What is an ID1 Form?
Estimated reading time 6 minutes
Property transactions in England and Wales often involve a lot of paperwork and form-filling. The ID1 Form can be one of the most important forms to put your name on. It plays a crucial role in completing the transaction and acts as identity verification for those involved in property-related transactions when there is no legal representation. Issued by the Land Registry, an incomplete or incorrect ID1 form could delay or invalidate a property transaction.
In short, the ID1 form:
- Confirms the identity of a private individual involved in a property transaction
- Is used by HM Land Registry to reduce the risk of fraud
- Must be completed, signed and verified by a solicitor, conveyancer, barrister, CILEX conveyancing practitioner or Chartered Legal Executive
- Used for transferring property, applying for registration, and sales where there is no legal representation
In this blog, we’ll look at the importance of ID1 forms in a little more detail, covering ID1 form verification, validity and how you complete one.
When do I need an ID1 form?
Not all property transactions require an ID1 form, but there is a wide range of circumstances where they play an important role. These include:
- When a property or land is transferred or sold, whether for value or not
- When a mortgage is registered
- When a lease of more than seven years is registered, whether for value or not
- If there is a discharge of a charge in Form DS1
- If there is a release of a charge in Form DS3
- When there is an application to change the register, such as removing restrictions
- If title deeds have been lost or destroyed
Who has to complete an ID1 form?
An ID1 form only needs to be completed by those involved in a registerable property transaction without legal representation. This means that the following people would be expected to complete an ID1 form:
- Buyers or sellers of property without a conveyancer
- Tenants or landlords in lease transactions
- Borrowers registering a mortgage directly
It should be noted that if you are buying or transferring a property jointly, each person requires their own ID1 form.
If you’ve hired a conveyancer, you won’t need to complete an ID1 form as they will have conducted identity verification on your behalf.
How do I complete an ID1 form?
Completing the form and obtaining ID1 form verification can be quick and easy. Before you begin, though, you should ensure you have the correct information to hand for verification and speedy completion.
You’ll need:
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Original photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
- Proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement from the past three months
- Contact details of an approved verifier
Once you have these details, you can begin completing your ID1 form.
Completing the form and ID1 form verification
Once you are ready to complete your ID1 form, you should download it from the Land Registry website. You can then start by:
- Completing Section A with your name, address and date of birth
- Booking an appointment with an approved verifier (solicitor, licensed conveyancer, barrister, HM Land Registry official, Chartered Legal Executive or CILEX Conveyancing Practitioner)
Once your appointment is booked, take your ID, passport photos and proof of address. Your approved verifier will then complete section B and sign the form.
After the form is signed, send it to HM Land Registry with your Land Registry application.
Who can verify an ID1 form?
ID1 forms can only be verified by an approved verifier. Without this verification, your ID1 form is incomplete, and the property transaction cannot proceed.
Approved verifiers for an ID1 form include:
- Solicitors
- Barristers
- Licensed conveyancers
- Chartered legal executive
- CILEX conveyancing practitioners
- HM Land Registry officials
What is the difference between an ID1 and ID3 form?
In some situations, you may not be able to have your identity verified by a conveyancer. In these cases, an ID3 form may be accepted as an alternative way to prove your identity.
This may be relevant if you are overseas or unable to attend an in-person appointment.
If you do not have the supporting documents, such as a valid ID. You cannot complete an ID1 or ID3 form and instead must apply for an updated ID before proceeding.
How long is an ID1 form valid for?
An ID1 form only has a limited validity. This is currently set at three months from the date it is signed and verified. If your property transaction is not completed within this time, you may need to restart the verification process with a new ID1 form.
What is the ID1 form fee?
Downloading the ID1 form is free of charge, but charges will apply to get your form verified. These can vary depending on who you choose to act as your approved verifier. Approximate costs can range from £50 to £200+.
Can ID1 forms be completed online?
Not completely. You can fill in the form online, but the verification process can only be completed in person.
Remote verification may be possible through a video appointment with an approved conveyancer. In these cases, an ID5 certificate is usually submitted alongside your ID1 form.
How to ensure your ID1 form will be accepted
You can speed up the process and reduce the chances of your ID1 form being rejected by following a few tips:
- Ensure the information on your ID matches the information on the form exactly
- Make sure ID is still valid
- Ensuring all sections are complete and signatures are not missing
- Book your verification appointment as soon as possible
- Request that your approved verifier double-check the form before it is submitted
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