Skip to main content
WUHLD
← Back to articles

Insights

Where to Store Your Will Safely in the UK (2025 Guide)

· 11 min

Emma spent three weeks carefully creating her will. At 42, with two young children and a £320,000 house, she'd meticulously chosen guardians, divided her estate, and appointed executors. The day her signed will arrived, she felt an enormous sense of relief.

Then panic: where should she put it?

She considered her fireproof safe, but only she knew the combination. Her solicitor would store it, but for £40 per year. The kitchen drawer felt too casual for something so important. Her bank's safety deposit box seemed secure—until she learned executors couldn't access it without probate, and couldn't get probate without the will.

Emma's dilemma is surprisingly common. According to the National Will Register, which holds over 10.5 million registered wills, one in five wills presumed missing are eventually found through their search service—but not before causing significant stress and expense for grieving families. Sometimes wills are stored too safely; other times, not safely enough.

In this guide, you'll discover the five main storage options for UK wills, the critical mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure your will is both secure and accessible when it matters most. Legal Disclaimer

This article provides general information about will storage options in the UK and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, particularly regarding complex estates or unusual storage circumstances, please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward UK estates; complex situations may require professional legal advice.

Table of Contents

Why Will Storage Matters More Than You Think

Creating your will was the hard part. But if your executors can't find the original document when you die, your carefully crafted wishes might never be fulfilled.

Here's the legal reality: if an original will cannot be found after death, UK law presumes it was destroyed with intent to revoke it. This is known as the "presumption of revocation"—a rebuttable presumption under common law that can be challenged, but only with significant legal expense and effort.

Copy wills are extremely difficult to probate. The process requires witness statements, District Probate Registry discretion, and application under rule 54 of the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987. Even then, there's no guarantee the court will accept a copy—this is why maintaining proper will documentation is so critical.

Consider what happened with Lloyds Bank. In 2019, the bank discovered approximately 9,000 wills it had failed to return to families of deceased customers. Hundreds of estates were incorrectly distributed—assets went to the wrong beneficiaries because executors couldn't find the actual will and administered estates under outdated or non-existent wills.

Your will must meet a dual requirement: it must be secure from damage, theft, or accidental disposal AND accessible to executors after your death. Too much security creates a different problem—a perfectly preserved will that no one can locate helps no one.

The good news? You have five legitimate storage options, each with clear advantages for different situations. Never attach other documents to your will with staples or paperclips—the marks left behind suggest missing pages or codicils, creating costly delays during probate.

The 5 Official Storage Options for UK Wills

You have five main choices for storing your will in the UK, ranging from official government storage to keeping it at home. Costs range from free to £40 per year, and there's no legal requirement to choose any particular option.

Here's a quick overview of your options:

  1. HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) probate registry– £23 one-off fee, maximum official security
  2. Solicitor storage– Often free if they drafted your will, £40+ annually if they didn't
  3. Home storage– Free after initial safe purchase (£100-£300), most convenient access
  4. Bank will storage service– Mostly discontinued across UK banks
  5. National Will Register– £30 to register (or free during May), but this records WHERE your will is, not stores it

MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice both provide guidance on these options, emphasizing that the "best" choice depends on your individual circumstances—your budget, how often you might update your will, where your executors live, and your peace of mind preferences.

Let's examine each option in detail so you can make an informed decision.

Option 1 – HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) Probate Registry Storage

This is the most official, secure storage option available in the UK. Your will is stored at a government facility specifically designed for permanent document preservation.

How it works:

You deposit your will at any district probate registry or post it to the Principal Probate Registry in London. The one-off fee is £23 as of May 2025. If you're depositing both a will and codicil, include them in one envelope to avoid being charged separately.

The legal basis:

Storage is provided under Section 124 of the Senior Courts Act 1981, which explicitly authorizes the probate service to accept wills for safekeeping. Understanding UK will requirements ensures your will is legally valid before storage.

Retrieval:

You can retrieve your will free of charge at any time during your lifetime by attending in person at the Principal Probate Registry or requesting it by post. After your death, your personal representatives can access it free of charge as part of the probate process.

Pros:

  • Maximum security from a government facility
  • Permanent storage with professional document preservation
  • Minimal one-off cost with no annual fees
  • Free retrieval during lifetime or after death
  • Executors can easily access through probate registry

Cons:

  • Somewhat bureaucratic process requiring forms
  • Must physically attend or post to registry
  • Cannot make quick edits—you must retrieve entire document
  • Less convenient if you update your will frequently

Best for:

People who want the highest level of official security, don't anticipate frequent changes to their will, and value the peace of mind that comes from government-managed storage.

Additional context:

The information about HMCTS storage fees and processes is current as of October 2025. Government fees and processes may change. Always verify current requirements at gov.uk before depositing your will.

Option 2 – Solicitor Storage

Many solicitors offer will storage services, and the terms vary significantly depending on whether they drafted your will.

Free storage for clients:

Most solicitors store wills they've drafted at no charge. This is standard practice in the legal profession—the commercial reasoning being that when you die, your executors will contact that firm for probate services.

Paid storage for external wills:

If a solicitor didn't write your will, you should expect to pay around £40 or more as a yearly fee. Some solicitors use the National Will Safe service (part of the National Will Register system), charging £20-£35 annually depending on whether you're registering as a single person or a couple.

Recent controversies:

In 2022, law firm April King introduced a £72 annual storage fee for thousands of wills they'd previously stored free of charge, causing significant backlash. While the firm eventually reversed this decision after pressure, it highlights an important risk: solicitor firms can change their fee structures.

Critical questions to ask:

  • Will storage remain free permanently, or could fees be introduced later?
  • What happens to stored wills if your firm closes or merges with another?
  • How quickly can executors access the will after death?
  • Is there written confirmation of the storage terms?

Regulatory protection:

Because solicitors' firms are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, if a firm ceases trading or merges, all stored wills must be transferred to another regulated firm. Solicitors also carry professional indemnity insurance, so if your will is lost or damaged due to the firm's fault, your estate should be compensated.

Pros:

  • Professional storage with legal expertise available
  • Usually free for clients whose wills the solicitor drafted
  • Regulatory protections if firm closes
  • Insurance coverage for lost or damaged documents

Cons:

  • Firm may close, merge, or change ownership
  • Potential for fee introduction even on "free" storage
  • May require executors to travel to specific office location
  • Less control than keeping will yourself

Best for:

People who used a solicitor to draft their will, trust the firm's longevity, and have written confirmation that storage is permanently free or understand the fee structure clearly.

Option 3 – Home Storage (Done Properly)

This is the most popular option—and the most misunderstood. Home storage can work perfectly well, but only if you take specific precautions.

The reality:

MoneyHelper guidance acknowledges keeping your will at home is acceptable, but notes it "could be risky"—wills stored at home might be thrown away accidentally, damaged by fire or flood, or become the subject of family disputes.

Primary risks:

  • Fire damage (the most common risk)
  • Water damage from floods or leaks
  • Accidental disposal during house moves or decluttering
  • Family members with access might remove or alter it
  • Burglary or theft

If storing at home, you MUST:

  1. Use a fireproof and waterproof document safe with a minimum 60-minute fire rating, preferably certified to EN 1047-1 standards for paper document protection. These safes are specifically designed to maintain interior temperatures below the point where paper combusts (approximately 177°C). This protects your will from damage that could invalidate it.

  2. Tell executors the exact location and provide access details. Not just "it's at home," but "it's in the fireproof safe in the main bedroom wardrobe, top shelf, combination is 4-7-2-9."

  3. Never attach other documents with staples or paperclips. This leaves marks that suggest pages have been removed or codicils lost, creating probate delays while the registry investigates.

  4. Store away from moisture sources. Ironically, fireproof safes can accumulate condensation inside—open them periodically to air out and check on your documents.

  5. Keep with other important documents(property deeds, insurance policies, pension information) so executors logically look in the right place.

Safe specifications to look for:

  • Fire rating: 60-90 minutes minimum
  • Water resistance: Sealed against water entry
  • Certification: EN 1047-1 or equivalent for paper protection
  • Size: Large enough for A4 documents lying flat
  • Cost: £100-£300 for a quality document safe

Pros:

  • Immediate access whenever you want to review your will
  • No ongoing annual fees (one-time safe purchase)
  • Complete control over your document
  • Can check on condition periodically
  • Convenient for frequent updates

Cons:

  • Risk of fire or flood despite precautions
  • Must maintain executor access (combinations, keys)
  • Family members might not know location if you haven't communicated it
  • Requires discipline to keep access information updated

Best for:

Organized people with secure home storage, executors who live nearby or visit regularly, and those who value convenience and control over their important documents.

Option 4 – Bank Will Storage Service (NOT Safety Deposit Box)

This section requires a critical distinction: some banks historically offered dedicated will storage services, but most UK banks have discontinued these. More importantly, safety deposit boxes should NEVER be used for will storage.

Current status of bank will storage:

Most major UK banks—including HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest—no longer offer dedicated will storage services. These services have been phased out due to low demand, liability concerns, and changing banking business models.

Why safety deposit boxes DON'T work:

If you store your will in a safety deposit box, you create an impossible problem. Executors need probate to access the box, but they need the will to obtain probate—a classic Catch-22 situation.

When someone dies, the bank can't open the deposit box until the executor gets probate (permission from the court to administer your affairs)—and probate can't be granted without the will. Professional bodies including Solicitors for the Elderly and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners explicitly warn against using safety deposit boxes for will storage.

If your will is currently in a safety deposit box:

Move it immediately to one of the other four options in this guide. This is urgent—your executors will face significant delays and potential costs trying to resolve this circular problem.

Why banks discontinued will storage:

The Lloyds failure illustrates the challenges. Banks found that managing thousands of wills, tracking deceased customers, and ensuring timely delivery to families was operationally complex and carried significant liability risks. Most have shifted this responsibility to specialized services or eliminated it entirely.

Verdict:

This is not a viable option for most people in 2025.

Best for:

Essentially no one—dedicated bank will storage services are largely discontinued, and safety deposit boxes create serious access problems that make them completely unsuitable for will storage.

Option 5 – National Will Register (Registration, Not Storage)

This is perhaps the most misunderstood option, so let's be crystal clear from the start: the National Will Register does NOT store your will. It records WHERE your will is stored.

What it actually is:

The National Will Register is a database holding information about over 10.5 million wills in the UK, showing each will's location and existence—but NOT the contents of the will itself.

What gets recorded:

  • Your name and date of birth
  • Date the will was signed
  • WHERE the will is stored (solicitor name, address, or "kept at home")
  • Who drafted the will (if applicable)

What does NOT get recorded:

  • The contents of your will
  • Who your beneficiaries are
  • What you're leaving to whom
  • Any personal information beyond basic identification

Cost:

£30 to register a will. However, every May is Free Will Registration Month—during May 1-31, 2025, you can register for free using code FREEWILLREG25. The 2025 promotion was extended until June 14th.

How it works:

You (or your solicitor) register your will online at nationalwillregister.co.uk. The process takes 5-10 minutes. You provide basic details about yourself, when the will was signed, and crucially, where it's stored.

Why register:

When you die, your executors can search the National Will Register to find out where your will is located. This is particularly valuable if executors don't know which solicitor you used, whether you stored it at home, or if you moved house and the will's location changed. Learn more about the National Will Register and its benefits.

The search service:

Through their will search service, one in five found wills were previously presumed missing—these searches either superseded a held will that was outdated or discovered a will executors didn't otherwise know existed.

A surprising statistic:

Despite the clear value of this service, surveys have found that approximately 8 in 10 people haven't heard of the National Will Register, meaning millions of wills remain unregistered and potentially harder for executors to locate.

Pros:

  • Helps executors locate will after death
  • Relatively inexpensive (£30, or free in May)
  • Can register old wills retrospectively
  • Privacy maintained—contents remain completely confidential
  • Simple online process
  • Operated by Advanced and endorsed by the Law Society since 2006

Cons:

  • Costs £30 outside of Free Will Registration Month
  • Still need to choose one of the other four storage options—this doesn't replace physical storage
  • Only helps if executors know to search the register (though this is becoming more common practice)

Best for:

Everyone—this should be used IN ADDITION to one of the other storage methods, not as a replacement. It's particularly valuable if your executors might not know exactly where you've stored your will, or if you've moved and storage locations have changed over time.

Storage Mistakes That Could Invalidate Your Will

Even with the best intentions, certain storage errors create serious problems. Here are the critical mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: Attaching Documents with Staples or Paperclips

This seems harmless but creates significant probate complications. When a will arrives at the probate registry with staple holes or paperclip indentations, officials assume pages or codicils might have been removed. They must investigate whether the will is complete.

MoneyHelper explicitly warns against this practice. The registry may require statements from witnesses, solicitors, or family members confirming no pages are missing—causing delays during an already stressful time.

What to do instead:

Store your will in a clean envelope or folder. Keep related documents (asset inventories, funeral wishes, letter of explanation) nearby in the same safe or location, but never physically attached to the will itself. For guidance on what to include in your will, see our comprehensive checklist.

Mistake 2: Storing in a Safety Deposit Box

We covered this in detail in Option 4, but it bears repeating: storing your will in a bank safety deposit box creates an impossible circular problem.

Michael, 58, stored his will in his bank's safety deposit box, thinking it was the most secure option. When he died suddenly, his wife Sarah needed the will to apply for probate. But the bank required a grant of probate before they'd open the box. Sarah couldn't get probate without the will, and couldn't access the will without probate.

It took Sarah four months, two solicitors, and several thousand pounds in legal fees to resolve—all because of a storage decision Michael thought was being extra careful.

If you're currently doing this:

Retrieve your will this week and move it to one of the four legitimate storage options. Follow our complete guide to making a will in the UK to ensure proper execution.

Mistake 3: Not Telling Executors the Location

David stored his will perfectly—in a high-quality fireproof safe in his attic, well-protected from all risks. He died suddenly at 67. His executor, his brother James, searched for three months. He contacted David's solicitor (who hadn't written the will), checked with David's bank, searched through filing cabinets and desk drawers, and eventually paid for a National Will Register search that came back with no results because David had never registered it.

The will was eventually found during a house clearance, but not until James had nearly completed intestacy administration. The safe was secure; the communication wasn't. This is why choosing the right executor and communicating with them is just as important as creating the will itself.

Solution:

Use the communication template in the next section to tell your executors exactly where your will is and how to access it. Do this within a week of storing your will, not "someday."

Mistake 4: Storing Only a Digital Copy

UK probate law requires the original signed will. Digital copies, scanned PDFs, or photographs are not sufficient—even if they're perfect, high-resolution images of the entire document.

Copy wills can only be admitted to probate in exceptional circumstances, requiring witness statements, proof the original existed and was validly executed, and discretionary approval from the District Probate Registry under rule 54 of the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987.

Digital copies are useful as backups—they can help locate the original or serve as evidence if you need to prove the original existed—but they're not valid substitutes for the original document.

What to do:

Always maintain the physical original with wet-ink signatures. By all means keep a digital scan as a backup, but never dispose of the original or rely solely on the digital version.

Mistake 5: Splitting Up Will and Codicils

If you've made amendments to your will through codicils (formal addition documents), the will and ALL codicils must be stored together. If executors find your will but not the codicil that revoked a specific gift, they'll administer your estate incorrectly.

When you add a codicil, retrieve your will from wherever it's stored and place the codicil with it—same envelope, same safe, same storage location. If you've stored your will with HMCTS or a solicitor, notify them you have a codicil and ensure it's deposited with the original will. Better yet, consider creating a new will instead of using codicils, which can create confusion and complications.

Prevention checklist:

  • Will stored in fireproof/waterproof safe OR with HMCTS/solicitor
  • No staples or paperclips attaching other documents
  • Executors know exact storage location
  • Executors have access details (combination, key location)
  • Original document secured, not just digital copy
  • All codicils stored with original will
  • Location registered with National Will Register
  • Storage location reviewed after house moves or major life changes

How to Tell Your Executors Where Your Will Is

Perfect storage is useless if your executors don't know where to look. This conversation might feel awkward, but it's essential practical information—approach it matter-of-factly, like sharing your car insurance details or emergency contact information.

Method 1: Direct Conversation

This is the most straightforward approach and should always be your first step.

What to say: "I've created my will and appointed you as executor. The original will is stored [exact location—be specific]. To access it, [provide combination, key location, or contact details]. I've also registered the location with the National Will Register. Do you have any questions about this?"

Sensitivity consideration:

Some people worry this conversation is morbid or will upset the executor. In reality, most executors appreciate the clarity. You're giving them practical information they need—it's thoughtful, not troubling.

Method 2: Written Letter

Provide a formal written record that executors can refer to years from now when memories of conversations have faded.

Template:

Dear [Executor Name],

This letter confirms that I have appointed you as executor of my will, dated [DATE].

The original will is stored [EXACT LOCATION, such as: "in the fireproof safe in the main bedroom wardrobe, top shelf" or "with Harrison & Partners Solicitors, 14 High Street, Manchester, M1 2AB, telephone 0161 123 4567"].

To access it, [ACCESS INSTRUCTIONS, such as: "the safe combination is 4-7-2-9 and a backup key is in the kitchen drawer next to the cooker" or "contact the solicitor directly—they have instructions to release the will to you after my death upon verification of your identity"].

The will has been registered with the National Will Register. If you cannot locate the original, you can search for it at nationalwillregister.co.uk.

If you have any questions, please contact [FAMILY MEMBER NAME or SOLICITOR NAME] at [CONTACT DETAILS].

Thank you for agreeing to carry out this important responsibility.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Date: [DATE]

Where to keep this letter:

Give a copy directly to your executor. Keep another copy with your will or in an obvious location with other important documents.

Method 3: Executor Information Document

Create a simple one-page reference document listing all the essential information your executors will need.

What to include:

  • Will storage location: Exact address and specific location within building
  • Access details: Combinations, key locations, contact information
  • Executor names: All appointed executors and their contact details
  • Solicitor contact: If you used a solicitor, their full contact details
  • Registration: Confirmation that will is registered with National Will Register
  • Will date: So executors know they've found the most current version
  • Other important documents: Location of asset inventory, insurance policies, pension details, property deeds

Where to store this:

Keep one copy in an obvious location—many people attach it to their fridge with a magnet, keep it in their wallet, or place it in the front of their important documents folder. Give another copy directly to your executor.

Method 4: National Will Register

Registration serves as a backup communication method. Even if your executor forgets your conversation or can't find your letter, they can search the register.

When you register, you provide the will storage location. After your death, executors can search by your name and date of birth to find where the will is kept.

Register during Free Will Registration Month (May 1-31) to avoid the £30 fee.

When to Tell Them

Timing matters:

  • Soon after creating will: Have this conversation within 1-2 weeks of finalizing your will
  • After major life events: Remind executors during significant milestones (moving house, major birthdays, retirement)
  • If you change storage location: Inform executors immediately if you move your will from one location to another
  • When updating your will: If you create a new will or add codicils, confirm executors know about the changes.

Update Responsibility

This isn't a one-time conversation. If you:

  • Move house and your will moves with you
  • Change from home storage to solicitor storage (or vice versa)
  • Switch solicitors
  • Update your safe combination
  • Create a new will superseding the old one

...you MUST inform your executors of these changes. A conversation from five years ago about a will stored in a house you no longer own helps no one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the safest place to keep a will?

The safest place depends on your priorities. HM Courts & Tribunals Service probate registry offers maximum security at a government facility for £23 one-off. Home storage in a fireproof safe (60+ minute rating) works well if executors know the exact location and have access details. Solicitor storage provides professional management and is often free for wills they've drafted.

Should I keep my will in a safe at home?

Yes, home storage works well if you use a fireproof and waterproof safe with minimum 60-minute fire rating, tell executors the exact location and access details, and never attach other documents with staples or paperclips. Store the safe away from moisture and keep it with other important documents so executors look in the right place.

How do I register my will in the UK?

Visit nationalwillregister.co.uk, pay £30 (or register free during May using code FREEWILLREG25), and provide your details plus where your will is stored. The process takes 5-10 minutes. The register records your will's location, not its contents, so your privacy is maintained. Remember this is registration of where it's kept, not storage of the actual document.

What happens if no one can find the original will?

UK law presumes the will was destroyed with intent to revoke—called the "presumption of revocation." This presumption can be challenged if you have evidence the will existed and wasn't intentionally destroyed, but this requires court applications, witness statements, and significant legal expense. Executors can attempt to probate a copy using rule 54 of the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987, but success is not guaranteed.

Can my executor access my safety deposit box?

No, this is precisely the problem. Banks require probate before granting access to safety deposit boxes, but executors need the will to obtain probate—creating an impossible Catch-22. You should never store your will in a safety deposit box. If yours is currently there, retrieve it immediately and move it to one of the four legitimate storage options.

How much does solicitor will storage cost?

Most solicitors store wills they've drafted free of charge—this is standard practice. If a solicitor didn't write your will, expect to pay £40 or more per year for storage. Some use the National Will Safe service costing £20-£35 annually. Always get written confirmation about fee structure and what happens if the firm closes or changes ownership.

Can I store a copy of my will instead of the original?

No, UK probate requires the original signed will with wet-ink signatures. Copies can serve as evidence if the original is provably lost, but admitting a copy to probate is difficult, uncertain, and requires District Probate Registry discretion under rule 54. Always maintain and secure the original document.

Your Will Storage Action Plan

You've created your will—now it's time to store it properly and close this important chapter of your estate planning.

Key takeaways:

  • Choose one of five storage options based on your priorities: HMCTS probate registry (£23, maximum official security), solicitor storage (often free, professionally managed), home storage in fireproof safe (most convenient, one-time cost), or National Will Register registration (£30, or free in May—records location, doesn't store document)
  • Avoid critical mistakes that create probate problems: never use safety deposit boxes, never attach documents with staples or paperclips, always maintain the original (digital copies insufficient), and keep will and codicils together
  • Tell your executors exactly where your will is stored using the communication template in this guide—perfect storage is worthless if executors can't find it
  • Consider registering with National Will Register during Free Will Month in May (free with code FREEWILLREG25) as an insurance policy for executor findability
  • Review your storage location after major life changes—if you move house, change solicitors, or update your will, inform your executors immediately

You've already done the hardest part—creating your will and protecting the people you love. Storing it properly is the final step that transforms that document from paper into peace of mind.

Take 30 minutes this week to choose your storage option, secure your will, and have the conversation with your executors. Then you can genuinely tick "estate planning" off your life admin list.

If you haven't created your will yet, WUHLD makes it remarkably simple. In just 15 minutes online, you can create a legally valid UK will for £99.99—a fraction of the £650+ solicitors typically charge.

You'll get four comprehensive documents: your complete will plus a 12-page Testator Guide (explaining how to execute your will properly), a Witness Guide (to give to your witnesses), and a Complete Asset Inventory document.

You can preview everything free before paying—no credit card required, no subscriptions, no hidden fees. Just one payment of £99.99 and you're done.

Create your will today, then spend 30 minutes implementing the storage strategy from this guide. Your future executors will thank you.

Preview Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Sources & Further Reading: