how to register LPA — To register a **Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)** in Singapore, choose your donee(s), complete either Form 1 or Form 2, and have it certified by an accredited certificate issuer. Submit the application through the OPG e-Services portal. After a mandatory waiting period for objections, the LPA is officially registered. The whole process usually takes about 6–8 weeks.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. Registering an LPA is a straightforward process, but it involves strict requirements and several important steps.

This guide provides a clear step-by-step process to register an LPA in Singapore, including who can apply, what documents are required, and how long it takes.

Key Takeaways

Anyone aged 21 and above with mental capacity can make an LPA.
You’ll need to select the right LPA form: Form 1 (standard) or Form 2 (customised).
An LPA must be certified by an approved certificate issuer (lawyer, doctor, or psychiatrist).
Registration is done online through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG).
The process usually takes 6–8 weeks, including the waiting period.

Step 1: Decide Who Your Donee(s) Will Be

Choose one or more trusted people aged 21 and above.
Decide whether they will act jointly (together) or jointly & severally (individually).
Consider appointing replacements in case your first choice is unable to act.

Step 2: Select the Correct Form

Form 1: For most applicants. Standardised, with general powers over personal welfare and property matters.
Form 2: For customised instructions or complex arrangements. Must be drafted by a lawyer.

For a detailed overview of both forms, see our main guide: Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in Singapore: Complete Process, Cost & Benefits Explained.

Step 3: Fill in the Application via OPG e-Services

Log in to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) e-Services portal.
Complete the form with your donee(s)’ details.
Upload supporting documents if required.

Step 4: Get It Certified by a Certificate Issuer

The LPA must be signed in front of an accredited certificate issuer, who confirms that:

You understand the LPA,
You are not under pressure to make it, and
You have the mental capacity to do so.

Approved issuers include:

Practicing lawyers,
Registered psychiatrists, or
Accredited doctors.

Step 5: Submit the Application

The certificate issuer will submit your LPA electronically to the OPG.
Pay the registration fee (if applicable). Currently, fees for Form 1 are waived for Singapore citizens until 31 March 2026.

Step 6: Waiting Period

The OPG imposes a 3-week mandatory waiting period.
During this time, any objections (e.g., family disputes) may be raised.
If there are no valid objections, the LPA proceeds to registration.

Step 7: Registration Complete

Once approved, the OPG registers the LPA and notifies you.
The LPA takes effect only if you lose mental capacity in the future.

How Long Does It Take?

Average processing time: 6–8 weeks.
May take longer if documents are incomplete or objections are raised.

Register Your LPA with Confidence

At YY Lee & Associates LLC, our lawyers act as accredited certificate issuers for LPAs. We also advise on whether you need Form 1 or Form 2, draft customised clauses, and ensure your registration is completed without errors or delays.

📞 Call us: +65 8780 2499
📷 Instagram: @yylee_familylaw

FAQ

Not always. For Form 1, you may use a doctor or psychiatrist as the certificate issuer. For Form 2, a lawyer is mandatory.
Yes, as long as you still have mental capacity, you can revoke or make a new LPA.
If you lose mental capacity, your family must apply to court for a deputyship order—an expensive and lengthy process.