Important documents checklist
In an emergency, families lose hours looking for the NHS number, the lasting power of attorney or the list of medicines. Go through this list with your relative while things are calm, note where each document is kept and who holds a copy, and print the sheet for the family folder.
This checklist is general information for organising paperwork. The documents that matter, their names and how to set them up differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — a solicitor or an advice service such as Citizens Advice can tell you what applies to your relative. Do not record passwords, PINs or full account numbers on this sheet.
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Important documents checklist
Identity and personal0/4
- Passport or other official photo ID
Status: Not checked
- Birth and marriage certificates
Status: Not checked
- Residence, settled status or citizenship papers
Status: Not checked
- Driving licence
Status: Not checked
Health and care0/5
- NHS number and any health insurance policy details
Status: Not checked
- Current medication list and allergies
Status: Not checked
- Diagnoses, GP practice and specialists
Status: Not checked
- Hospital discharge letters and recent test results
Status: Not checked
- Care plan or care agency contract
Status: Not checked
Legal and decisions0/5
- Lasting power of attorney (property and financial affairs)
Status: Not checked
- Lasting power of attorney (health and welfare)
Status: Not checked
- Advance decision (living will) or advance statement
Status: Not checked
- Will and executor details
Status: Not checked
- Deputyship or court orders, if any
Status: Not checked
Money, insurance and property0/7
- Bank and savings accounts (institution and branch only)
Status: Not checked
- State Pension, private pension and benefit award letters
Status: Not checked
- Life, home and car insurance policies
Status: Not checked
- Property deeds, lease or tenancy agreement
Status: Not checked
- Regular bills and direct debits list
Status: Not checked
- Recent tax returns or HMRC letters
Status: Not checked
- Funeral plan or wishes
Status: Not checked
Contacts and access0/4
- Emergency contact sheet
Status: Not checked
- Spare keys and key safe code holder
Status: Not checked
- Phone, email and online accounts access plan (not the passwords)
Status: Not checked
- Vehicle registration (V5C) and breakdown cover
Status: Not checked
Still to find or arrange
Nothing marked as missing.
Which documents matter most in an emergency?
Identity, the NHS number and any insurance details, the current medication list and any advance decision or health and welfare lasting power of attorney — hospitals ask for these first. Keep copies of those four in the emergency folder and a photo of them on the main carer's phone.
What is the difference between a lasting power of attorney and an advance decision?
A lasting power of attorney lets someone act for your relative in financial or health matters while they are alive, usually when they can no longer decide for themselves. An advance decision records their own wishes about medical treatment. Names and rules differ between the UK nations, so ask a solicitor or an advice service what applies locally.
Is it safe to write down where documents are?
Writing down locations and who holds copies is fine; it is passwords, PINs and full account numbers that must never be on a printed sheet. Keep the printed checklist in the care folder, not with the bank papers.