Where to store your will

Last reviewed 18 August 2026

A will that cannot be found is, in law, very nearly a will that does not exist — so where you keep it is not an afterthought but part of making it.

The main options

At home, in a safe place your executor knows of — free, but vulnerable to loss, damage or simply never being found. With the solicitor or will-writer who drew it — often free or a modest annual fee, and secure. A dedicated storage service, sometimes with registration on the National Will Register so the will can be traced after death, for a one-off or annual charge. The court no longer offers a public storage service in the way it once did.

Making it findable

Wherever you store it, tell your executor where the original is — a copy is not enough, as probate generally needs the original. Registering the will’s location on the National Will Register guards against it being lost or a later will being missed. Review both the will and its storage after any major life change.

Sources. National Will Register; solicitor and commercial storage services (fees cited at build); GOV.UK, Applying for probate (original will required).