How do I update or correct a registered LPA?

Last verified: June 2026 (England & Wales)

The most important rule is this:

Do not change the registered LPA document yourself.

Do not cross anything out. Do not handwrite over it. Do not use correction fluid. Do not attach a note as if it changes the document. Do not amend a certified copy by hand.

If something is wrong or out of date, use the proper Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) route.

For simple updates, such as a change of address or a straightforward name change after marriage, it is usually sensible to deal with OPG yourself. You do not normally need to pay a professional just to tell OPG that someone has moved house.

But not every change is a simple update. If the LPA no longer reflects who should act, how they should act, or what the donor wants, it may be better to revoke the old LPA and make a new one, if the donor still has mental capacity and time allows.

If you are unsure whether the LPA still works properly, consider an LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review before relying on it.

Quick answer

If a donor or attorney changes address, OPG should be told so its records can be updated. This is usually a simple administrative update and you can normally do it yourself.

If a donor or attorney changes name, OPG should be told. You will usually need to provide a copy of evidence, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.

If a name is misspelt, do not amend the LPA yourself. Do not cross anything out, write over it, use correction fluid or alter a certified copy. Contact the Office of the Public Guardian first and ask what they need. You can call OPG on 0300 456 0300 or email customerservices@publicguardian.gov.uk. Have the LPA reference number, donor details and correct spelling ready before you contact them.

If the donor wants to add a new attorney, change how attorneys make decisions, change instructions or preferences, or replace the people appointed, that is not just an admin update. The donor may need to revoke the existing LPA and make a new one.

If the issue could affect whether the LPA will be accepted by a bank, care provider, hospital, GP practice, local authority or other organisation, get it checked before relying on it.

First decide which type of issue you have

Most registered LPA issues fall into one of three groups.

1. Simple updates you can usually deal with yourself

These are usually administrative updates to OPG’s records.

Examples include:

• the donor has moved address
• an attorney has moved address
• the donor has changed name
• an attorney has changed name
• OPG’s contact records need updating
• a simple spelling error needs reporting to OPG

For this type of issue, the usual first step is to contact OPG directly.

This article is deliberately written to help with that. In many straightforward cases, it is quicker and cheaper for the donor or attorney to contact OPG themselves than to ask a professional to do it.

You can start with GOV.UK’s guidance on changes you need to report for a lasting power of attorney.

2. Issues where the LPA should be checked first

Some issues look administrative but may cause practical problems.

Examples include:

• the wrong person may have been named
• an attorney’s name does not match their ID or bank records
• a spelling mistake could cause identity questions
• the LPA may be needed soon by a bank, hospital, care provider or solicitor
• an attorney has died or cannot act
• a replacement attorney may need to step in
• attorneys were appointed jointly and one can no longer act
• there is disagreement in the family
• the LPA was made years ago and has not been reviewed

For this type of issue, it may be worth having an LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review before assuming the document will work.

3. Changes that usually need a new LPA

Some changes cannot simply be made to an existing registered LPA.

Examples include:

• adding a new attorney
• changing attorneys from joint to joint and several, or the other way round
• changing instructions
• changing preferences
• changing who should make life-sustaining treatment decisions
• changing the donor’s wider wishes because circumstances have changed
• replacing an old LPA with a better one

If the donor still has mental capacity, the practical answer may be to make a new LPA and revoke the old one.

That is not a failure. It is often cleaner and safer than trying to patch an old document that no longer fits.

For more on ending an LPA, see How do I cancel a Lasting Power of Attorney?.

Start by checking which LPA is affected

Each LPA is separate.

There are two main types:

• Property and Financial Affairs LPA
• Health & Welfare LPA

A couple may have four LPAs between them:

• one Property and Financial Affairs LPA for the first person
• one Health and Welfare LPA for the first person
• one Property and Financial Affairs LPA for the second person
• one Health and Welfare LPA for the second person

A correction may affect only one LPA. It may affect both LPAs for one person. It may affect all LPAs where the same attorney is named.

Before contacting OPG, check:

• the donor’s name
• the attorney’s name
• the type of LPA
• the LPA reference number
• whether the issue appears on the paper LPA
• whether the issue appears on any certified copies
• whether the issue appears when using the online LPA service

This helps avoid fixing one document while leaving the same problem somewhere else.

Do not confuse the paper LPA, OPG record and online access code

People often mix up three different things.

The registered LPA document

This is the legal document registered by OPG.

Do not alter it yourself.

OPG’s record

OPG keeps the official record of the registered LPA. If someone changes name or address, OPG may need to update its records.

The online LPA access code

The online service lets a donor or attorney generate an access code, sometimes called a V-code, so an organisation can view the LPA summary online.

Creating an access code is not the same as correcting the LPA.

For more on using a registered LPA online, see What is the best way to activate and use your LPA online?.

Common updates after registration

The donor or attorney has moved address

If the donor or an attorney changes address, OPG should be told.

This is normally a straightforward update. OPG says you do not need to send supporting documents for an address change.

The LPA does not usually stop working just because someone has moved house. But keeping the record updated can prevent confusion later.

For most clients, this is exactly the type of update to handle directly with OPG.

The donor or attorney has changed name

If the donor or attorney changes name, OPG should be told.

This may happen after marriage, divorce, deed poll or another formal name change.

OPG usually needs a copy of evidence showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. Do not send original documents unless OPG specifically asks for them.This is also usually something the donor or attorney can deal with directly.

A name is misspelt

A spelling mistake is different from a later name change.

Do not correct the spelling by hand.

Contact OPG with the LPA reference number and explain:

• whose name is wrong
• how it appears on the LPA
• how it should appear
• which LPA is affected
• whether the mistake appears on one LPA or more than one
• whether the LPA is already being questioned by an organisation

A small spelling issue may be capable of being dealt with as an administrative correction, but do not assume that every error can be fixed in the same way.

If the spelling error could cause identity problems, or if a bank, hospital, care provider or other organisation may question whether the right person has been appointed, get the LPA checked.

An attorney has died

If an attorney dies, OPG must be told.

What happens next depends on how the LPA was written.

The LPA may continue if there are other attorneys or replacement attorneys who can act. It may fail if the only attorney has died or if the appointment structure means the remaining attorneys cannot continue.

This is not just a simple address-style update. Check the LPA before relying on it.

A replacement attorney needs to act

A replacement attorney does not automatically act just because they are named in the LPA.

They step in when the original attorney can no longer act, depending on how the LPA was drafted.

If a replacement attorney needs to start acting, check the wording of the LPA and contact OPG.

This is a good point to consider an LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review if there is any uncertainty.

For more background, see Appointing Attorneys in a Lasting Power of Attorney.

An attorney no longer wants to act

An attorney can step down, but there is a formal process.

This is not the same as telling OPG about a change of address.

Before an attorney steps down, check whether the LPA will still work without them. This depends on how the attorneys were appointed and whether any replacement attorneys are available.

The donor wants to remove an attorney

If the LPA is registered and the donor still has mental capacity, the donor may be able to remove an attorney using a partial deed of revocation.

This is a formal step. It is not just an OPG admin update.

Before removing an attorney, check whether the LPA will still work afterwards. Removing one attorney can cause problems if the remaining attorneys cannot act alone.

The donor wants to add a new attorney

Adding a new attorney is not a simple change to an existing registered LPA.

If the donor wants to appoint someone new, they will usually need to end the old LPA and make a new one.

This is often the cleaner option where finances and time allow, provided the donor still has mental capacity.

The donor wants to change instructions, preferences or decision-making powers

A registered LPA cannot simply be rewritten because the donor has changed their mind.

If the donor wants to change:

• who makes decisions
• whether attorneys act jointly or jointly and severally
• instructions
• preferences
• replacement attorney arrangements
• life-sustaining treatment decisions

the existing LPA should be reviewed.

If the donor still has mental capacity, a replacement LPA may be the safest answer.

When DIY is usually the right route

For simple updates, it is usually better to contact OPG yourself.

That includes:

• donor address change
• attorney address change
• donor name change
• attorney name change
• straightforward contact record update
• a simple spelling issue where OPG only needs to be notified or asked what evidence is needed

This type of work is often admin, not legal advice.

Fern Wills & LPAs is happy to help with proper LPA reviews, replacement LPAs and uncertain situations. But for simple OPG updates, it will usually be faster and more cost-effective for the donor or attorney to deal with OPG directly.

What information should you have ready?

Before contacting OPG, gather:

• the donor’s full name
• the donor’s date of birth
• the donor’s address
• the attorney’s full name, if the update concerns an attorney
• the attorney’s date of birth, if relevant
• the attorney’s current address, if relevant
• the LPA reference number
• the type of LPA affected
• what is wrong or out of date
• what the correct details are
• copies of name-change evidence, if relevant

For a change of address, OPG says supporting documents are not normally needed.

For a change of name, OPG usually needs evidence such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.

For a spelling mistake, ask OPG what it needs before sending unnecessary documents.

Simple wording you can adapt when contacting OPG

This is not a formal legal letter. It is a practical checklist for a simple update.

You can adapt wording like this:

I am contacting you about a registered Lasting Power of Attorney

Donor name:

Donor date of birth:

LPA reference number:

Type of LPA: 

Property and Financial Affairs / Health and Welfare

The update or correction is:

[explain what is wrong or out of date]The correct details are:

[provide the correct details

]Please confirm whether your records can be updated and whether you need any further information or evidence.

If you are writing as an attorney, say that clearly.

If the issue affects more than one LPA, list each LPA reference separately.

Keep a copy of what you send.

Who should contact OPG?

In many cases, OPG will need to hear from the donor or attorney.

Fern Wills & LPAs cannot always update OPG records for you after registration. OPG may need the donor or attorney to make or authorise the request.

That is why, for simple changes, the best route is usually:

• check which LPA is affected
• gather the LPA reference number
• contact OPG yourself
• send any evidence required
• keep a copy of your message
• keep OPG’s reply with the LPA paperwork

When should you get professional help instead?

You should not treat the issue as simple admin if:

• you are not sure the right person has been appointed
• the attorney’s identity may be questioned
• the donor’s wishes have changed
• the donor wants to change attorneys
• the donor wants to change how attorneys act
• an attorney has died
• an attorney wants to step down
• a replacement attorney may need to act
• a bank, care provider, hospital or other organisation is already refusing or questioning the LPA
• there is a family dispute
• the donor may no longer have mental capacity
• the LPA may need to be revoked and replaced

In those cases, consider an LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review or a replacement LPA.

What if the LPA is needed urgently?

If the LPA is needed now, first ask the organisation what exactly it is questioning.

Is the issue:

• the attorney’s name?
• the attorney’s address?
• the donor’s details?
• a missing certified copy?
• a problem with the online access code?
• uncertainty about whether attorneys act jointly?
• the organisation’s own process?

If the LPA has been added to the online service, the donor or attorney may be able to generate an access code for the organisation.

If the organisation is querying the registered document itself, contact OPG and consider advice quickly.

If the donor still has mental capacity and the existing LPA is unreliable, making a new LPA may be the better long-term answer.

Keep a clear record

After you contact OPG, keep a simple record with the LPA paperwork.Keep:

• what the issue was
• which LPA was affected
• when OPG was contacted
• who contacted OPG
• what evidence was sent
• whether OPG acknowledged the request
• whether OPG confirmed the update
• whether a new LPA was recommended

This matters because LPAs are often needed at stressful times. A clear record can prevent confusion later.

How Fern Wills & LPAs can help

Fern Wills & LPAs can help where the issue needs judgment, not just admin.For example, we can help with:

• an LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review
• checking whether the LPA still works
• checking attorney appointment wording
• checking whether a replacement attorney can act
• explaining whether a new LPA may be safer
• preparing a replacement LPA
• reviewing how the LPA fits with your Will, property ownership and family circumstances

For simple name or address updates, you will usually be better contacting OPG directly.

For new or replacement LPAs, see Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Related reading

You may also find these useful:

LPA MOT: Lasting Power of Attorney Review

What is the best way to activate and use your LPA online?

How do I cancel a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What happens if you try to help a loved one without an LPA?

Property and Financial Affairs LPA

Health & Welfare LPA

Appointing Attorneys in a Lasting Power of Attorney

Final point

Do not ignore a problem with a registered LPA, but do not overcomplicate a simple update either.

If it is a straightforward address or name update, contact OPG and keep a record.

If the LPA no longer does what it should, or if you are not sure whether it will work when needed, get it checked.

This article is general information only, not individual advice. If you need help deciding whether an LPA should be reviewed or replaced, Fern Wills & LPAs can advise on the next step.