How long does it take to make an LPA?
Guidance from Estate Advisory Group
Written and legally reviewed by Ramani Gill TEP, Solicitor and private client practitioner·Last reviewed 13 August 2026
The paperwork takes under an hour. Registration is what takes weeks.
Stage by stage
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Answering our questions | 20–45 minutes |
| Arranging signatures in order | A few days to two weeks |
| Posting to the OPG | 1–2 days |
| Statutory waiting period and OPG processing | Several weeks |
Current timescales are covered in how long does registration take.
How to avoid delays
- Get every name, date of birth and address exactly right.
- Sign in the correct order.
- Use witnesses who are not attorneys.
- Keep instructions simple so the OPG does not query the wording.
If it is urgent
You cannot skip registration
An LPA has no legal effect until it is registered, so waiting for a crisis before starting means the document arrives too late.
Common questions
Can registration be fast-tracked?
The OPG can sometimes prioritise urgent cases if you explain the circumstances, but the statutory waiting period still applies.
Can I use it while waiting?
No. Banks and care providers will only accept a registered LPA.
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