LPA Registration

03rd July 2025

Updated: Thursday 8th January 2025

Many people are unsure what happens once you get your Lasting Power of Attorney in place. A common point of confusion is when an LPA is registered and is legally ready to use. Knowing how to check LPA registration can prevent delays, disputes and serious practical problems when decisions need to be made.

What registration means for a UK Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney only has legal authority once it has been registered with the OPG (Office of the Public Guardian). While registration is still outstanding, attorneys can’t act on behalf of the donor, no matter the urgency.

Registration confirms the OPG has reviewed the application, checked for errors and allowed time for objections, if necessary. Only then is it ready to use.

What a registered LPA looks like

Each page will show an official OPG stamp or printed marking confirming it’s registered. There is usually a registration date and a unique reference number to, which is visible on the front page.

If the document you are holding has no OPG markings, it may be an unregistered original or an uncertified copy, even if it’s been signed in the correct order. In that case, it can’t legally be used.

Certified copies will still show registration details, even though they are not the original document. Banks, care providers and solicitors usually accept these if they are properly certified.

Confirming registration with the Office of the Public Guardian

If you can’t find the hard copy or are unsure whether it has a actually been registered, the Office of the Public Guardian can confirm this. They hold the official register of LPAs for England and Wales.

To check, you will normally need the donor’s full name and date of birth. There are other ways to check too, like with the LPA reference number, but it is not always essential. The OPG may also ask for proof of identity or an explanation of your connection to the donor, especially if you aren’t named as an attorney.

What to do if an LPA hasn’t been registered

An LPA can be registered at any point after it has been signed, even if it was created years ago. If it has not yet been submitted to the OPG, registration is the next essential step to get things in hand.

The registration process usually takes several weeks. During this time, the OPG checks the application and notifies any people named to be informed. If there are no objections and no errors, the LPA is then approved and returned as registered.

Delaying registration can cause real difficulties if capacity is lost suddenly. Registering early avoids the risk of being unable to act when decisions are time sensitive.

Why checking registration matters in practice

Confirming that an LPA is registered legally allows attorneys to deal with banks, doctors, care providers and local authorities. It also protects the donor, as only registered LPAs are recognised by law.

Knowing the LPA is registered ensures decisions can be made smoothly, lawfully and in line with the donor’s wishes.

Using a guided service like Power of Attorney Online helps reduce errors that could delay registration, so your LPA is ready when it is needed most.