Check if a De Bonis Non (DBN) grant is needed
A De Bonis Non (DBN) grant is required when:
- a previous personal representative has died or become unable to complete the administration, and
- assets of the original estate remain unadministered.
When to use a DBN grant
You must apply for a DBN grant if:
- the executor or administrator on the original grant has died, resigned, or become incapable, and
- there are still assets to be collected, sold, transferred, or administered.
Two types of DBN grants
Select the type of grant based on whether the deceased left a will:
| Situation | Grant type |
|---|---|
| The deceased left no will | Grant of Administration Intestate De Bonis Non |
| The deceased left a valid will, but all executors have been “cleared off” | Grant of Administration with Will Annexed De Bonis Non |
“Clearing off” executors means each named executor must be accounted for because they:
- died,
- renounced,
- refused to act, or
- are not entitled to act.
If an executor remains entitled and able to act, a DBN grant is not appropriate — the application should proceed with that executor.
Gather your documents
Select the checklist for the correct grant type.
Checklist: Administration Intestate De Bonis Non
Required documents
- Notice of Application for Solicitors – DBN
- Oath of Administrator (DBN) – single or multiple applicants
- Original previous grant (or sealed certified copy with explanation letter)
- Notice of Acknowledgement (Probate) – deaths after 5 December 2001
- Inland Revenue Affidavit (Form A3C) – deaths before 5 December 2001
- Probate Fee (€150)
Documents required in certain circumstances
- Administration Bond – use correct template based on date of death
- Statement of Current Market Value (if >2 years since death)
If the first grant issued in a District Probate Registry since 1967, the DBN application must be made to that registry.
Checklist: Administration with Will Annexed De Bonis Non
Required documents
- Notice of Application for Solicitors – DBN
- Oath of Administrator with Will Annexed DBN – single/multiple applicants
- Original previous grant (or sealed certified copy with explanation letter)
- One engrossment of the will
- Revenue SA.2 or CA24 (depending on date of death)
- Probate Fee (€150)
Documents required in certain circumstances
- Administration Bond – correct template for date of death
- Statement of Current Market Value (if >2 years since death)
Prepare your oath and bond
The oath must accurately set out your entitlement and must match all supporting documents.
Oath requirements for Intestate DBN
- Names and addresses must be consistent across all documents.
- The title must show the applicant’s legal entitlement under intestacy rules.
- Date and place of death must match the death certificate.
- Gross Irish estate amount must match SA.2 or CA24 (or current market value where required).
- The jurat must comply with SI 95 of 2009.
Oath requirements for Will Annexed DBN
The oath must:
- Clear off all executors named in the will
- Identify the applicant as residuary legatee/devisee (or universal legatee/devisee)
- Confirm the will exhibited in the original grant is not re-exhibited
If any executor is still entitled to act, the application must be for probate — not DBN.
Bonds
- Bond required for both DBN types
- Penalty sum = twice the gross value of the estate
- Bond must be executed before the same commissioner/solicitor who took the oath
- Sureties not needed unless ordered by the court or Probate Officer
Check special circumstances
Renunciation
A renunciation must be properly executed and exhibited. If over 3 years old, a new renunciation is required.
Attorney applications
- A Power of Attorney may be used when the entitled applicant lives abroad or has a disability.
- If more than 3 years have passed, a new Power of Attorney is required.
- All persons with equal or prior rights must be cleared off.
Committee or incapacity
A Probate Officer’s Order or High Court order may be required where the entitled person lacks capacity.
Court/Probate Officer orders
Some DBN scenarios require an order under Order 79. The order must be referred to in the oath.
Submit your application
Lodge your application in the correct office depending on the original grant:
- If the first grant issued from a District Probate Registry (post-1967): lodge the DBN application in the same registry.
- If the first grant issued before 1967: lodge the DBN application in the Probate Office, Dublin.
Fees
- DBN application fee: €150
Applications are reviewed for completeness. Queries may be raised if documents, oath, bond or titles are inconsistent.
