How to Register Power of Attorney UK: Complete Registration Guide
How to Register Power of Attorney UK: Complete Registration Guide
An LPA is not valid until registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Here is everything you need to know about registration.
Why Registration is Required
An unregistered LPA is just a piece of paper. Registration:
- Validates the document
- Adds it to the official register
- Makes it legally usable
- Allows organisations to verify it
When to Register
Option 1: Register immediately after creation
- Ready when you need it
- No delay if emergency arises
- Recommended approach
- Saves fee if never needed
- Risk: registration takes weeks
- Risk: donor may lose capacity before registration complete
The Registration Process
Step 1: Complete and sign the LPA Step 2: Pay the £92 fee (per LPA) Step 3: Submit to OPG (online or post) Step 4: Wait for processing (8-10 weeks typically) Step 5: Receive registered LPA by post
How to Submit
Online: Through the gov.uk LPA service Post: To OPG address with completed forms
Online submission is faster and easier to track.
The Fee
£92 per LPA (January 2026)
Two LPAs (Property and Health) = £184 total
Fee Exemptions
You may be exempt if the donor receives:
- Income Support
- Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
What Happens During Registration
The OPG checks:
- All sections completed correctly
- Signatures are valid
- Certificate Provider requirements met
- No objections raised
If There Are Problems
Common issues:
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect dates
- Certificate Provider issues
- Form errors
After Registration
You receive:
- The original LPA with registration stamp
- Confirmation of registration
- Instructions for using the LPA
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Sort it calmly, while it’s straightforward. Both types of Lasting Power of Attorney, free to make, checked by a person before you sign.
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