ID1 / ID2 Identity Verification
HM Land Registry requires independent verification of identity for many property applications.
Fees
Note: every applicant or company representative named on the Land Registry application needs their own signed and verified form.
What’s included
- A verification appointment — in-office, home visit, or online (see note on video verification below)
- Careful checking of your original identity documents against HM Land Registry’s List A / List B requirements
- Completion and signing of Section B of the form, including certification of your passport-style photographs
Want to talk this through? Get in touch for an initial conversation.
What are ID1 and ID2 forms, and when do you need one?
Show lessShow moreID1 and ID2 are HM Land Registry forms used to independently verify identity, mainly as a safeguard against property fraud. An ID1 form is used for private individuals; an ID2 form is used for companies and other corporate bodies (with a director or authorised officer verified instead).
You’ll usually need one if:
What are ID1 and ID2 forms, and when do you need one?
Show lessShow more- You’re applying to HM Land Registry without a conveyancer or solicitor acting for you on the transaction
- You’re a party to a transfer, lease, mortgage, or discharge and your identity hasn’t already been confirmed by an acting conveyancer
- You’re applying for first registration of a property, particularly where the title deeds have been lost
- You’ve changed your name or address and need to update the register
- Your lender or conveyancer has specifically asked for one
You generally won’t need an ID1/ID2 if a conveyancer is acting for you throughout and confirms your identity as part of the transaction, or where the land value is £6,000 or less.
Signing your ID1/ID2 online (Form ID5)
Show lessShow moreIf you can’t get to an office appointment or home visit, your ID1 or ID2 form can be completed entirely online, using HM Land Registry’s Form ID5. This is a genuine alternative to an in-person appointment, not a lesser option — it’s accepted by HM Land Registry in exactly the same way, provided it’s done correctly.
How it works:
Signing your ID1/ID2 online (Form ID5)
Show lessShow more- We arrange a video call at a time that suits you
- You show me your original identity documents on camera so I can check them against HM Land Registry’s List A / List B requirements
- I take a colour screenshot of you during the call, which is used in place of the usual passport-style photographs
- I complete and sign Form ID5 alongside your ID1 or ID2, confirming the verification took place by video
It’s available at the same price as an in-person appointment, with no extra charge, and is often the quickest option if you’re based outside London, working during office hours, or simply prefer not to travel.
Important things to note:
- Timing matters. Both your signature and mine must be dated within three months of the application reaching HM Land Registry — this is the most common reason forms get rejected, so it’s worth booking in good time.
- Signatures must be wet ink. Electronic signatures aren’t accepted on ID1/ID2 forms.
- Bring original documents, not photocopies or emailed scans — HM Land Registry sets out exactly which combinations of documents are acceptable (a current passport or photocard driving licence on its own, or two documents from a shorter list such as a recent utility bill or council tax bill).
- Only certain professionals can verify you — solicitors, licensed conveyancers, notaries public, barristers, and CILEX members, all holding a current practising certificate. A paralegal or unqualified adviser cannot sign your form.
- Can’t attend in person? Video verification is possible using a separate Form ID5 alongside your ID1 or ID2 — ask about this when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ID1 form used for?
An ID1 form is HM Land Registry’s identity verification form for private individuals. It’s used to confirm your identity independently before certain applications — such as transfers, mortgages, or first registrations — can be processed, mainly as a protection against property fraud.
What’s the difference between an ID1 and an ID2 form?
An ID1 form verifies the identity of a private individual. An ID2 form is used instead where the applicant is a company or other corporate body, and verifies the identity and authority of the person representing it.
Do I need an ID1 form if I already have a solicitor?
Usually not. If a solicitor or conveyancer is acting for you throughout the transaction, they’ll typically confirm your identity as part of that process. An ID1 or ID2 is mainly needed when you’re applying without a conveyancer, or when one is specifically requested.
How much does ID1/ID2 verification cost?
ID1 forms are £75 per person and ID2 forms are £100 per representative, no VAT. Every individual or company representative named on the application needs their own verified form.
What documents do I need to bring?
Either one document from List A (a current passport, UK/EU photocard driving licence, or biometric residence permit), or two documents from List B (such as a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or mortgage statement). Documents must be originals, not copies.
How long is a signed ID1 form valid for?
Your signature and the verifier’s signature must both fall within three months of the date the application is lodged with HM Land Registry. If that window passes, the form will need to be signed again.
Can I do ID1/ID2 verification remotely, by video call?
Yes, in certain circumstances, using a separate Form ID5 alongside your ID1 or ID2. Get in touch to check whether this is suitable for your situation.
Who is allowed to verify my identity for an ID1 or ID2 form?
Only certain regulated professionals: solicitors, licensed conveyancers, notaries public, barristers, and CILEX members, each holding a current practising certificate.
What happens if HM Land Registry rejects my ID1 form?
The most common reasons are an expired three-month signing window or documents that don’t meet the List A/B requirements. If a form is rejected, it will need to be corrected and re-verified before the application can proceed — booking early and bringing the right documents avoids this.