HM Land Registry ID1, ID2 and ID5 forms explained

When you need an ID form

HM Land Registry needs evidence of identity from anyone who is a party to an application but isn’t represented by a conveyancer. That’s to protect owners against property fraud. Common examples:

• transferring a property, or a share of it, to a family member without a conveyancer
• removing someone from the title, or adding someone
• discharging a private mortgage or loan secured on a property
• a company dealing with its own property without a conveyancer

If a conveyancer is acting for you, you don’t need an ID form; they give their details instead. Where several people are involved, each unrepresented person needs their own form.

Which form?

• ID1: evidence of identity for an individual, certified by a conveyancer
• ID2: evidence of identity for a company or other corporate body, certified by a conveyancer
• ID5: an extra certificate the conveyancer completes when they’ve checked your identity by video call; it goes with the ID1 or ID2
• ID3: for an individual, certified by certain other professionals, such as a doctor or accountant, who has known you for at least a year. This must be done in person and has strict conditions.

Form ID4 for companies was withdrawn in 2024 and is no longer accepted.

Who can certify it?

For ID1, ID2 and ID5, a conveyancer: for example a solicitor, a licensed conveyancer or a Chartered Legal Executive. They don’t have to be acting in the transaction. A paralegal can’t certify identity.

In person or by video call

In person

You meet the solicitor with your original ID and a recent passport-size colour photograph. They check your documents, sign and date the back of the photograph, and complete the form.

By video call

HM Land Registry also accepts verification by a conveyancer over a secure video call. The solicitor takes a screenshot of you during the call, completes form ID5, and the screenshot and ID5 are sent with your ID1 or ID2. It saves a trip to an office.

What to have ready

• the ID1 or ID2 form, with your details completed
• your passport or photocard driving licence
• proof of address dated within the last three months
• for an in-person check, a recent passport-size colour photograph
• for ID2, the company’s registration number and evidence that you can act for it

Time limits and common mistakes

The ID forms, and any photograph, must be no more than three months old when the application is lodged. HM Land Registry may send the application back with a requisition, or cancel it, if:

• the form is out of date
• the photograph isn’t signed and dated on the back
• the wrong section of the form has been completed
• a video-call check is missing its ID5 or screenshot

Exceptions

No ID form is needed where the land is worth £6,000 or less, with a certificate of value instead, or where HM Land Registry has issued a facility letter. See ID1 and ID5 identity verification.