As we now know, from 4th May 2020, ID checks for HM Land Registry transactions being undertaken by individuals or companies themselves (ie. without them instructing a Solicitor) 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.
The Government and HM Land Registry issued guidance on the new and updated processes for online ID verification in the Practice Guide 67A on 1st May 2020.
There have been a number of amendments to the Practice Guide. However, its newest incarnation came into being on 7th December 2020.
The latest amendment to the Practice Guide relates to Section 1.2 which has been amended to confirm that where an application is cancelled, HM Land Registry will (for now) “accept resubmitted identity forms ID1 and ID2 which are more than 6 months old provided the form was originally less than 6 months old when originally submitted”. Whilst not relevant to new transactions, HM Land Registry is clearly trying to assist individuals and companies by not requiring multiple verifications of identity should transactions protract owing to the Pandemic.
In other words, HM Land Registry have reviewed their guidance and acknowledged the ongoing problems encountered as a result of the Pandemic. 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 www.ID5.co.uk.