How does registration work?

Why registration matters

An LPA cannot be used until it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). GOV.UK says that you must register your LPA or your attorney will not be able to make decisions for you. You can register it soon after making it, while you are well. This avoids delays later, when it may be needed quickly.

For background, see what a Lasting Power of Attorney is.

The main steps

1. Choose your attorneys. See who you can appoint as an attorney.
2. Fill in the forms. You can use the GOV.UK online service or paper forms.
3. Get the certificate provider’s confirmation. They confirm you understand the LPA and are making it by choice.
4. Sign in the right order, with witnesses. The donor, certificate provider, attorneys and replacement attorneys all sign. Attorneys cannot witness the donor’s signature.
5. Notify anyone you named. If you chose “people to notify”, they must be sent a notice before you apply. GOV.UK says they have 3 weeks to raise concerns with the OPG.
6. Send the LPA to the OPG with the fee. Either you or your attorney can apply to register it.

Fees

At the time of writing (October 2026), GOV.UK lists:

• £92 to register each LPA
• £184 if you register both a property and financial affairs LPA and a health and welfare LPA

GOV.UK also says you can apply for a reduction if you earn less than £12,000, and you may be able to get an exemption if you receive certain benefits. Fees can change, so check GOV.UK before you apply.

How long does it take?

GOV.UK says it takes 8 to 10 weeks to register an LPA if there are no mistakes in the application. Mistakes, such as signing in the wrong order or unclear instructions, can mean delays or a rejected application. The OPG’s own published figures for 2025 to 2026 reported an average of 45 working days to register and dispatch LPAs, so timescales can vary.

Is the process going digital?

The Powers of Attorney Act 2023 allows the system to be modernised, with more of the process done online. At the time of writing, the OPG’s 2025 to 2026 annual report said it was still developing the modernised LPA service with the Ministry of Justice, and was preparing to begin live testing. GOV.UK guidance currently says that if you create your LPA using the online service, you will need to print it out to sign it. Check GOV.UK for the latest position before you start, as the process may change.

After registration

Once registered, the LPA is returned and can be used, subject to its terms. Attorneys can also use the OPG’s “Use a lasting power of attorney” online service to share proof of their authority with organisations such as banks. A property and financial affairs LPA can be used with your permission once registered, unless you limit it. A health and welfare LPA can only be used if you cannot make the decision yourself. Our guide to the difference between the LPA types explains more.

Common problems

• signing pages in the wrong order or leaving signatures undated
• using a certificate provider who is not allowed to act
• instructions that cannot legally be carried out
• forgetting to send notices to people to notify
• missing pages

A practical example

Linda makes both types of LPA using the online service. She prints them, signs them with a friend as witness, and her neighbour of many years acts as certificate provider. Her attorneys sign afterwards. She sends both LPAs to the OPG and applies for a fee reduction because her income is low. A few weeks later, the registered LPAs arrive, and she stores them safely and tells her attorneys where they are.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

This process is for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different documents and registration bodies; see mygov.scot and nidirect.

When to get professional help

Many people register LPAs themselves. You may prefer professional help if your LPA has been rejected, you want to include detailed instructions, there may be objections, or you are worried about someone’s capacity. If capacity has already been lost, a professional can explain whether deputyship through the Court of Protection may be needed.

Next steps

If you would like help making or registering an LPA, you can find out about our Lasting Power of Attorney service or go straight to the short LPA questionnaire. WillHarbour is an introduction service, not a law firm. With your permission, we pass your enquiry to up to three suitable firms, such as solicitors or will-writing companies. Each must tell you about its fees and its referral arrangement with us before you decide whether to instruct it.