HM Land Registry is keen to allow the public to access its services as easily as possible and to avoid costs when doing so. To that end they do not require every party to be represented by solicitors and other professionals for a number of their simpler processes.
However, when an individual is not represented HMLR require a lawyers’ involvement to confirm identities as a minimum. This is for fraud prevention purposes and involves ID1 and ID5 forms. The forms are the route through which ID verifications are recorded, streamlining the identification verification procedure for a wide range of property-related activities (including transfers of equity and for the transfer of properties through inheritance).
In this blog post, we will explore the purpose and significance of these forms, highlighting their benefits and providing an overview of the verification process, including the use of video calls for verification using the ID5 form.
Understanding HM Land Registry ID1 and ID5 Forms
The HMLR ID1 form is a standardised document used to confirm the identity of individuals participating in various transactions. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding property rights and the integrity of land registration procedures. By establishing the identities of the parties involved, the ID1 form helps prevent fraud.
The ID1 form records an individuals name, date of birth, current address and address history, their contact details and the details of the property to which the wider application relates.
In addition to the ID1 form, the HM Land Registry has introduced the ID5 form to allow identification verification via video call (HM Land Registry doesn’t specify which platform to use, but we use Zoom for example). The ID5 form doesn’t entirely replace the ID1 form but is instead appended to the ID1 when a client’s ID is verified over a video call.
The ID5 form repeats much of the key information included in the ID1 form and sets out the details of the professional certifying identity. Indeed, because the information is provided in the ID5 Form, Section B of the ID1 Form can be omitted.
Also, the use of an ID5 form removes the need to send a signed photo of the individual whose ID is being checked with the ID1 form (instead a screenshot is taken during the video call that is printed in full colour and tagged on to the back of the ID1 and ID5 forms).
Purpose of the ID1 and ID5 Forms
The primary purpose of the forms are to enable individuals to provide evidence of their identity as part of wider applications to HM Land Registry. This helps HM Land Registry guard against fraud, while reducing cost to its customers. ID verification is commonly used when registering property transfers, granting new leases, registering mortgages (or other charges) and altering deeds following an individual’s change of name by deed poll.
The ID5 form, as mentioned, specifically caters to remote identification verification via video call. It eliminates the need for physical presence during the verification process meaning clients can instruct solicitors that aren’t necessarily near them, adding flexibility and convenience to the process.
Verification Process
To complete the ID1 form, individuals need to gather specific identification documents that are acceptable to the Land Registry. These documents include a valid passport; UK, EU, Isle of Man, Channel Islands photocard driving licence photo driving license; or a Biometric Residence Permit issued by the Home Office.
(HMLR also accept certain other forms of ID, though these are less easily obtainable for clients and we only accept these in exceptional circumstances. We also require an additional proof of address to be provided for anti-money laundering reasons).
The ID1 form will also need to be prepared, with the various sections relating to the individual and the property that is the subject of the application being completed. We do this for you as part of our service.
Finally, both the individual and the conveyancer (commonly a solicitor) sign to certify the individual’s identity. For remote identification verification, individuals can schedule a video call with the conveyancer who will verify their identity remotely. During the video call, the authorized person will assess copies of the identification documents presented by the individual and complete the relevant sections of the ID5 form, certifying the remote identity verification.
The completed form can then be submitted to HM Land Registry, along with any other necessary documents for the intended application.
Do I need a solicitor to complete an ID1 form?
Yes, you need a solicitor to complete the ID1 Form as they will need to sign alongside you to say they have seen evidence of your identity (i.e. you passport or Driving Licence).
If the solicitor you instruct will only be signing your form, you'll need to fill in the form yourself. As part of our service we'll draft the form for you prior to the Zoom call so you don't need to worry about this.
Benefits of the ID1 and ID5 Forms
The use of HM Land Registry ID1 and ID5 forms offers several benefits for individuals and the Land Registry:
- Enhanced Security: By requiring a standardized identification process, the ID1 and ID5 forms help prevent fraudulent activities, protecting the interests of both buyers and sellers. This allows for the involvement of professionals to be minimised, saving on cost.
- Streamlined Transactions: The use of these forms simplifies the identification verification process, reducing paperwork and potential delays in property transactions.
- Flexibility and Convenience: The ID5 form allows for remote identification verification via video call, providing flexibility and convenience, particularly in situations where face-to-face meetings are not possible. In short, clients don’t have to go to solicitors that are near them geographically.
- Regulatory Compliance: By adhering to the Land Registry's identification verification requirements, individuals can ensure their transactions are compliant with legal and regulatory obligations.
- Trust and Confidence: The ID1 and ID5 forms instil trust and confidence in property transactions, as they demonstrate that individuals have undergone a thorough identity verification process when making an number of applications to the Land Registry.
Conclusion
The Land Registry ID1 and ID5 forms serve as important tools in the identification verification process for property-related transactions in the UK. By providing a standardised approach to confirming the identities of individuals involved, these forms enhance security allowing some HMLR customers to avoid hiring solicitors, streamline transactions, and promote trust and confidence in property dealings. Whether through physical verification using only the ID1 form or remote verification via video call using ID1 and ID5 forms, it is essential to comply with the Land Registry's requirements to ensure a smooth and secure transaction process.
Can we help?
We offer a quick and efficient service preparing and completing ID1 and ID5 forms. Once you’ve made an appointment, we’ll send you a quick questionnaire so that we can draft your ID1 and ID5 forms for you and complete our compliance obligations. We can then have the call and verify your identity, before signing the forms and sending them to you in hardcopy via 1st class post. Click here to book your call now.