Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney
Certify a copy of a lasting power of attorney
You can confirm that a copy of your registered lasting power of attorney (LPA) is genuine by ‘certifying’ it if you’re still able to make your own decisions.
Your attorney can use the certified copy to prove they have permission to make decisions on your behalf, for example to manage your bank account.
You can also make certified copies of your LPA before it has been registered. You or your attorney can use this to register your LPA if you do not have the original form.
How to certify a copy
On the bottom of each page of the copy of the LPA (sections 1 to 11 and any continuation page), write:
“I certify this is a true and complete copy of the corresponding page of the original lasting power of attorney.”
If your LPA is not yet registered, do not write on the bottom of sections 12 to 15 (the registration application form). Your LPA will not be certified if you write on these sections.
On the bottom of the final page of the copy (section 11 or any continuation page), you must also write:
“I certify this is a true and complete copy of the lasting power of attorney.”
You need to sign and date every page.
Other ways to certify a copy
Copies of your LPA can also be certified by:
- a solicitor
- a person authorised to carry out notarial activities