From Monday, 4th May 2020, the Government and HM Land Registry have taken steps to ensure that individuals and companies can continue to “seamlessly” complete their land transactions.
Private individuals and Directors of companies must have their identity checked prior to completing any transactions with HM Land Registry. If they instructed a Solicitor, the Solicitor would perform these checks. However, if the individual or company chose to undertake the transaction themselves, without appointing a Solicitor, the identity checks still need to be completed.
Prior to 4th May 2020, these checks had to be undertaken in person. From 4th May 2020, these checks can now be undertaken by way of video link, remotely, and without the need for any social interaction by a Solicitor (or other suitable individuals) performing the relevant checks and completing a new “ID5” form.
This change has been introduced as a temporary change for verifying a person’s identity in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. HM Land Registry has said that this amendment to the rules is as a result of “regularly reviewing its practice, policy and procedures, taking guidance from customer feedback.”
Further information can be found in HM Land Registry’s press release.
HM Land Registry have also issued helpful guidance in the form of Practice Guide 67A, details of which can be located on the www.gov.uk website.
We at ID5 Identification Verification are ready and able to provide a smooth, swift and cost-effective method of online video identification verification for HM Land Registry purposes. Fully compliant and efficient, you can easily arrange your appointment today at www.ID5.co.uk.