Deeds

I have now received the deeds information for my mother in law's property.

It looks like my father in law registered the property (the documentation is in with the deeds) in his name in 1969, but i cant do a search on Land Registry as nothing comes up.

Do I still need to do a new application for the Land Registry so it can be in my mother in law's name.

If I do I know i have to include the old deeds to get them changed do I still get the originals back together with the new deeds and Lsnd Registry document. Do i have to send the originals or can i send a photocopy.

Sarah - if the property is to be transferred to your MIL then an application for compulsory first registration will be required 
HMLR Guide Page  · HM Land Registry
The online assisted guidance explains what's needed and how you need to submit original deeds/documents and how these are returned as appropriate

Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.

I have received an automated email from Land Registry to say they have received the form but it won't be completed until September 2026.

Please can I ask why it takes this long and what would happen if my mother in law were to pass away before the deeds and the house got registered into her name - would the family still be able to sell the house.

Sarah - the date provided is an estimated completion date based on current average timescales for similar types of application. The time is wait time only.
The application/transaction is protected from the date we received it and the ownership protected.
If she were to pass away and the property were to be sold then that can all happen still