Request an activation key
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-20)

You can follow these instructions to request an activation key for an LPA.

Attorneys and donors can set up an account on the Use a lasting power of attorney service (Use an LPA), which allows them to access the LPA online, instead of using the registered paper version.

To do this, you need an LPA reference number and the activation key that corresponds to that LPA. You can find these in the letter sent to you when the LPA was registered.

If the LPA was registered more than a year ago, the activation key will have expired. If so, or you have lost it, you can request a new one through Use an LPA.

If you don’t already have a Use an LPA account, you can set one up using these step by step instructions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-started-with-use-an-lpa).

For security reasons, we can only send activation keys by post. Please ensure we have your correct address before requesting a new activation key.

Once you have received the activation key, you can use it to add the LPA to your account (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/add-an-lpa-to-your-use-an-lpa-account).

Requesting the activation key

Step 1: Do you have an activation key?

Log into your Use an LPA (https://www.gov.uk/manage-lasting-power-attorney/use-lasting-power-of-attorney) account. Click on the green button to add an LPA. This will show you two options to choose from.

Option 1: Yes, I have an activation key If you do have an activation key, you can choose this option then type it in and continue the process to add it to your account (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/getting-started-with-use-an-lpa#add-to-account).

Option 2: No, I need to request an activation key Choose this option if you have lost the activation key or it has expired.

Click ‘Continue’.

Step 2: Request an activation key

On the next screen, you will be given the essential information you need to be able to make this request. For example, it will tell you:
- Whether you can request a key in this situation
- What documents you can’t request a key for
- The information you’ll need to request a key
Step 3: What is the LPA reference number?

Enter the reference number of the LPA you need an activation key for.

Step 4: What is your name?

You will be asked to enter your name. This will be used to confirm that you are on the LPA. If you have changed your name since the LPA was registered and have already contacted us to say so, make sure to give the name OPG has on record.

If you have not contacted us yet, please do so as soon as possible to have it updated. See help and guidance (#help-guidance) for contact details.

Step 5: What is your date of birth?

This information will also be used to verify that you are on the LPA.

Step 6: Where do you currently live?

You will be asked for your address. This is because the activation key must be sent by post.

If your address has changed since registering the LPA, please contact us before requesting this activation key so we can update your details. See help and guidance (#help-guidance) for contact details.

If you live in the UK, your address can be found automatically from the post code. If you don’t live in the UK, you will be asked to enter your full address.

You will also be asked if the address you live at now is the same as your address on the paper LPA. If it isn’t the same, you will be asked to give that address. This is to help verify who you are.

Remember, any LPA added to this service will only work in England and Wales. Although an attorney or the donor could be living abroad, the LPA can’t be used to make decisions about the donor’s day-to-day living conditions in that country or about property overseas.

Step 7: Check your answers

You will be shown a summary of the information you have entered. You should check this information and if anything is incorrect, click ‘Change’ to edit it.

Once you are happy with the information you have submitted, click Continue.

If the LPA was registered between January 2016 and September 2019, you may be asked for some additional information about the LPA at this stage. This will help verify your role on the LPA.

If you haven’t received your key within 4 weeks, please call us on xx-xxxx-xxxx.

Help and guidance

If you need help or have questions, please contact us.
- Email: xxx@xxx.xx
- Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Calling from outside the UK: xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 0300 123 1300
Address:

PO Box 16185BirminghamB2 2WHUnited Kingdom