This article is informative, NotaryPublic24 cannot help you with notarization or Apostille of this document. When dealing with property transactions in England & Wales, the HM Land Registry often requires identity verification using forms called ID1 (for individuals) or ID2 (for corporate bodies). These forms help prevent fraud by confirming who is involved in the transaction. In this article, you will learn:
- What ID1 and ID2 forms are
- Why they are required
- How to complete, verify, and use them
- Why NotaryPublic24 cannot help with ID1 / ID2 verification
What Are ID1 & ID2 Forms?
An ID1 Form, also known as the “Certificate of Identity for a Private Individual,” is used when a person – acting without legal representation (i.e. no solicitor or conveyancer) – needs to verify their identity for a property or land transaction. The form collects personal information, address history, and details of identification documents. An ID2 Form, officially called the “Certificate of Identity for a Body Corporate,” is used when a company or corporate entity is participating in a land or property transaction, again without a solicitor or conveyancer handling identity verification. The ID2 form includes not only personal identification information for the person acting, but also company registration details, proof the individual is authorized to act on behalf of the corporate body, and specifics of the company’s status. Key similarities and rules:
- Both ID1 and ID2 forms must be completed, signed, and dated no more than three months prior to lodgement with HM Land Registry.
- They are not publicly inspectable under normal circumstances.
- In many land registry applications, each party (seller, buyer, attorney, etc.) must submit their own ID1 or ID2 if not legally represented.
- These forms are integral to evidence of identity requirements in HM Land Registry’s Practice Guide 67.
Why ID1 and ID2 Identity Verification Matter
Combat Fraud & Protect Title
One of the primary reasons for requiring ID1 / ID2 verification is to reduce fraud in property transactions. The Land Registry has a legal obligation to ensure that only legitimate parties exercise ownership rights. Requiring solid identity verification helps protect against identity theft, fraudulent conveyancing, and wrongful registrations. If parties submit applications without correctly verified identity, the Land Registry may refuse or delay registration of deeds, transfers, mortgages, or new ownership.
Legal & Transactional Requirement
Many property-related actions trigger a requirement for identity confirmation via ID1 or ID2. Examples include:
- Transfers of land or ownership
- Granting or releasing mortgages (charges)
- New registrations of unregistered land
- Lease assignments, surrenders, and other changes of title
- Changes in property name or address not managed by a conveyancer
In each of these cases, if the person acting is not a solicitor or conveyancer, the Land Registry demands proof of identity via ID1 or ID2.
Exceptions & Minimum Value Thresholds
In some specific scenarios, ID1 / ID2 forms are not required:
- If the true value of the land involved is £6,000 or less, identity verification is often exempt.
- Some voluntary first registrations, especially where deeds are not lost or destroyed and the party is represented by a conveyancer, may be exempt.
- When a facility letter is granted by HM Land Registry, that can waive the identity requirement.
Always check the latest rules in HM Land Registry’s Practice Guide 67: Evidence of Identity for up-to-date exemptions and procedures.
How to Complete & Verify ID1 / ID2
Here is a step-by-step guide to completing and verifying ID1 and ID2 forms:
Step 1: Obtain and Fill the Form
Download the official ID1 or ID2 form directly from HM Land Registry.
- In Section A, fill in your personal (or corporate) details, address history, and information about the identification documents you will use.
- For ID2, also provide company registration number, registered address, and evidence that the individual signing is authorised.
- For both, if the applicant has changed name (deed poll or statutory declaration), include that detail.
Step 2: Provide Supporting Identity Documents
You must submit printed or scanned copies of:
- A valid photographic identity document (passport, driving licence, etc.)
- Proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
- Passport-style photographs in some cases (especially for ID1)
The verifier must be satisfied the identity documents match the applicant.
Step 3: Identity Verification by a Qualified Professional
Identity must be verified in person by an approved professional, by video call carried out by a conveyancer (who must complete form ID5 and take a screenshot during the call), or digitally under the HM Land Registry digital identity standard (Practice Guide 81). Eligible verifiers include:
- Solicitors
- Licensed conveyancers
- Chartered Legal Executives certified for conveyancing
- Notaries Public
- Others authorised under HM Land Registry’s rules
The verifier checks the applicant’s ID documents and completes Part B or C of the form, confirming they have seen originals and are satisfied with identity.
Step 4: Dating and Signing
Ensure the completed form is signed and dated – the date must be within three months of lodging with the Land Registry. Incorrectly dated or stale forms can invalidate your application.
Step 5: Submission to HM Land Registry
Once verified, the ID1 or ID2 form is submitted along with your main land registration or property transaction application. It may be submitted by post or via your conveyancer if applicable. The identity information will be used to support your application and satisfy HM Land Registry’s identity checks.
Special Cases: Applicants Living Overseas
If the applicant is outside the UK and cannot have identity verified by a UK professional, it’s allowed for a lawyer or notary public qualified to practise in their country of residence to complete the verification (section B of the form). The form should include their registration and qualification details. This flexibility ensures that UK property transactions can still proceed when parties reside abroad.
A note about NotaryPublic24 and the ID1 / ID2 forms
NotaryPublic24 cannot help you with notarization, verification, or Apostille of the ID1 or ID2 forms. These forms must be verified in person by a qualified professional in England or Wales — typically a solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or Notary Public. Please consult HM Land Registry’s guidance and contact a local professional to complete this process. For the basics of the form, see our ID1 form page and our step-by-step guide on getting the ID1 form verified.
Useful Tips & Best Practices
- Always double-check that your identification documents are current and valid – expired IDs may be rejected.
- Provide clear, high-resolution scans or photos of your documents to ensure biometric matching works.
- Submit the completed ID1 or ID2 form with supporting documents within three months of verification to avoid invalidation.
- If you live abroad and cannot have your identity verified by a UK conveyancer, section B of the form can be completed by a lawyer or notary public qualified to practise in your country of residence (include their registration and qualification details).
- Use notarization and Apostille only when requested – many identity verifications only require certification, not Apostille, unless international use is intended.
Common Questions on ID1 / ID2
Can ID1 / ID2 verification be done online?
Only in limited ways. A conveyancer (for example a solicitor) can verify identity by video call using form ID5, or digitally under the HM Land Registry digital identity standard. Anyone who is not a conveyancer must verify your identity in person. NotaryPublic24 cannot help with ID1 or ID2 verification.
Do I always need a notary for ID1 / ID2 forms?
Not always. A solicitor or licensed conveyancer can verify identity in person under HM Land Registry rules. A Notary Public may be used when additional formality or cross-border acceptance is required.
When would an Apostille be required for ID1 / ID2 forms?
You may need an Apostille if the verified ID form will be used in a foreign jurisdiction that requires notarized documents to be legalized under the Hague Convention.
What happens if I submit an out-of-date ID1 / ID2 form (older than 3 months)?
HM Land Registry may reject or delay processing of your application. The form must be signed and dated within 3 months before lodgement.
Can I use the ID1 / ID2 form if I live outside the UK?
Yes. If you cannot have your identity verified by a UK conveyancer, a lawyer or notary public qualified to practise in your country of residence can complete section B of the form. NotaryPublic24 cannot help with ID1 or ID2 verification.
Summary
ID1 and ID2 forms are essential tools used by HM Land Registry to confirm identity in property and land transactions involving individuals or corporate bodies acting without legal representation. They help protect against fraud, ensure legitimacy of ownership, and facilitate smooth title registrations. NotaryPublic24 cannot help you with notarization, verification, or Apostille of the ID1 or ID2 forms. For identity verification, please contact a solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or Notary Public in England or Wales. Consult HM Land Registry’s guidance for the most up-to-date requirements.