Can a Power of Attorney Be Signed Electronically in England and Wales?

23rd June 2025

Updated:

22nd September 2025

If you’ve ever signed a tenancy agreement or even opened a bank account online, you might be wondering: “Can I sign a Power of Attorney electronically too?” It’s a fair question. After all, so many things can be done digitally these days. But when it comes to a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales, the rules are still a bit more traditional.

The short answer? No, you can’t sign a Lasting Power of Attorney to register it electronically, at least not yet.

Let’s break that down.

Why a Lasting Power of Attorney Must Be Signed on Paper

Even though you can complete your LPA application online (and services like Power of Attorney Online make this part simple), the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) still requires wet ink signatures on a Lasting Power of Attorney.

That means you, your attorneys, your certificate provider and any required witnesses must physically sign the paper documents in the correct order.

This safeguard exists to protect vulnerable people. The OPG wants to ensure no one is pressured into giving up control of their health or finances. Wet signatures and proper witnessing create a clear legal audit trail that supports this.

Are Electronic Signatures Ever Accepted for an LPA?

At present, electronic signatures are not valid for registering LPAs in England and Wales.

That said, electronic signatures are legally recognised for many other types of documents, and the Law Commission has been exploring reforms to modernise this area. There is growing pressure to make digital signing for LPAs possible in future, but the rules haven’t changed yet.

For now, you can complete most of the preparation online, such as choosing attorneys, setting preferences and entering your personal details. But the signing step still needs to happen offline.

How to Sign a Lasting Power of Attorney Correctly

The key is to make sure each party signs the POA draft in the correct order:

1. You (the donor) sign first.
2. Then your certificate provider signs, confirming you understand what you’re doing and aren’t under pressure.
3. Your attorneys sign next.
4. Everyone must follow the specific signing instructions from the OPG to avoid rejection.

Our service makes this bit much easier. We guide you through every step, including how and when to sign, and double-check your documents before they’re sent off for registration.

Will You Be Able to Sign an LPA Online in the Future?

Hopefully, yes. Many legal and tech experts are calling for reforms to make LPAs more accessible and less paper-based, especially since so much can already be done securely online. But any changes would need to balance convenience with strong legal safeguards.

Until then, while you can’t click “sign” just yet, the rest of the process is very much digital-friendly and we’re here to make it smooth, stress-free and clear every step of the way.