Herein, a simple method for the synthesis of PbFe12O19 nanostructures with amino acid is reported. The nanostructures are obtained by the sol-gel auto-combustion route. The effects of type of amino acid, calcination temperature and ratio of Pb:amino acid have been optimized to achieve the best products on morphology and purity. It is the first time that valine, beta-alanine, leucine, glycine and l-cysteine are used in the synthesis of lead hexaferrites. The pure hexagonal PbFe12O19 nanostructures are formed in the presence of valine, when the molar ratio of Pb:valine is 1:13, at 900 A degrees C for 2 h. The magnetic property of the products is investigated. The lead hexaferrites with high coercive force of 5123 Oe are obtained in the presence of valine.