How to Store Your LPA Safely

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

Your registered LPA has just arrived in the post after completing the registration process. Where do you put it? This might sound like a minor detail, but if the document is lost, damaged, or inaccessible when your attorneys need it, the whole purpose of creating the LPA could be undermined. Taking a few simple steps now to store it safely will save your family a great deal of stress later.

Keep the Original in a Secure Location

The registered original is the most important copy of your LPA. It bears the OPG's official stamp, and while certified copies can be used in most situations, there are times when only the original will be accepted. You should store it somewhere that is both safe from damage and accessible when needed.

Good options for storing the original include:

• A fireproof and waterproof home safe or document box
• A locked filing cabinet in your home, away from damp or heat
• A bank safe deposit box (though access may be restricted outside banking hours)
• With your solicitor, if they offer document storage

Avoid storing the original in a loft, garage, or shed where temperature changes and moisture could damage the paper over time. Similarly, do not fold the document repeatedly, as creases can make it harder to read.

Make Certified Copies

You do not need to hand the original document to every organisation that asks to see your LPA. Instead, you can provide certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy of each page of the LPA, with a signed statement confirming that it is a true and complete copy of the original.

The certification can be done by:

• The donor (the person who made the LPA), while they still have capacity
• An attorney named in the LPA
• A solicitor
• A notary public

It is a good idea to make several certified copies — you may need to send one to your bank, another to a pension provider, and another to a care home, sometimes at the same time. Having multiple copies avoids delays caused by waiting for one organisation to return the document before sending it to the next.

Tell Your Attorneys Where It Is

This sounds obvious, but it is one of the most commonly overlooked steps. Your attorneys need to know exactly where the LPA is stored so they can retrieve it quickly if the need arises. If you are suddenly taken ill or lose capacity, your attorneys should not have to search through drawers and cupboards to find it.

Consider giving each attorney:

• A certified copy of the LPA for their own records
• Written details of where the original is kept
• Contact details for your solicitor, if they hold the original
• Any access codes or keys needed for a safe or deposit box

You should also let close family members know that an LPA exists and who your attorneys are, even if they are not named as attorneys themselves. This helps avoid confusion and potential disputes if something happens unexpectedly.

Register With Banks and Financial Institutions Early

You do not have to wait until your attorneys need to use the LPA before registering it with your bank. In fact, it is strongly recommended that you register the LPA with all your financial institutions as soon as it comes back from the OPG. This means sending a certified copy to each bank, building society, pension provider, and investment company you deal with.

Registering early has several advantages:

• The bank adds a note to your account so they know an LPA is in place
• If your attorneys ever need to act, the bank can verify the LPA quickly without additional delays
• It avoids the stress of trying to register the LPA at a time of crisis
• Some banks allow attorneys to set up third-party access immediately

Each institution has its own process — some accept certified copies by post, while others may require an in-branch appointment. It is worth contacting them to find out what they need.

Use the OPG's "Use an LPA" Online Service

The Office of the Public Guardian provides a free online service called "Use an LPA" that allows donors and attorneys to create secure access codes. These codes can be shared with organisations such as banks, care homes, and local authorities so they can verify the LPA online without needing to see the paper document.

The service is available at use-lasting-power-of-attorney.service.gov.uk and works as follows:

• The donor or an attorney signs in and creates an access code
• The code is shared with the organisation that needs to see the LPA
• The organisation enters the code on the "View an LPA" service to verify the document
• Each code is valid for 30 days and can only be used by the specified organisation

This digital option is particularly useful because it removes the need to post original documents or certified copies, reducing the risk of loss in transit. Not all organisations accept digital verification yet, but the number is growing steadily.

The "Use an LPA" service is free and supported by an increasing number of banks, building societies, and care providers. It is the safest way to share your LPA without risking the original document.

Protecting Your LPA from Fire and Water Damage

House fires, floods, and burst pipes can destroy important documents in minutes. A fireproof document safe or waterproof storage bag provides an extra layer of protection for your original LPA. These are widely available from office supply retailers and typically cost between £30 and £100.

When choosing a fireproof safe, look for one that:

• Is rated to protect paper documents (not just digital media)
• Has a fire rating of at least 30 minutes
• Is large enough to hold the LPA along with your will, insurance policies, and other key documents
• Can be bolted to the floor or a shelf to prevent theft

Solicitor Storage Services

Many solicitors offer document storage as part of their service, either free of charge or for a small annual fee. This can be a convenient option if you used a solicitor to help create the LPA, as they will already have your details on file.

If you choose solicitor storage, make sure you:

• Have a written agreement confirming what is being stored and on what terms
• Know what happens if the solicitor retires or the firm closes
• Confirm that your attorneys can access the document without your involvement, in case you lose capacity
• Keep a note of the firm's name, address, and your reference number with your other important papers

What to Do If Your LPA Is Lost or Damaged

If the original registered LPA is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, do not panic. The OPG keeps a record of all registered LPAs, and you can request a replacement. You will need to contact the OPG and ask for an office copy of the document.

An office copy is an official duplicate issued by the OPG and carries the same legal weight as the original. The current fee for an office copy is £35. You can request one by:

• Calling the OPG helpline on 0300 456 0300
• Writing to the Office of the Public Guardian, PO Box 16185, Birmingham, B2 2WH
• Using the OPG's online services if you have an account

To avoid needing a replacement, always keep certified copies in separate locations and make use of the digital "Use an LPA" service as a backup.

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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