What Is an ID1 Form and When Is It Required?

If you are buying or selling property, you may come across a request from your conveyancer to complete an ID1 form.

For many people, this can be confusing. Why is another identity check needed when you have already provided your passport, driving licence and other documents to your solicitor or conveyancer?

An ID1 is an official HM Land Registry identity verification form. It is designed to help prevent property registration fraud and, in certain circumstances, provides evidence of identity when a person is not represented by a conveyancer.

In this guide, we explain what an ID1 form is, when it is required, who needs to complete one, how the process works and whether you need to worry if your conveyancer has asked you for one.

Important: This article relates primarily to property transactions in England and Wales and reflects HM Land Registry guidance current in 2026. The rules can vary depending on the circumstances of the transaction.

What Is an ID1 Form?

An ID1 form is a Certificate of Identity for a private individual used in connection with certain applications to HM Land Registry.

It allows a person’s identity to be verified when HM Land Registry requires evidence of identity and the individual is not represented by a conveyancer.

HM Land Registry describes the form as a way of proving identity when lodging certain applications with the Land Registry. (GOV.UK)

The main purpose is to help protect the property registration system against fraud.

Property fraud can have serious consequences. Someone fraudulently pretending to be the owner of a property could potentially attempt to sell, mortgage or otherwise deal with that property.

The ID1 process is therefore one of the safeguards used by HM Land Registry.

What Does ID1 Stand For?

ID1 is essentially the form used by HM Land Registry to provide identity evidence for a private individual.

There are different identity forms for different circumstances.

For example:

• ID1 – generally used for a private individual.

• ID2 – used for a corporate body.

• ID3 – can be used by certain private individuals where the specific requirements for remote identity verification are met.

• ID5 – used in certain circumstances where a conveyancer has verified identity by online video call.

HM Land Registry’s current guidance sets out the circumstances in which these different forms may be used. (GOV.UK)

Why Is an ID1 Form Required?

The main reason an ID1 may be required is to verify someone’s identity and reduce the risk of registration fraud.

When property is being transferred or another registrable transaction is taking place, HM Land Registry needs confidence that the people involved are who they claim to be.

This is particularly important where someone involved in the transaction is not legally represented by a conveyancer.

HM Land Registry states that identity evidence may be required where parties to relevant applications are not legally represented. (GOV.UK)

When Is an ID1 Form Required?

An ID1 can be required in a number of circumstances.

These include certain applications involving:

Transfer of Property

An ID1 may be required where an individual is involved in the transfer of land and is not represented by a conveyancer.

This can include a normal property transfer, whether money is being paid or not.

For example, it could potentially arise in:

• A sale.

• A purchase.

• A transfer of ownership.

• A transfer by way of gift.

• Certain transfers involving trustees.

• Certain transfers involving personal representatives.

HM Land Registry’s guidance specifically identifies transfers of land and certain related transactions as circumstances where identity requirements can apply. (GOV.UK)

Lease Transactions

An ID1 may also be relevant to certain registered lease transactions where an individual is not represented by a conveyancer.

Mortgage Transactions

Identity verification can also apply to certain applications involving mortgages and charges.

First Registration

ID1 may be required for certain first registration applications, particularly where title deeds have been lost or destroyed, although there are specific exceptions.

HM Land Registry’s current ID1 guidance sets out the relevant circumstances and exceptions. (GOV.UK)

Do You Need an ID1 When Buying or Selling a House?

Not necessarily.

This is one of the most important points to understand.

If you are buying or selling a property and you are properly represented by a conveyancer, your conveyancer will generally deal with the relevant identity requirements as part of the transaction.

HM Land Registry’s guidance distinguishes between people who are represented by a conveyancer and those who are not. (GOV.UK)

So, if your conveyancer has asked you to complete an ID1, it does not automatically mean something is wrong with your transaction.

There may simply be a particular reason why HM Land Registry requires formal evidence of your identity in the circumstances.

Your conveyancer should be able to explain exactly why the form is required.

Why Might My Conveyancer Ask Me for an ID1?

There are several possible reasons.

For example, an ID1 could be required because:

• You are not legally represented in the relevant Land Registry application.

• You are involved in a transfer where identity evidence is required.

• You are acting under a power of attorney in circumstances covered by the Land Registry rules.

• The transaction involves a particular registration issue.

• HM Land Registry has specifically requested evidence of identity.

• You are dealing with a change of name or another situation where additional identity evidence is needed.

The exact reason depends on the transaction.

If your conveyancer asks you for an ID1, the simplest approach is to ask them which part of the Land Registry application requires the ID1 and whether they will arrange the verification for you.

Who Completes an ID1 Form?

The person whose identity needs to be verified completes the relevant part of the form.

The form is then verified by an appropriate person, normally a conveyancer where the ID1 route is being used.

HM Land Registry’s guidance states that a conveyancer must verify the identity of the person for whom an ID1 is being lodged and complete the relevant verification section. (GOV.UK)

This means you generally cannot simply complete the form yourself and send it to HM Land Registry without the required verification.

How Does the ID1 Process Work?

Although the exact process can vary, it generally involves the following steps.

Step 1: Complete the Form

You provide the required personal information in the relevant section of the ID1.

This includes information used to establish your identity.

Step 2: Provide Identification

You will need to provide appropriate identification and evidence as required by the current HM Land Registry process.

Your conveyancer or identity verifier should tell you exactly what documents you need to bring.

Step 3: Provide a Photograph

The ID1 process involves a photograph.

HM Land Registry’s guidance states that the photograph should show your full face, be in colour and be on photographic paper, with the relevant signing and dating requirements. (HM Land Registry)

Step 4: Identity Is Verified

An authorised conveyancer verifies your identity and completes the appropriate section of the form.

HM Land Registry also allows certain identity checks to be carried out digitally by conveyancers under its digital identity standards. (GOV.UK)

Step 5: The Form Is Submitted

The completed ID1 is submitted with the relevant HM Land Registry application.

The form is part of the evidence HM Land Registry uses when processing the application.

Can an ID1 Be Signed Electronically?

This is an important recent change to be aware of.

The current HM Land Registry ID1 form states that ID forms cannot be signed electronically using any type of electronic signature. (GOV.UK)

If you are asked to sign an ID1, follow the instructions provided by your conveyancer or the current HM Land Registry form carefully.

How Long Is an ID1 Valid For?

An ID1 is not something you can complete months or years in advance and keep indefinitely.

HM Land Registry states that the relevant completed sections of an ID1 must be dated and signed no more than three months before the application is lodged. (GOV.UK)

This is important because if a transaction is delayed, your conveyancer may need you to complete a new form.

Is an ID1 Required for Every Property Transaction?

No.

An ID1 is not automatically required for every property purchase or sale.

Whether it is required depends on factors including:

• The type of Land Registry application.

• Whether the people involved are represented by a conveyancer.

• The circumstances of the transaction.

• Whether an exception applies.

• Whether HM Land Registry specifically requires identity evidence.

For example, HM Land Registry states that an ID1 is generally not required where the true value of the land involved in the relevant disposal does not exceed £6,000, subject to the applicable rules. (GOV.UK)

There are also other specific exceptions, so you should not assume an ID1 is either always required or never required.

What If the Property Is Being Given as a Gift?

An ID1 can sometimes be required even when no money is changing hands.

This is because the identity requirement is not simply about preventing fraudulent sales.

HM Land Registry’s guidance specifically refers to transfers of land whether or not for money, meaning certain gifts and other transfers can also fall within the identity requirements. (GOV.UK)

For example, if a property is being transferred from one family member to another as a gift, identity verification may still be necessary depending on the circumstances.

What If Someone Is Acting Under a Power of Attorney?

Property transactions involving a power of attorney can have additional identity requirements.

For example, HM Land Registry’s guidance gives circumstances where an attorney may need to provide identity evidence.

If someone is signing property documents on behalf of another person, your conveyancer should explain which identity documents and forms are required. (GOV.UK)

What If My Name Has Changed?

An ID1 can also be used in certain circumstances where a person’s name has changed.

HM Land Registry’s guidance specifically refers to situations where a person’s name has changed and that change is confirmed by documentation such as a deed poll, statutory declaration or statement of truth. (GOV.UK)

Your conveyancer can advise you about the correct evidence to provide.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete an ID1?

If HM Land Registry requires evidence of identity and the necessary evidence is not provided, the registration application may not be able to proceed normally.

This can result in delays and potentially further correspondence or requirements from HM Land Registry.

If your conveyancer has requested an ID1, it is therefore important not to ignore the request.

If you are unsure why you need one, ask your conveyancer to explain the reason rather than delaying the transaction.

Is an ID1 the Same as a Normal ID Check?

Not exactly.

Your conveyancer will usually carry out identity and anti-money-laundering checks as part of acting for you.

An ID1 is specifically connected to HM Land Registry’s identity requirements.

So you may find yourself providing identification to your conveyancer for their own compliance checks and also being asked to complete an ID1 for a particular Land Registry application.

These checks serve related but different purposes.

ID1 vs ID2: What’s the Difference?

The main difference is who the form is for.

ID1 is generally used for a private individual.

ID2 is used for a corporate body.

So, for example, an individual seller may use ID1 where the relevant requirements apply, while a company involved in a transaction may have identity requirements dealt with using ID2.

HM Land Registry provides separate forms and guidance for individuals and corporate bodies. (GOV.UK)

ID1 vs ID3: What’s the Difference?

ID1 and ID3 are both connected with identity verification for private individuals, but they are used in different circumstances.

HM Land Registry’s current guidance states that a person with a valid UK passport may, where the requirements are met, use either ID1 or ID3. If they do not have a valid UK passport, ID1 is used. (HM Land Registry)

ID3 can be used for certain remote identity verification arrangements where the specific requirements are satisfied.

Your conveyancer can tell you which route applies to your transaction.

Does an ID1 Mean There Is a Problem With My Property?

Usually, no.

Being asked to complete an ID1 does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem with the property, title or transaction.

It is primarily an identity verification requirement.

However, because the exact circumstances can vary, it is always sensible to ask your conveyancer why the ID1 is needed in your particular case.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need an ID1 Form?

An ID1 form is an important identity verification document used by HM Land Registry in certain circumstances involving private individuals.

It is primarily designed to help prevent property registration fraud and ensure that the people involved in relevant land transactions can be properly identified.

If your conveyancer asks you to complete an ID1, there is usually no reason to panic. It does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your purchase or sale.

Instead, ask your conveyancer to explain why the ID1 is required, who needs to verify it and what identification you need to provide.

Once the form has been correctly completed and verified, it can be submitted as part of the relevant Land Registry application.

For anyone buying, selling, gifting or transferring property, understanding documents such as the ID1 can make the conveyancing process much less confusing.

In short: an ID1 is about proving who you are, helping protect the Land Registry against fraud and allowing certain property transactions to be properly registered.

If you require an ID1 form PropertyLawyers4You can arrange this without leaving your home via video link to one of our appointed Property Lawyers all for an inclusive fee of £145.00 for more details email info@propertylawyers4you.com or call 0333 772 0198.