Since 4th May 2020, ID checks for HM Land Registry transactions being undertaken by individuals or companies themselves (ie. without them instructing a Solicitor) could be undertaken by way of video call, 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.
Despite “Freedom Day” in England having come and gone, HM Land Registry offices remain closed for face-to-face appointments. The .Gov website says “We’re not making face-to-face appointments at our local offices due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
In light of this, the ID5 Form lives on! The .Gov website continues saying “Identity verification can be undertaken by conveyancers, chartered legal executives and people who work, or have worked, in certain professions. See Practice guide 67A: temporary changes to HM Land Registry’s evidence of identity requirements for more information.”
In doing so, they are retaining all references to and relevance of the online verification by way of the ID5 Form. This remains good news for the public, who may continue to struggle to locate Solicitors who can complete the required identification verification in person.
The renewed Practice Guide 67A can be found here.
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 https://www.id5.co.uk/book-now/.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/homebuyers-can-now-use-their-mobile-phone-to-prove-their-identity
https://hmlandregistry.blog.gov.uk/2020/11/17/encouraging-digital-identity-checking-in-conveyancing/