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

Option 2: Register when needed

• Saves fee if never needed
• Risk: registration takes weeks
• Risk: donor may lose capacity before registration complete

We recommend registering immediately.

The Registration Process

Step 1: Complete and sign the LPA Step 2: Pay the £82 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

£82 per LPA (January 2026)

Two LPAs (Property and Health) = £164 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

Fee reduction: 50% reduction if annual income below certain thresholds

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

The OPG will write to you explaining the problem. You may be able to correct it without starting over.

After Registration

You receive:

• The original LPA with registration stamp
• Confirmation of registration
• Instructions for using the LPA

Store it safely but accessibly.

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