If you are waiting on probate in Dublin, knowing the current processing times helps you plan ahead and set realistic expectations. This page is updated regularly based on data published by the Courts Service. For a broader view of the full probate timeline, see our guide to how long probate takes in Ireland.
The Dublin Probate Office — officially the Principal Probate Registry — handles applications for Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow. It is the busiest probate office in the country, and its processing times are closely watched as a barometer for the system as a whole.
Current Dublin Probate Office processing times
The Courts Service publishes the lodgement dates currently being processed. As of the most recent update (30 March 2026), the Dublin Probate Office is processing applications from the dates shown below.
| Application type | Current waiting time | Processing from |
|---|---|---|
| New personal applications | 10–12 weeks to appointment | February 17, 2026 |
| New solicitor applications | Applications being processed | February 10, 2026 |
| Copy requests (wills/grants before Jan 2020) | Processing from lodgement date | February 4, 2026 |
| Copy requests (wills/grants after Jan 2020) | Processing from lodgement date | February 28, 2026 |
For personal applicants, the 10 to 12 week figure is the time between lodging your application and receiving an appointment date. After the appointment — during which a probate official reviews your documents and administers an oath — the Grant is typically posted within three weeks. The total time from lodging to receiving your Grant is therefore approximately 13 to 15 weeks.
How processing times have changed
Probate Office waiting times have improved significantly since early 2024. According to a parliamentary question answered in July 2025, the nationwide average processing time fell from 22 weeks at the start of 2024 to 11 weeks by the end of that year. Dublin saw an even sharper improvement, dropping from 25 weeks to 7 weeks over the same period.
| Period | Dublin processing time | Nationwide average |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2024 | 25 weeks | 22 weeks |
| September 2024 | 8 weeks (target reached) | Not reported separately |
| End of 2024 | 7 weeks | 11 weeks |
| January 2026 (current) | 10–12 weeks | Varies by office |
The government has set an 8-week target for probate processing as part of broader conveyancing and probate reform. Dublin reached this target briefly in September 2024. Current times are slightly above the target, which reflects normal fluctuations in workload throughout the year.
Personal applications vs solicitor applications
The Dublin Probate Office handles two types of applications: personal applications (where the executor applies directly) and solicitor applications (where a solicitor lodges on behalf of the executor). The process and timelines differ.
Personal applicants receive an appointment date, typically 10 to 12 weeks after lodging. They attend the Probate Office in person, where a probate official reviews the paperwork and administers an oath. The Grant is posted approximately three weeks after the appointment.
Solicitor applications are processed without an in-person appointment. The solicitor lodges the full application pack, and the Probate Office processes it in the order received. Current solicitor processing times can be checked on the Courts Service website. However, solicitors must ensure all documentation is complete — applications with three or more outstanding queries are returned without full assessment.
District Probate Registries: an alternative to Dublin
Ireland has 15 probate offices. The Dublin office (Principal Probate Registry) covers Dublin, Meath, Kildare, and Wicklow. If your loved one lived elsewhere, their application goes through the relevant District Probate Registry. The registry that handles your application depends on where the deceased had their permanent home (domicile) at the time of death.
District Probate Registries do not publish processing times centrally, and timelines vary by office. Some practitioners find that regional offices process applications more quickly due to lower volumes. If you are unsure which office handles your application, the Courts Service probate offices page lists all registries and the counties they cover.
Common reasons applications are delayed or returned
The Law Society of Ireland reports that incorrectly executed oaths (Jurats) remain a leading reason probate applications are rejected. Name and address inconsistencies across documents — the will, death certificate, SA.2 form, and application — are the second most frequent cause.
A returned application does not retain its place in the queue. Once you correct the errors and resubmit, the waiting period starts again. For personal applicants, this means another 10 to 12 weeks before a new appointment. For a full breakdown of common errors and how to avoid them, see our guide to why probate takes so long.
eProbate: digital filing is coming
The Courts Service is modernising the probate process through its eProbate programme. A pilot for digital delivery of certain probate applications to the Dublin Probate Office commenced on 31 October 2025. The Courts Service plans to expand digital filing nationwide once the pilot reaches a satisfactory level.
Digital filing is expected to reduce processing times by eliminating postal delays and allowing the Probate Office to identify errors earlier. For now, most personal applicants still need to attend an in-person appointment at the Dublin Probate Office.
Dublin Probate Office contact details
Should you get professional help?
If your estate is straightforward — a valid will, one property, and no disputes — many executors successfully apply for probate without a solicitor. The personal application process is manageable if you are thorough with your paperwork and patient with the waiting times.
Professional help is worth considering when the estate is more complex: multiple properties, foreign assets, business interests, or beneficiaries who disagree. A solicitor experienced in probate can ensure the application is right the first time, avoiding the costly delay of a returned application. For a sense of what professional support costs, see our guide to probate costs and fees in Ireland.