Before Applying for your First Qualifying Probate Licence

It is essential you read through the Guidance for individuals applying for a CLC licence or authorisation before submitting your application.

The CLC uses the online platform, DocuSign to process applications and will instruct a screening agency to carry out the associated checks for first qualifying licence applications. You will need to submit a request on the CLC website for a digital applciation to be sent to you and should only do so you once you have successfully achieved:

• the CLC/SQA Diploma in Probate Law and Practice Level 4, or equivalent CLC accredited units;
• the CLC/SQA Diploma in Probate Law and Practice Level 6, or equivalent CLC accredited units; and
• 1200 hours practical experience; in a probate or conveyancing practice, legal firm supervised by an “Authorised Person” i.e., a licensed probate practitioner, a solicitor or a FILEX who in either case is entitled to offer Conveyancing services directly to the public.

You will need to provide 1 certified proof of photo ID and 2 certified proofs or residency directly to the screening agency when requested. This is required for all CLC applications. View how to correctly certify a document and a list of acceptable proofs here.

Temporary changes to certifying documents for a licence application:

In line with the Government’s new temporary guidance on certifying documents, from Tuesday 24 March, the CLC will accept certification of documents where the facial recognition/verification has been carried out online through a video call. Any electronic means such as, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Whatsapp video, Facetime etc can be used to make the video call.

There is no change to who can certify your documents. Documents must be certified by an authorised person, such as, a Licensed Conveyancer, Solicitor or FCILEx.

Note: In addition to the standard wording the lawyer certifying your documents MUST include the following wording when facial recognition/identification has been verified using a video call:

‘I certify that facial recognition/verification took place by video call on (date) and that the ID documentation provide is a true likeness of the applicant (name).’

How to have your documents certified via a video link:

Step 1: Email your documents to the authorised person

Step 2: Arrange a video call with the authorised person. The authorised person will verify that the photo ID provided matches the face of the person on the video chat

Step 3: the lawyer can then certify the documents and email copies back to you

Step 4: Upload your certified documents to support your CLC application through DocuSign when you submit your application..

Statement of Practical Experience 1200 Hours (Probate)
You must submit this document to evidence your practical experience when applying for your first qualifying licence.

Request an Application Form
Request a digital application form to be sent to you through DocuSign