Does an LPA have to be registered?
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
Yes. An unregistered LPA is a signed piece of paper with no legal effect.
What registration achieves
- The OPG checks the form for validity and completeness.
- People named to notify get their chance to object.
- A statutory waiting period allows objections to be raised.
- The document is stamped on every page, which is what banks look for.
When to register
As soon as it is signed. Registration is valid indefinitely, so there is no benefit in waiting and considerable risk in doing so. The fee is £92 per LPA. See registering an LPA with the OPG.
Capacity can be lost mid-process
If the donor loses capacity after signing but before submission, registration can still proceed — but only if the LPA was validly signed while they had capacity.
If registration is refused
The OPG explains why and usually allows correction and resubmission. See what if the OPG rejects your LPA.
Common questions
Is there a deadline to register after signing?
No statutory deadline, but signature dates that are years old attract questions. Register promptly.
Can an old EPA still be registered?
Enduring Powers of Attorney made before October 2007 remain valid and are registered only when capacity is lost. See LPA vs EPA.
Read next
Where this fits
This page is part of LPA basics. The pages below take it further.
- Make an LPA online
The whole journey end to end: questions, documents, signing and registration.
- Solicitor, GOV.UK or online?
An honest comparison, including when you genuinely should pay a solicitor.
Review and sources
Reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner. Last reviewed 13 August 2026. We recheck fees, forms and Office of the Public Guardian guidance whenever they change — see our editorial policy.
Official sources
Ready to make your LPA?
Answer five quick questions to check the service suits you, then start online for £49 per LPA.
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate £92 to register each LPA.
This is general information about how Lasting Powers of Attorney work in England and Wales. It is not legal advice about your situation. What we do and do not do.
Published by Estate Advisory Group