Land Registry ID5 Form: Online Identification Check
ID5 Forms are now completed alongside an ID1 Form (individual) or ID2 Form (corporate) to confirm that ID verification took place via a video call. It essentially informs the Land Registry that, unlike traditional in-person checks, your identity was confirmed remotely by a qualified professional.
The introduction of the ID5 form was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic when face-to-face meetings posed a significant health risk. The Land Registry swiftly responded by implementing the ID5 form as a solution to maintain the flow of property transactions during a period of restricted movement, and it remains in place today for those who might have trouble getting to and from a solicitor's office.
Why does the Land Registry need an ID check?
The Land Registry requires thorough identity checks for a fundamental reason: legitimacy. By confirming the identity of everyone involved in buying, selling, or transferring property, they can significantly reduce the risk of fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities.
In an era where criminal tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the Land Registry's commitment to identity verification, facilitated by processes like the ID5, is crucial to protecting innocent parties and the integrity of the property register.
Benefits of Remote ID Verification (ID5 Process)
Choosing to have your identity verified remotely via the ID5 process offers several advantages over traditional in-person appointments:
- Convenience: You can complete the verification from the comfort of your own home or anywhere in the world with a stable internet connection, eliminating the need to travel to a solicitor's office and take time off work.
- Improved Accessibility: Remote verification is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, those living in remote areas, or those with busy schedules who may find it difficult to attend in-person appointments.
- Faster Appointments: Booking a video call appointment can sometimes be quicker and more flexible than scheduling an in-person meeting.
- Enhanced Safety: In situations where face-to-face contact might be a concern (such as during a pandemic or for vulnerable individuals), remote verification provides a safe and secure alternative.
- Wider Choice of Providers: You are not limited to solicitors in your local area who offer ID verification services. You can choose a provider like SAM Conveyancing which offers this service online nationwide.
- Appointments from 18/04/2025.*
- Convenient remote appointments via video call.
- Can be done wherever you are in the world.
- Certificate issued same-day
- Fixed Fee of £100 INC VAT.
What does the ID5 Form confirm?
When a solicitor verifies your identity through a video call, they must certify a specific statement on the ID5 form. This statement confirms that they met with you via video, were provided with evidence of your identity, and took a screenshot photograph during the call.
Importantly, the solicitor also keeps a record of your identity, the evidence provided, and the screenshot to ensure a comprehensive audit trail for security purposes.
The solicitor who verified the ID for their client by way of a video call must certify the following statement:
"I certify that I met with the above person by way of a video call and I was provided with evidence of their identity. I also certify that I took a screenshot photograph of the person whose identity I verified.
I undertake to keep a record of the person whose identity I have verified along with a copy of evidence of identity provided to me and a copy of the screenshot photograph taken during the video call."
What if you live overseas?
As long as you have a stable internet connection and video call capabilities, our ID1/ID2/ID5 verification can take place absolutely anywhere in the world!
How ID1/ID2 and ID5 Forms work together
When your identity is verified remotely for a property transaction, the Land Registry requires two key forms to be completed:
The ID1 Form (for individuals) or ID2 Form (for representatives of a corporate entity)
This is the primary form that captures your personal or company details, as well as information about the property transaction you are involved in. It essentially states who you are and why your identity needs to be verified.
The ID5 Form (Verification of Identity by Video Call)
This is a supplementary form that specifically confirms that the identity verification for the ID1 or ID2 form was conducted remotely via a video call. It provides assurance to the Land Registry that the required checks were carried out in a secure online environment.
Think of it this way: the ID1 or ID2 is the main identity confirmation document, and the ID5 acts as a certificate confirming the method used to verify that identity.
Both forms are essential components of the remote identity verification process. The solicitor or conveyancer will complete both forms following your successful video call.
When does the ID5 form get completed?
The ID5 form is completed by the solicitor or conveyancer at the exact same time they conduct the video call to verify your identity using either the ID1 form (for individuals) or the ID2 form (for corporate entities). These two forms work in tandem when remote verification is carried out.
What to expect during your ID Verification Video Call
If your identity verification is taking place via a video call, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a suitable device. This could be a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and microphone.
- Have your original identification documents ready. This will be your passport or UK photocard driving licence. Make sure they are in good condition.
- Be prepared to show your ID documents clearly to the camera. The solicitor needs to see the photo page and other relevant details to verify their authenticity. They may ask you to hold the document at different angles.
- Listen carefully to the solicitor's instructions. They will guide you through the process and may ask you some questions to further confirm your identity. Please answer honestly and clearly.
- Be aware that the solicitor will take a screenshot photograph during the call. This is a requirement of the ID5 form and serves as a record of the verification.
- Find a quiet and well-lit space for the call. This will help ensure clear audio and video quality.
The video call is usually a quick and straightforward process, designed to be as convenient as possible for you.
Who can complete an ID5 form?
The ID5 form can only be certified by the qualified conveyancer who verified your identity via the video call. This includes professionals such as:
- A Land Registry employee.
- A solicitor.
- A barrister.
- A legal executive.
- A licensed conveyancer.
- A notary public.
- A serving officer of the UK armed forces overseas.
- A non-UK lawyer (who can provide evidence of their right to practice).
While the Land Registry might, in exceptional circumstances, accept verification from other individuals, you would need to contact them directly for prior written confirmation.
How much does an ID5 Form cost?
At SAM Conveyancing, our competitive fixed fee for ID verification includes both the ID1 (or ID2) and the ID5 form for a fixed fee of £100 INC VAT, ensuring a transparent and straightforward cost for your remote verification needs.
The cost of the ID5 form is typically included within the fee charged by the conveyancer for the overall identity verification service, which would also cover the ID1 or ID2 form.
Call us at 0333 344 3234 or request a callback/email to answer your queries about our Land Registry application services. SAM's UK-based team will explain which of our solicitor services are required to make changes to the title.
There's no obligation to instruct. We'll make sure you understand your options and provide a free, fixed-fee quote for our best-value service to meet your needs. No robots, no call centres. Property challenges solved.
Andrew started his career in 2000 working within conveyancing solicitor firms and grew hands-on knowledge of a wide variety of conveyancing challenges and solutions. After helping in excess of 50,000 clients in his career, he uses all this experience within his article writing for SAM, mainstream media and his self published book How to Buy a House Without Killing Anyone.
Caragh is an excellent writer and copy editor of books, news articles and editorials. She has written extensively for SAM for a variety of conveyancing, survey, property law and mortgage-related articles.
