Everything you need to know about Form ID1

What is Form ID1?

Form ID1 is HM Land Registry's Certificate of Identity for a Private Individual. It's used to confirm the identity of anyone who is a party to a property registration but is not represented by a conveyancer (solicitor, licensed conveyancer, or chartered legal executive). HM Land Registry introduced ID1 to prevent property fraud — someone signing a transfer, mortgage, or other land registry deed without any legal representation must produce ID1 to verify they are who they say they are. It applies to private individuals; corporate parties use Form ID2.

Who needs Form ID1 and when?

An ID1 is required when a party to an HM Land Registry application (usually a transferor, mortgagor, or applicant to alter the register) is not represented by a conveyancer. Common situations include: a lender's employee handling a family mortgage without a solicitor; a homeowner selling a property to a family member without a conveyancer; a person applying to be entered on the register following a death or a gift; or anyone signing an HM Land Registry deed without professional representation. If both parties are represented by conveyancers, ID1 is not needed.

How is Form ID1 completed and verified?

The individual completes the personal details section (name, current address, previous names, dates of birth) and then attends an in-person appointment with an authorised verifier — a solicitor, chartered legal executive, licensed conveyancer, notary public, or (with restrictions) a Post Office official through the Post Office's ID verification service. The verifier checks two forms of ID (one photo, one address), photographs the applicant, and signs the certificate confirming they are satisfied with the person's identity. HM Land Registry accepts ID1 only if the verification is dated within three months of the HM Land Registry application.

How do you submit Form ID1?

ID1 is submitted alongside the main HM Land Registry application (Form AP1) or Land Registry electronic Portal submission that requires the identity check. It cannot be submitted standalone — it must accompany the specific transaction it relates to. HM Land Registry will reject the whole application if a required ID1 is missing, incorrectly completed, or verified more than three months before submission. Keep a copy for your records, and check HM Land Registry's current Practice Guide 67 for up-to-date requirements.