When buying, selling, or transferring land or property, you may need to provide proof of your identity. HM Land Registry uses specific forms to check the identity of people and companies involved in certain property transactions. This helps confirm that the people involved are who they say they are and helps protect against property fraud.
The form you need depends on whether you’re acting as an individual or on behalf of a company, as well as how your identity is being checked. ID1 is generally used for individuals, ID2 is used for companies and other corporate bodies, and ID5 is used when a conveyancer verifies someone’s identity by video call.
Using the correct form from the start can help avoid unnecessary delays with your Land Registry application. In this guide, we explain what ID1, ID2, and ID5 forms are, when they may be needed, and the key differences between them.
What Are ID1, ID2 and ID5 Forms?
HM Land Registry uses these forms to confirm the identity of people and companies involved in certain property transactions. The form you need depends mainly on who you are and how your identity is being checked.
What is an ID1 Form?
An ID1 form is used to provide evidence of identity for an individual involved in certain property transactions. You’ll need to provide your personal details, including your full name and date of birth, before your identity is verified. An ID1 may be required for certain property transfers, first registrations, leases, charges, or applications involving lost or destroyed title deeds.
For example, an ID1 may be needed for certain property transfers, leases, charges, or applications involving lost or destroyed title deeds.
You complete the first part of the form (Section A) before an approved professional verifies your identity and completes the second section (Section B). This can be done in person or, where a conveyancer is carrying out the verification, by online video call. If your identity is verified by video call, an ID5 form will also be required.
What is ID2 Form?
An ID2 form is similar to ID1 but is used for a company or other corporate body. It provides information about the company and the people acting on its behalf as part of the identity verification process.
The form can be required when a company is involved in a property transaction and needs to provide evidence of identity.
If a conveyancer verifies the identity of the relevant person by online video call, an ID5 form must also be completed and submitted with the ID2.
What is an ID5 Form?
ID5 is different from ID1 and ID2 because it’s used to record an identity check carried out by a conveyancer through a secure video call.
It doesn’t replace ID1 or ID2. Instead, it’s completed alongside the relevant form when the identity check takes place by video call.
During the video verification, the conveyancer checks the person’s identity and takes a colour screenshot. Once your identity has been checked, the screenshot is submitted with the ID5 and the relevant ID1 or ID2 form.
In simple terms:
- ID1 is for individuals
- ID2 is for companies and other corporate bodies
- ID5 records an identity check carried out by a licensed conveyancer by video call and is submitted with ID1 or ID2
When Do You Need ID1, ID2 or ID5?
Whether you need an ID1, ID2, or ID5 depends on the type of property transaction, who’s involved, and how their identity is being checked.
You may come across these forms in situations such as:
- Buying or selling property without a conveyancer – If you aren’t represented by a conveyancer, HM Land Registry may require you to provide evidence of your identity as part of the application.
- Transfer of property ownership – If you’re adding or removing someone from the ownership of a property, such as a spouse or family member, you may need to provide identity evidence.
- Applying when title deeds have been lost – Certain applications involving lost or destroyed title deeds may require additional proof of identity from the applicant.
- Dealing with a deceased owner’s property – Executors and other personal representatives may need to provide proof of identity when dealing with a property following someone’s death.
- Dealing with company-owned property – Where a company or other corporate body is involved in a transaction, the relevant corporate identity evidence may be required.
- Gifting property or changing ownership within a family – A property transfer doesn’t always involve a sale. Even when no money changes hands, identity verification may still be required depending on the circumstances.
The specific form you need will depend on whether you’re acting as an individual or on behalf of a company, and whether your identity is being verified in person or by video call.
Which Form Applies to You?
As a general guide:
- Individual → ID1
- Company or corporate body → ID2
- Individual verified by a conveyancer via video call → ID1 + ID5
- Company or corporate body verified by a conveyancer via video call → ID2 + ID5
ID5 doesn’t replace ID1 or ID2. It’s used alongside the relevant form when a conveyancer verifies the person’s identity by online video call. A colour screenshot taken during the call must also accompany the ID5.
If you’re unsure which form applies to your circumstances, a solicitor or conveyancer can review the transaction and confirm what identity evidence is required.
How ID1, ID2 and ID5 Differ
Although all three forms are part of HM Land Registry’s identity verification process, they each have a different purpose.
| Form | Who is it for? | When is it used? |
|---|---|---|
| ID1 | Individuals | Used when an individual needs to provide identity evidence. |
| ID2 | Companies & other corporate bodies | Used when a company or corporate body needs to provide identity evidence. |
| ID5 | Individuals or representatives of companies whose identity is verified remotely | Used alongside ID1 or ID2 when a conveyancer carries out the identity check by video call. |
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
- ID1 and ID2 tell HM Land Registry who is providing the identity evidence. ID1 is for individuals, while ID2 is for companies and other corporate bodies.
- ID5 explains how the identity was checked. It’s used when a conveyancer carries out the verification by online video call.
- ID5 doesn’t replace ID1 or ID2. It’s submitted alongside the relevant form when video verification is used.
Where an ID5 is required, the conveyancer must also provide a colour screenshot taken during the video call.
Documents You’ll Need
The documents you need will depend on how your identity is being verified. If your identity is checked in person, the verifier will need to inspect acceptable evidence of identity.
For Individuals
For an in-person ID1 verification, you must provide either:
One of the following:
- A current valid full passport
- A current UK, EU, Isle of Man or Channel Islands photocard driving licence, excluding provisional licences
- A current Biometric Residence Permit issued by the UK Home Office
Or two acceptable alternative documents, which can include:
- A UK-issued credit or debit card supported by an account statement that is less than three months old
- A utility bill less than three months old
- A council tax bill for the current year
- A council rent book showing rent paid for the last three months
- A mortgage statement for the mortgage accounting year just ended
- A current firearm or shotgun certificate
Some of these documents have specific requirements. For example, certain statements must have been sent by post rather than electronically.
If your identity is being verified digitally or by video call, different requirements apply. Your conveyancer will be able to tell you what evidence you need to provide.
For Companies and Other Corporate Bodies
ID2 is used for companies and other corporate bodies. The information required will depend on the circumstances and the person or people acting on behalf of the company.
It’s best to check with your conveyancer before your appointment so you know exactly what information and documents you need to provide.
Common Mistakes
Completing the correct identity forms is important, as mistakes can cause problems with your HM Land Registry application. Some common issues to look out for include:
- Using ID5 on its own – ID5 doesn’t replace ID1 or ID2. It must be submitted alongside the relevant form when a conveyancer verifies your identity by online video call.
- Choosing the wrong form – ID1 is for individuals, while ID2 is for companies and other corporate bodies. Using the wrong form could mean the identity evidence doesn’t meet the requirements of the application.
- Missing or unclear video screenshot – Where identity is verified by video call, a colour screenshot must be taken during the call and submitted with the ID5. If the required screenshot is missing or unsuitable, the verification may not be accepted.
- Providing incorrect details – Make sure the information on your forms matches the details provided elsewhere in the application. Differences or missing information can cause delays while the details are checked.
- Using someone who isn’t authorised to carry out the verification – Remote verification must be carried out by a conveyancer who is able to complete the ID5 certificate. Using someone who isn’t authorised may mean the verification won’t be accepted.
These mistakes can cause delays with registration or result in forms being returned for correction. Checking the requirements carefully before submitting your application can help avoid unnecessary delays.
FAQs
Do I need ID1, ID2 or ID5?
The form you need depends on who’s providing the identity evidence and how their identity is being checked. ID1 is generally used for individuals, ID2 is used for companies and other corporate bodies, and ID5 is used alongside ID1 or ID2 when a conveyancer verifies identity by online video call.
Can I complete ID1 or ID5 online?
You can complete the relevant details on an ID1 before your identity is verified. ID5 is completed by the conveyancer after a video verification, and the current ID5 form can’t be signed using an electronic signature.
Who can verify my ID5 form?
ID5 is completed by a conveyancer who has verified your identity by online video call. The conveyancer also provides a colour screenshot taken during the video call, which is submitted with the ID5 and the relevant ID1 or ID2.
How long does ID verification take?
There’s no fixed timeframe for completing an ID1, ID2, or ID5 verification. The time can depend on the person carrying out the check, the documents required, and whether the verification is completed in person or by video call.
It’s worth arranging your identity verification early if the form is needed for an upcoming property transaction.
What happens if my form is rejected?
If HM Land Registry finds a problem with an ID1, ID2, or ID5, the application may be queried and you may need to correct the issue or provide further information.
Common problems include using the wrong form, missing information, or failing to provide the required screenshot when video verification has been used.
Can I use ID5 for a company?
Yes. If a conveyancer verifies the identity of someone representing a company or other corporate body by online video call, ID5 can be used alongside ID2. The required colour screenshot must also be provided.
Next Steps: How Crystal Law Can Help
Choosing the correct identity form and completing the verification process properly can help avoid delays with your HM Land Registry application. The requirements can vary depending on the type of transaction, who’s involved, and how the identity check is carried out.
If you’re unsure which form you need or what’s required for your situation, contact our property team for advice. We can help you understand the requirements and make sure the appropriate identity verification process is followed.
If you need remote identity verification, Crystal Law can arrange an ID5-compliant video appointment and complete the necessary forms. This can provide a convenient alternative if you’re unable to attend an appointment in person.
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, please contact our qualified solicitors.
