Quick answer
In England and Wales, the official Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) forms are issued by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). You can download them free from gov.uk — Make a Lasting Power of Attorney, or apply entirely online (recommended). There are two LPA types — Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare — and you’ll usually want both. The OPG charges an £82 registration fee per LPA (so £164 for both), or you may qualify for an exemption or reduction. The legal forms are free; the cost of help filling them in correctly varies — DIY is possible but mistakes are common and the OPG will reject an LPA with a defect. This guide walks through where to get the forms and the realistic options for completing them properly.
Last reviewed: 24 May 2026 by the MP Estate Planning editorial team. Jurisdiction: England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different probate and intestacy rules; the IHT thresholds are UK-wide.
Three rule changes you may need to consider (2026/27)
1. Pensions become subject to IHT from 6 April 2027. Most unused defined-contribution pension pots currently sit outside the estate for IHT — that ends on 6 April 2027 (gov.uk policy paper). HMRC estimates around 10,500 estates will face IHT for the first time as a result.
2. Business and agricultural property reliefs capped at £2.5m per person from 6 April 2026. Above the cap, only 50% relief applies — effective IHT of 20%. AIM shares dropped to 50% relief and do not use the £2.5m allowance (Saffery — APR/BPR reforms).
3. The NRB, RNRB and £2m taper threshold are frozen until 5 April 2031 following the 2024 and 2025 Budgets (gov.uk — NRB and RNRB freeze). With inflation, more estates will be pulled into IHT each year — a process commonly called “fiscal drag.”
Where to Get Lasting Power of Attorney Forms in the UK
Looking to set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and unsure where to start? One of the most common questions we hear is: “Where can I get the official LPA forms?” Whether you’re organising this for yourself or helping a loved one, getting the right documents is the crucial first step in protecting your future decisions.
In this guide, we’ll cover where to get LPA forms in the UK, the difference between digital and paper formats, and how to make sure the forms you use are official, up-to-date, and legally compliant.
Need support through the entire process? Book a free consultation with our team, or explore our fixed-fee LPA services for stress-free, guided help.
What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone (the “donor”) to give another person (the “attorney”) authority to make decisions on their behalf.
There are two main types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – Covers money, property, banking, bills, and investments
- Health and Welfare LPA – Covers decisions about medical care, daily routines, and life-sustaining treatment
Before the LPA can be used, it must be properly completed and registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
Where to Get Lasting Power of Attorney Forms
There are several trusted ways to obtain official Lasting Power of Attorney forms in the UK. Below are the most reliable options:
1. GOV.UK – The Official Government Website
You can download or fill in your LPA forms directly from the government’s official site:
This is the most up-to-date source for LPA documents. The website offers:
- Online LPA tool – Fill in your LPA digitally and print it for signatures
- PDF downloads – Complete the forms by hand
There is no charge to access or download the forms, but you will still need to pay the registration fee (typically £92 per LPA).
2. Order Paper Forms by Post
If you’re not comfortable with digital formats, you can order paper copies of the LPA forms directly from the Office of the Public Guardian. Contact:
Office of the Public Guardian
Customer Services Line: 0300 456 0300
Email: customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk
They’ll send a printed LPA pack to your home address within a few days.
3. Through a Solicitor or Estate Planning Firm
Solicitors and estate planning specialists—like MP Estate Planning—can supply and help complete LPA forms as part of a full-service legal package. This is often a smart choice if you:
- Have complex family or financial situations
- Want to avoid paperwork errors
- Prefer guided legal support
We provide all forms, help complete them correctly, and ensure they’re submitted without delays. View our pricing page for our full range of packages.
4. From a Legal Stationery Shop (Caution Advised)
Some high street legal stationery shops offer printed LPA templates. However, these may not always reflect the latest legal requirements or government updates. Always double-check the source and version before using them.
Should You Use Digital or Paper Forms?
You can either fill out your LPA online and print it for signing, or complete a printed form by hand. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Format | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Online (Digital) | Auto-checks for errors Faster to complete More legible | Still needs to be printed for signing Not suitable for all users |
| Paper (Handwritten) | Useful for those uncomfortable with technology | Higher risk of mistakes Harder to edit |
Whichever method you choose, make sure the form is the latest version approved by the OPG.
What You’ll Need to Complete the Forms
Before you begin filling out your LPA forms, gather the following:
- Full names, addresses, and dates of birth for all attorneys
- Replacement attorneys (optional but recommended)
- Certificate provider information (someone who confirms you understand what you’re doing)
- Your preferences and instructions (e.g., joint or individual attorney authority)
- Witnesses for all signatures
Need help choosing the right attorney or certificate provider? Speak to an expert for free today.
Registering the LPA After Completion
Once your forms are filled and signed, they must be sent to the Office of the Public Guardian for registration:
Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH
Include a cheque or card payment for the registration fee, plus any exemption forms (e.g., LPA120 for low income).
The process usually takes 8–10 weeks, provided all information is correct and no objections are raised.
Avoiding Mistakes on LPA Forms
Common errors that delay or invalidate LPA registration include:
- Incorrect or missing signatures
- Using correction fluid
- Signing out of order
- Missing witness signatures
To avoid these issues, consider using a professional. Our experienced team ensures your forms are error-free and legally sound. Let us help you get it right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete my LPA entirely online?
No. You can prepare it online, but you still need to print and sign the form before posting it to the OPG for registration.
Is it free to get LPA forms?
Yes, the forms are free to download or request from the government. But registering each LPA costs £92 unless you’re exempt.
Do I need both types of LPA?
Not necessarily, but many people choose both to cover financial and healthcare decisions.
Can I get help completing the forms?
Absolutely. Our estate planning specialists handle the full process for you. Book a call to get started.
Conclusion
Knowing where to get lasting power of attorney forms is the first step in taking control of your future. Whether you download them from GOV.UK, order by post, or use a professional service, make sure you’re using official documents that meet all legal standards.
If you want a stress-free experience, our fixed-fee packages include everything from document completion to submission and tracking. Or book a free consultation with our team to ask any questions you have.
LPA Form Names, Codes and What Each One Does
When you begin the process of making a Lasting Power of Attorney, you will encounter several specific form codes. Understanding what each one is for — before you start — can help you avoid submitting the wrong documentation or omitting a required element, both of which may result in the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) returning your application and delaying registration by weeks or longer.
LP1F and LP1H: The Two Core LPA Forms
There are two distinct types of LPA, each with its own prescribed form. LP1F is the form used to create a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, which typically covers decisions about bank accounts, property, investments and other financial matters. LP1H is the form used to create a Health and Welfare LPA, covering decisions about medical treatment, care arrangements and, if the donor chooses to include it, life-sustaining treatment. These forms are not interchangeable. In our experience, donors occasionally confuse the two, particularly when completing paper versions, which can result in a rejected application and the loss of the registration fee already paid.
Both forms are available directly from the OPG’s official forms collection on GOV.UK, where you can download PDF versions or complete the process digitally through the OPG’s online service.
LP3: The Notification Form
LP3 is the form used to notify people that an LPA is being registered. Where the donor names people to notify in their LPA, those individuals must receive an LP3 before the application is submitted to the OPG. Omitting this step, or notifying the wrong people, is one of the more common procedural errors our team sees in applications that have been returned. The LP3 is generally completed by the donor or, in some circumstances, the attorney acting on the donor’s behalf.
LPC: The Continuation Sheet
The LPC continuation sheet is used when there is insufficient space within the main LP1F or LP1H form to record all required information — for example, where a donor wishes to appoint more than four attorneys, or where preference and instruction statements are lengthy. It is important that any continuation sheet is signed and witnessed in the same way as the main form, and that it is clearly cross-referenced. Failure to do so may cause the OPG to treat the additional information as invalid.
Accessible and Large-Print Formats
For donors or attorneys who require alternative formats, the OPG generally provides large-print versions of LPA forms on request. These may be obtained by contacting the OPG directly at gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian. In our experience, it is worth confirming availability and lead times before relying on a posted copy, particularly if the donor has time-sensitive capacity considerations.
Common Questions About LPA Forms
What is the difference between LPA 1 and LPA 2?
This question typically reflects confusion between older and newer form series. The current prescribed forms are LP1F (Property and Financial Affairs) and LP1H (Health and Welfare), introduced following updates to OPG practice. Earlier form versions, sometimes referred to informally as LPA1 or LPA2, are no longer accepted by the OPG. If you are working from a printed form obtained some time ago, it is worth verifying that it is still the current version before completing it, as submitting an outdated form will result in rejection.
Where can you get free power of attorney forms?
The LP1F and LP1H forms themselves are available at no charge from GOV.UK. However, obtaining the forms is separate from the cost of registering the LPA. As of 2024, the OPG charges £82 per LPA to register each document — meaning £164 if you register both types. A 50% fee reduction is available for applicants receiving certain means-tested benefits, and a full fee remission may apply for those on Universal Credit or equivalent low-income benefits. Details are set out in the OPG’s fee remission guidance on GOV.UK. It is worth noting that if an application is rejected due to errors, the registration fee may not be automatically refunded, which is one reason our team recommends reviewing the form carefully before submission.
Can a family member complete LPA forms?
Yes, in most cases a family member can help the donor complete the forms, provided the donor retains the mental capacity to make the LPA and is not being pressured or unduly influenced. However, the certificate provider — the person who signs to confirm the donor understands the LPA and is acting freely — must be independent, and cannot typically be a close family member or someone who benefits under the LPA. This is a requirement the OPG takes seriously, and certificate provider errors are among the more frequent reasons applications are returned.
How long does it take to get LPA in the UK?
Once a correctly completed application is received by the OPG, the current target registration timeframe is up to 20 weeks for paper applications. Online applications submitted through the OPG’s digital service may be processed more quickly, though timescales can vary depending on demand. This lead time underlines the importance of making an LPA well in advance of any anticipated need — an LPA cannot be used until it has been formally registered, and an unregistered LPA has no legal effect.
Can I write my own power of attorney in the UK?
You cannot create a valid Lasting Power of Attorney by drafting your own document from scratch. The LPA must use the prescribed statutory forms (LP1F or LP1H) as set out in Schedule 1 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its regulations. Any deviation from the prescribed format will result in the OPG rejecting the application. There is no equivalent of a handwritten or bespoke LPA in England and Wales — unlike some other legal documents, the form itself is a legal requirement, not merely a convenience. If you are unsure whether a completed form meets the required standard, our team can review it before submission, or you may wish to consult a regulated legal professional.