What Documents Are Needed to Create an LPA?

Written by James Tyrrell · Reviewed by Anthony Dalton · Last reviewed 16 March 2026

Here is something that surprises most people: you do not need a passport, birth certificate, or any identity documents to create a Lasting Power of Attorney. The process is much simpler than many expect. You do, however, need to have certain information ready, and when it comes to registering the completed LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), there are specific requirements to be aware of. This guide explains what you need at each stage.

No ID or Formal Documents Needed for the LPA Form

Unlike many legal processes, creating an LPA does not require you to produce identity documents such as a passport, driving licence, or birth certificate. You do not need to provide proof of address, bank statements, or any form of official identification when completing the LPA form itself.

In practice, this means you can sit down and complete the entire LPA form as long as you have the necessary details about yourself, your chosen attorneys, your certificate provider, and anyone you wish to be notified when the LPA is registered. There are no supporting documents that need to be attached to the form or sent alongside it (other than the fee payment at registration stage).

Personal Details Needed for the Donor (You)

The donor is the person creating the LPA — this is you. While no documents are required, you need to provide the following information accurately:

• Your full legal name as it appears on official records
• Any previous names or other names you are known by
• Your date of birth
• Your current residential address
• Your email address (optional but recommended for correspondence)
• Your telephone number

It is important that the name you use on the LPA matches the name used on other legal and financial documents. If your bank accounts, property deeds, or medical records are in a particular name, using that same name on the LPA will avoid confusion when your attorneys need to act on your behalf. For a complete list of all the information required, see our guide on what information is needed to create an LPA.

Attorney and Replacement Attorney Details

For each attorney you wish to appoint, you need to know their full legal name, date of birth, and current home address. The same applies to any replacement attorneys you choose to include. You do not need copies of their identity documents — you simply need to provide their details accurately on the form.

It is worth checking these details directly with your chosen attorneys before you begin. A common problem is entering an incorrect address or misspelling a name, which can cause delays during registration. Your attorneys must also be over 18 and have mental capacity to act in this role.

If you are appointing more than one attorney, you will need to decide how they should work together — jointly, jointly and severally, or a combination. This decision does not require any documentation, but it is an important choice that affects how your LPA works in practice.

Certificate Provider Details

Every LPA requires a certificate provider — an independent person who confirms that you understand the LPA and are not being coerced into creating it. You need to know their full name, address, and how they qualify for the role (either by having known you personally for at least two years, or through a relevant professional qualification such as doctor, solicitor, or social worker).

The certificate provider does not need to produce any formal documentation of their qualification or relationship to you at the time the LPA is created. However, they must be genuinely eligible for the role — if the OPG later determines that the certificate provider was not qualified, the LPA will be rejected. It is therefore important to check the eligibility rules carefully before choosing someone.

People to Notify

You may optionally name up to five people who should be informed when your LPA is submitted for registration. These people act as an additional safeguard — they can raise objections with the OPG if they believe there is a problem, such as the donor being under pressure or lacking mental capacity. For each person you wish to notify, you need their full name and postal address.

Naming people to notify is not mandatory, but it is recommended as it provides an extra layer of protection. No documents are required for this section — just accurate contact details.

What You Need for Registration with the OPG

Once the LPA has been completed and signed by all parties in the correct order, you need to register it with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be used. At the registration stage, the requirements are straightforward:

• The completed LPA form: The original, fully signed document (or the online submission if using the OPG's digital service)
• Registration fee: £92 per LPA, payable by cheque, debit card, or through the online system
• Fee exemption form (if applicable): If you are claiming a fee reduction or exemption based on low income or means-tested benefits, you will need to complete form LPA120 and provide supporting evidence such as benefit entitlement letters

For a detailed walkthrough of the registration process, see our guide on how to register an LPA with the OPG.

Documents That May Be Useful (But Are Not Required)

While no formal documents are required to create an LPA, having certain items to hand can make the process smoother and help you make better decisions:

• An existing will: Reviewing your will can help ensure your LPA and will work together consistently
• Financial records: Understanding the scope of your assets can help you write appropriate preferences and instructions for a Property and Financial Affairs LPA
• Medical records or notes: If you have specific health conditions, having relevant information can help you write meaningful preferences for a Health and Welfare LPA
• Contact details for professionals: If your certificate provider is a professional (doctor, solicitor, etc.), having their professional address and details ready saves time

The process of creating an LPA is deliberately designed to be accessible. The government did not want bureaucratic hurdles to prevent people from putting these important legal protections in place. For a full walkthrough of the creation process, see our guide on how to make an LPA in the UK.

Your Questions Answered

This guide was last reviewed and updated on 16 March 2026. Information is based on current legislation and OPG guidance for England and Wales.

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