Using Your Lasting Power of Attorney Online: How to Give Banks and Doctors Access Without Paper Copies
If you have recently set up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), you may be wondering what happens next.
Many people imagine carrying a large legal document into a bank branch or GP surgery, worrying about it being lost, damaged or delayed in the post.
Fortunately, there is now a much easier and more secure option available in England and Wales.
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) provides an online service called “Use a lasting power of attorney”, which allows banks, doctors, hospitals and other organisations to verify your authority digitally using a secure access code.
This means you can often avoid posting original documents or carrying paper copies around unnecessarily.
What Is the “Use a Lasting Power of Attorney” Online Service?
The “Use a lasting power of attorney” service is an official GOV.UK system that allows attorneys and organisations to securely view details of a registered LPA online.
In the past, attorneys often had to:
send original LPAs through the post
take certified copies into branches
wait weeks for documents to be returned
risk paperwork being misplaced
The online system simplifies this process considerably.
Instead of handing over your original paperwork, you can generate a secure access code which allows organisations to view a digital summary of the LPA.
They only see the information they need in order to verify your legal authority.
Which LPAs Can Be Used Online?
To use the online service, the LPA must usually have been registered on or after 1 January 2016.
If your LPA was registered before this date, you may still need to use paper copies in some situations.
How to Activate Your Online LPA Account
When your LPA is registered, the Office of the Public Guardian sends confirmation letters containing:
your LPA reference number
an activation code
This activation code is sometimes referred to as a “C-code” because it begins with the letter C.
Step-by-step guide to activating your LPA online
Visit the GOV.UK service
Go to:
Use a lasting power of attorney service
Create or sign into your Government Gateway account
You will need a Government Gateway ID to access the service.
If you do not already have one, it usually only takes a few minutes to set up.
Add your LPA
You will be asked to enter:
the LPA reference number
your activation code
Once linked, the LPA will appear in your online dashboard.
Keep your details safe
The activation code is only needed once to add the LPA to your account.
Activation codes are normally valid for 12 months. If your code has expired or been lost, you can request a replacement through the GOV.UK service.
How to Give Banks Access to Your Lasting Power of Attorney
Once your LPA has been added to your account, you can generate a secure access code for banks and other organisations.
This access code is often called a “V-code” because it begins with the letter V.
How to generate an access code
Log into your online account
Select the LPA you wish to share.
Choose “Give an organisation access”
You will then be asked for the organisation’s name.
For example:
Barclays Bank
Nationwide
a utility provider
an insurance company
Generate the access code
The system creates a secure 13-character code.
Share the code securely
You can provide the code:
over the phone
in person
through secure online portals
Access codes are temporary
The code is normally valid for 30 days.
This is an important security feature and helps protect your information.
If the organisation needs longer, you can simply generate a new code.
Using an LPA with Doctors, Hospitals and Care Providers
Health & Welfare LPAs can also be verified online.
If a GP surgery, hospital or care provider needs confirmation that you are authorised to make decisions, you can provide them with a secure access code.
Many NHS departments are now familiar with the system.
You can simply explain that you have:
“an online access code for a registered Lasting Power of Attorney.”
What Information Can Organisations See?
The online service is designed to protect privacy while still allowing organisations to confirm legal authority.
The organisation can usually view:
the donor’s name and date of birth
the names of the attorneys
whether attorneys act jointly or jointly and severally
any instructions or preferences within the LPA
whether the LPA is active and registered
authority relating to life-sustaining treatment decisions
They do not gain access to:
your personal online account
unrelated LPAs
wider personal records
The system simply provides a secure viewing window confirming the legal status of the document.
Benefits of Using the Online LPA Service
Many families find the online system much simpler and safer than relying entirely on paper copies.
Faster verification
Banks and organisations can often confirm authority much more quickly.
Better security
You avoid sending valuable original documents through the post.
Easier management
You can manage multiple LPAs from one account if you act for more than one person.
Reduced risk of loss or damage
Original documents can remain safely stored at home.
Should You Still Keep the Original Paper LPA?
Yes.
Even though the online system is extremely useful, the original paper document remains important.
Some organisations may still request:
the original LPA
or certified copies
This is more common with:
smaller organisations
certain overseas institutions
organisations not yet fully set up for online verification
Tips for storing your original LPA safely
Keep it in a secure location
Consider a fireproof document box or safe
Tell your attorneys where it is stored
Keep certified copies separately if possible
Think of the original document as your master copy, while the online service provides temporary digital access when needed.
Setting Up Lasting Powers of Attorney
Creating LPAs is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family in the future.
At South West Wills & Estate Planning, I help clients across Cornwall and Devon, as well as nationwide through virtual appointments, to prepare and register LPAs with clear guidance throughout the process.
Lasting Power of Attorney Fees
One LPA
(Health & Welfare or Property & Financial Affairs for one person)
£180
Both LPAs for one person
£325
Both LPAs for two people
£650
All options include:
full guidance
help completing the forms
support through the registration process
ongoing support and assistance throughout
Please note:
The Office of the Public Guardian charges a separate government registration fee of £92 per LPA, payable directly to the OPG.
Let’s Make the Process Simple
Putting LPAs in place can feel emotional or unfamiliar, but the process does not have to be overwhelming.
My aim is to make everything as straightforward and supportive as possible, with practical advice in plain English and guidance every step of the way.
Whether you would prefer:
a home visit in Cornwall or Devon
or a secure virtual appointment elsewhere in the UK
I am here to help.
To learn more, visit South West Wills & Estate Planning or get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your options.