How to apply for probate in NSW
Updated 20 August 2026 · 8 minute read
Probate in New South Wales is granted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and filing runs through NSW Online Registry (all probate filing is online). Here's the NSW application from start to finish — the same sequence a law firm follows, minus the mystery.
Before you start
- The original will — not a copy (check the solicitor's safe custody and the bank)
- The death certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (allow 2–4 weeks)
- Date-of-death balances in writing from every bank and registry
- A first look at whether you need probate at all
The NSW process, step by step
Publish the online notice of intention
Filed through the NSW Online Registry. You must then wait 14 days before filing the application.
Prepare the summons, inventory and executor's affidavit
The inventory lists every NSW asset and liability at date-of-death values. Accuracy here is what avoids requisitions.
File online and pay the filing fee
Upload the sworn documents and the original will as directed by the registry.
Receive the grant
The sealed grant arrives electronically. Banks, the titles office and share registries will each want a copy.
What it costs to file
| Estate value | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $100,000 | $0 |
| $100,000 – $250,000 | $960 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $1,303 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $1,999 |
| $1 million – $2 million | $2,663 |
| $2 million – $5 million | $4,439 |
| More than $5 million | $7,399 |
Fees are based on the gross value of NSW assets only, at date-of-death values. Publishing the online notice costs $59. Full cost picture, including solicitor fees: cost of probate in NSW.
Applications filed more than 6 months after death must include an affidavit explaining the delay. Build the 14-day notice period into your timing.
The documents, explained
Every form in the NSW application, and what the registry is checking in each: NSW probate forms.
Requisitions — registry queries that stall the application — mostly come from inventory errors and informally-executed wills. If the estate has property, interstate assets or any family tension, a fixed-fee firm is cheap insurance against restarting the clock.
Rather hand the NSW application to someone?
Fixed-fee quotes from firms that lodge these every week. Upfront prices, no obligation.
Get fixed-fee probate quotesCommon questions
Can I apply myself in NSW?
Yes — self-applications are accepted, and simple estates succeed regularly. Requisition rates run higher for self-filed applications, which adds weeks when it happens.
How long will it take?
Currently 2–4 weeks from filing for a clean application — the full picture, including notice periods, is in how long probate takes in NSW.
What if there is no will?
You apply for letters of administration in NSW instead — same registry, same fees, more affidavits.
Sources
- Supreme Court of NSW — probate (supremecourt.nsw.gov.au)
- NSW Online Registry — probate notices and filing
- NSW probate filing fees 2026–27 (nationalprobate.com.au/nsw/probate/costs/court-filing-fees)
- Papas Law — NSW probate processing times 2026