What is an ID1 Form?
Estimated reading time 6 minutes
An ID1 form is an identity verification document used by HM Land Registry to reduce the risk of fraud. It confirms the identity of an individual involved in a property transaction where there is no legal representation. It must be completed, signed and verified by a professional such as a solicitor or conveyancer.
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 notary public, CLC-regulated licensed probate practitioner, CILEX conveyancing practitioner, overseas UK lawyer 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?
You need an ID1 form whenever you are part of a Land Registry transaction and no conveyancer is verifying your identity for you. Common examples 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 or lenders registering a mortgage directly
- Anyone acting as an attorney under power of attorney for a party to the transaction
- Personal representatives (executors or administrators) transferring a deceased person's property
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?
To complete an ID1 form, fill in your details in Section A, book an appointment with an approved verifier, who completes and signs Section B, then send the form to HM Land Registry with your application. Before you start, make sure you have the following to hand:
- 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.
- Download the ID1 form from the HM Land Registry website.
- Complete Section A with your name, address and date of birth.
- Book an appointment with an approved verifier (full list available below).
- Take your photo ID, passport-sized photos and proof of address to the appointment. Your verifier completes and signs Section B.
- Send the signed form to HM Land Registry with your Land Registry application.
Who can verify an ID1 form?
An ID1 form can only be verified by an approved professional. This can be a:
- Conveyancer (such as a solicitor or licensed conveyancer)
- Barrister
- Chartered legal executive
- CLC-regulated licensed probate practitioner
- Notary public
- CILEX conveyancing practitioner
- Lawyer practising outside of the UK with evidence of their authority to practise.
Without this verification, the form is incomplete, and the transaction cannot proceed.
What is the difference between an ID1 and ID3 form?
The difference between an ID1 and ID3 form is who verifies your identity. An ID1 form is verified by a conveyancer, while an ID3 form is verified by someone who is not a conveyancer.
Both prove the identity of an individual, but the ID3 has stricter conditions, including that it must now be completed in person and not via video call.
| ID1 | ID3 | |
| Used for | An individual who is party to a Land Registry application such as a mortgage, first registration or transfer with no conveyancer acting for them | The same situations, but where the identity is verified by someone who is NOT a conveyancer, but is someone in one of six authorised professions: medical doctor, dentist, chartered or certified accountant, regulated financial adviser, MP or member of the Senedd. |
| Who verifies your identity? | A solicitor, licensed conveyancer, notary public, barrister, CILEX conveyancing practitioner, chartered legal executive, CLC-regulated licensed probate practitioner or a lawyer practising outside the UK with evidence of authority to practise | A non-conveyancer who meets the HM Land Registry’s current standards (see above for examples) |
| In-person or remote | In person or by online video call | In person only |
| Extra forms required? | Form ID5 must be added when identity is verified by video call | None |
| Conditions | Verifier checks your original photo ID and proof of address | Stricter rules apply. If verified by a personal acquaintance, both people must hold a current full UK passport and must have known each other for at least a year |
In both cases, you’ll need supporting documents such as valid ID. Without an acceptable photo ID you won’t be able to complete either an ID1 or ID3 until you update your ID.
How long is an ID1 form valid for?
An ID1 form is valid for 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 process with a new form.
What is the ID1 form fee?
The ID1 form is free to download from the HM Land Registry website, but verification typically costs between £50 and £200+ depending on the professional you use.
Can ID1 forms be completed online?
Not entirely. You can complete the form online, but your identity must be verified by an approved professional either in person or via video call. If verification is completed with an online video call, you’ll need an ID5 certificate submitted alongside your ID1.
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
- Check your ID is still valid
- Ensure 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
At Bettermove we make selling your home simple by covering your legal costs. This means fewer delays, less paperwork and no need to worry about forms like ID1.
We offer two paths to help you sell your house fast. We can buy your home directly, or present it to a trusted network of cash house buyers. Either way, your sale is guaranteed, secure and hassle-free. Contact us today to benefit from a streamlined house sale.
