The office functioned from the middle of the 15th century until the end of the real union with the Kingdom of Poland in 1795 and its subsequent partition among Prussia, Russia and Austria.

[2] It is thought that the role of chancellor originated from court positions of the manor of the Grand Duke of Lithuania.

Although the role of a state chancellor existed since the times of Grand Duke Vytautas, it formally appeared during the reign of Casimir IV Jagiellon.

In the 16th century, the number of scribes as well as literacy itself increased; tariffs and taxes would be more frequently and effectively checked within the country's territory.

Until the creation of the Permanent Council, the Grand Chancellor would oversee relations with the Russian Empire.