The Probate Service will now accept personal applications online, providing they meet certain criteria.
The Probate Service has said the online application form will continue to be developed to cover a broader range of probate applications in the future.
Personal applications can be made online if only one executor is applying, if there is an original will available even if the person who died made up to four changes to that will, and if the person who died classed England and Wales as their permanent home or intended to return to England and Wales to live permanently.
The Probate Service has said the online application form is easier to understand, but it has said applicants will need to provide supporting documents, including the original will and two photocopies, the death certificate and the associated inheritance tax forms.
It said: “We are looking to enhance this in the future, potentially through links with other departments to gather this information automatically as part of the process.”
The Probate Service added that online applications will be extended for solicitors and other professionals in spring 2018.
Its new online application form includes a statement of truth for people to declare the information is correct, removing the need to swear an oath in person, and the function to pay the fee online, removing the need to post a cheque to the Probate Service.
