What is an ID1 Form and Why You Might Need One
What is an ID1 Form and Why Might You Need One?
If you’re buying, selling, or otherwise involved in a property transaction and are not using a solicitor or conveyancer, HM Land Registry often requires an ID1 Form. This is a certificate of identity for private individuals, used to verify your identity officially, helping prevent fraud.
You’ll also sometimes hear about ID2 (for businesses/corporate bodies) and ID5 (for remote/video identity verification) forms.
When is an ID1 Form Required?
You may need an ID1 Form in circumstances such as:
- Transferring land or property ownership when you are acting for yourself (i.e. not legally represented).
- Discharging or registering a mortgage, lease, first registration or change of name/address in Land Registry, where Land Registry demands identity verification.
- If the deeds are lost or title deeds destroyed and you are registering first registration, unless value is under certain threshold (e.g. under £6,000 in many cases).
How to Fill Out & Verify an ID1 Form
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
Complete Section A – fill in your personal details, address history, details of the property or transaction.
Provide identity documents – bring original identification: passport, driving licence, or other acceptable photo ID; proof of address, maybe recent utility bills, bank statements etc.
Verification – a solicitor, notary public, licensed conveyancer, chartered legal executive or Land Registry official inspects your documents, confirms they are genuine, certifies the form.
Photo – Attach passport-sized photos, often one certified as a true likeness.
Date & Sign – You sign and date section A and your verifier (eg solicitor) signs, prints name, occupation, contact details etc in Section B.
Common Pitfalls Clients Worry About
- Delay or rejection because the form was dated too long ago, or documents were out-of-date. The certificate must be dated no more than three months before submission in many cases.
- Wrong verifier: only certain professionals are permitted to verify (solicitors, notaries, licensed conveyancers etc.). If someone else does it, Land Registry may reject.
- Poor quality or unaccepted supporting documents (for address history, photo etc.). Always check what documents are accepted.
- Lack of clarity over where the form must be submitted (sometimes with other Land Registry documents), meaning missing parts can lead to delays.
Why Choose Jonathan Lea Network for ID1 Forms
Jonathan Lea Network offers:
- Experienced solicitors who are fully compliant with HM Land Registry rules, making sure your ID1 / ID2 / ID5 applications pass first time.
- Flexible service: we can verify identity in person, arrange remote video verification where permitted, or meet at a location to suit you.
- Transparent fixed fees, with no hidden charges, so you know up front what the service costs.
- Friendly, clear guidance: we explain what documents you need, help you avoid common mistakes, keep you updated on progress.
How Much Does It Cost & How Long It Takes
Costs vary depending on whether it’s a straight verification, or if additional work (correction, complicated identity history) is needed. We offer fixed-fee options starting from £200. Typically:
- Simple verification in person: standard fee.
- Remote/video verification (if available): sometimes less, sometimes extra depending on complexity.
- Additional work (address history, unusual documents, overseas identities) may incur extra cost.
Time-frame: for many clients, we can complete verification the same or next working day once all documents are supplied. Delays usually happen because documentation is missing or not acceptable.
Steps to Instruct Jonathan Lea Network
- Contact us via phone or our secure online form, tell us you need an ID1 (or ID2/ID5) form, ideally attaching scans of your identity documents so we can check ahead.
- We assess what you need, explain our fee, book a meeting (in person or remote).
- You bring originals or join remote verification, we verify, sign and date the form.
- We return the completed form to you or lodge with the Land Registry, as required.
Contact Us
If you’re starting a property transaction and you’ve been told you need an ID1 Form, don’t leave it to chance. Contact Jonathan Lea Network today for fast, professional verification. We’ll make sure your form is completed correctly, avoiding costly delays, so your transaction proceeds smoothly. Call us or book a consultation now.
Call us at +44 (0)1444 708 640
Email: wewillhelp@jonathanlea.net
Or book an appointment via our website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use a bank statement transmitted electronically (online banking) as proof of address?
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Often not. HM Land Registry commonly requires postal documents that show your address clearly and are recent (e.g. council tax bill, utility bill, or bank statement sent by post) rather than screenshots of online banking. But sometimes there is variation; we at Jonathan Lea will advise whether an electronic copy might be accepted in your case.
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What happens if I miss the three-month date limit on the ID1 form?
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We’ll need to redo the verification, with a new date. The Land Registry very often reject forms older than three months from date of lodgement. So it’s better to arrange verification close to when you send in the application.
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Can a UK solicitor verify my documents if I am abroad?
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Possibly yes, depending on the rules. Some solicitors or notaries abroad (if recognised) can do so, but often extra steps (legalisation, apostille, translation) will be required. We can advise on your circumstances and arrange acceptable verification.
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Does having “legal representation” always avoid needing an ID1 form?
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Not always. If your solicitor/conveyancer is lodging the Land Registry application for you, sometimes the need for ID1 is waived. But if you are named and acting without such representation, the form is usually needed. It depends on the exact transaction. We’ll clarify this in your case.
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