From 4 March 2019, a new style of grant of probate certificate will be issued by probate registries.
What has changed?
The certificates have been updated and will include:
- a hologram;
- a digital seal (previously an embossed seal);
- a digital signature (previously a” wet” or ink signature); and
- a validation telephone number people can call to check the grant is valid
Why have grants of probate been updated?
These updates are intended to protect against fraud. The validation telephone number will enable companies who receive grants of probate such as banks, building societies and share registrars, to check the grant is valid before they make payments to the personal representative named on the grant.
What will the new grants of probate look like?
The Law Society has issued a graphic to demonstrate the differences between the old and new grants, which can be found here.
Will the new grants be available in the Welsh language?
Grants of probate issued by the probate registry of Wales are bilingual.
The new style grants will not be bilingual in Welsh and English, and it is understood that the probate registry of Wales will continue to issue bilingual grants in the old style.
For more information, visit the wills, trusts and probate service pages.
