Making Your Lasting Power of Attorney Easier with the GOV.UK Online Service

Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most important steps in later life planning. But for many people, managing and sharing an LPA has traditionally meant relying on long paper documents, certified copies, and waiting for the post to arrive.

The government’s View an LPA service on GOV.UK now offers a simpler, faster, and more secure alternative. Whether you are an attorney, a donor, or an organisation that needs to check an LPA, this online tool makes the process smoother and gives you peace of mind.

Why use the GOV.UK ‘View an LPA’ service?

Managing a lasting power of attorney online brings clear benefits compared with using paper documents:

  • Faster decisions – Instantly view a one-page online summary of the LPA, without waiting for copies to arrive.

  • Secure LPA access – Share details using a secure digital code instead of sending certified paper copies in the post.

  • Always up to date – The service reflects the current status of the LPA, including any new or replacement attorneys.

  • Extra peace of mind – No risk of losing or damaging paper documents, and every access is recorded.

  • Easier for multiple attorneys – All attorneys and the donor can generate access codes, so urgent decisions don’t need to wait.

  • Convenient for organisations – Banks, care providers and other organisations can quickly confirm the validity of an LPA using the code.

In short, the View an LPA GOV.UK service saves time, reduces risk, and ensures the information you are working with is accurate and secure.

How to use the View an LPA service

Getting started is simple. Here’s how to manage your lasting power of attorney online:

Step 1: Create your GOV.UK account
Go to www.gov.uk/view-lasting-power-of-attorney and create a GOV.UK One Login (or sign in if you already have one).

Step 2: Add your LPA
You’ll need:

  • Your LPA reference number.

  • An activation key (found in your registration letter).
    If you don’t have an activation key, you can request a new one through the service.

Step 3: Generate an access code
Once linked, you can create a secure 13-character access code (beginning with “V”). This code, along with the donor’s surname, allows an organisation to view the summary online.

Step 4: Share securely
Each time an access code is used, the service records who accessed the LPA and when. You can also download a PDF copy if required.

The benefits at a glance

  • Quicker and more efficient than paper copies

  • Safer with no risk of documents being lost or intercepted

  • Always accurate and up to date

  • Transparent, with a record of who has accessed the LPA

  • Multiple attorneys can act without delay

Helping you with your LPA

At Harold Stephens, we know that setting up and managing a Lasting Power of Attorney is a vital part of securing your future. The GOV.UK View an LPA service makes it easier for attorneys, donors, and organisations to work with confidence.

If you’d like advice on arranging an LPA, or understanding how to use it as part of your wider financial planning, our team is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your plans and make sure your affairs are in safe hands. 0117 3636 212 / office@haroldstephens.co.uk

Amy Wood