Will?

It takes around two weeks, after which a lodgement certificate is sent out.

Can I take my Will back out of storage?

Yes. A stored Will can be withdrawn at any time by following the HMCTS withdrawal guidance on GOV.UK.

Talk to Ai Wills about storage add ons

This article is general information about the law and procedure in England and Wales as at November 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, forms and addresses can change, so always check the current GOV.UK guidance before posting a Will. Clients with complex estates should take advice from a qualified professional.