Who Can Complete an ID1 Form in the UK?

 
17/04/2025
5 min read

If you're involved in a property transaction in the UK and you're not using a solicitor or conveyancer to represent you, chances are you’ll need to complete an ID1 Form. But many people find themselves wondering — who can actually complete this form? Do you need to go to a solicitor? Can you do it online? Can any professional verify your identity?

In this article, we’ll explore who can complete an ID1 form, when and why it’s required, and how to complete it properly and legally — including a simple online option that saves you time and money.

 

What Is an ID1 Form?

The ID1 Form is issued by HM Land Registry and is used to verify the identity of individuals involved in certain types of land and property transactions, especially where the person is not represented by a solicitor, conveyancer, or legal executive.

This is part of Land Registry’s anti-fraud procedures — ensuring that only verified individuals can make changes or claims on registered land or property.

You’ll usually be asked to complete an ID1 Form if you're:

  • Selling or transferring property without a solicitor
     
  • Applying to register ownership of land or property
     
  • Involved in an adverse possession claim
     
  • Gifting property to a family member
     
  • Acting as an executor or personal representative in a probate matter
     

In short: any unrepresented individual submitting a Land Registry application will likely need to submit a completed and verified ID1 form alongside the application.

 

Who Needs to Complete an ID1 Form?

You are the one who completes Section A of the ID1 form — this is the part where you provide your personal details, including:

  • Full name
     
  • Date of birth
     
  • Address (with address history if you've moved recently)
     
  • The type of application you're involved in
     
  • Your signature and photo (to be confirmed by a professional)
     

You are responsible for filling out your own personal details and presenting the necessary identification documents — most commonly, a UK passport or UK photocard driving licence.

 

Who Can Complete an ID1 Form Verification?

You are not allowed to verify your own identity for the ID1 form. To ensure the integrity of the process, HM Land Registry requires a specific category of professionals to verify your ID and complete Section B of the form.

Here’s who can do it:

1. Solicitor (UK-based)

A practicing solicitor in England and Wales is one of the most common verifiers. They must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and currently practising.

Solicitors are trusted to:

  • Confirm your ID documents are genuine
     
  • Verify that you are the person named on the form
     
  • Sign and stamp Section B of the ID1 form
     

Many solicitors now offer this service online via video verification, using the associated ID5 Form.

2. Licensed Conveyancer

Licensed Conveyancers, regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC), are also permitted to verify ID1 forms. Like solicitors, they are trained in land and property transactions.

3. Notary Public

A Notary Public registered in England or Wales can also complete the verification. Notaries may be especially useful if you’re located overseas, though you should always confirm whether HM Land Registry will accept their stamp in your case.

4. Chartered Legal Executive

Legal executives who are Chartered Legal Executives (MCILEX or FCILEX) and regulated by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) may also verify ID1 forms. They must be authorised to carry out conveyancing work.

5. HM Land Registry Staff

In limited cases, HM Land Registry offices may allow in-person verification at their public counters, but this service is only available by prior arrangement and has become increasingly rare.

 

What Documents Are Required for ID1 Verification?

To complete your ID1 verification, you’ll need to provide:

  • A UK passport or UK photocard driving licence (most common and preferred)
     
  • One passport-sized photo (signed by the verifier)
     
  • If no passport or licence is available, alternative documents may be accepted — such as:
     
    • Birth certificate
       
    • Council tax bill
       
    • Utility bill
       
    • Bank statement (dated within the last 3 months)
       

Each case is different, and you should always check with your chosen verifier before the appointment.

 

Can I Get My ID1 Form Completed Online?

Yes. Due to changes in HM Land Registry rules, it is now possible to complete your ID1 form verification remotely using video calls and submitting your documents electronically.

This method requires the additional completion of an ID5 Form by the verifier. The ID5 confirms that your identity was checked via video call rather than in person and is accepted by HM Land Registry if done by a properly authorised professional.

Example: Parachute Law’s Online ID1 & ID5 Service

Parachute Law offers an online-only solicitor ID verification service for completing both the ID1 and ID5 forms. Their process includes:

  1. You fill in the ID1 form online (no hard copies required).
     
  2. You send a photo or scan of your passport or UK licence.
     
  3. A Zoom call is arranged to verify your ID.
     
  4. You receive completed, solicitor-verified ID1 and ID5 forms via email — ready to print and submit.
     

This service costs £99 including VAT, and you can optionally have your forms posted to you by special delivery.

Book your ID1 verification with Parachute Law

 

Can a Friend or Employer Complete My ID1 Form?

No. Friends, employers, or colleagues are not permitted to complete or verify an ID1 form unless they are one of the regulated professionals listed above.

The ID verification must be carried out by someone who is:

  • Regulated by a legal or property professional body (SRA, CLC, CILEx, etc.)
     
  • Currently practising and insured
     
  • Familiar with the Land Registry’s ID checking process
     

If your friend happens to be a solicitor or legal executive, they may technically qualify — but they will usually need to follow professional rules around impartiality and conflicts of interest.

 

How Long Is an ID1 Form Valid For?

Once completed and verified, an ID1 form is valid for three months. If you delay submitting your Land Registry application beyond that window, you’ll need to complete the form again with a new ID check.

Always ensure your verified ID1 (and if applicable, ID5) form is dated within 3 months of submission to HM Land Registry.

 

Final Thoughts

If you're submitting a Land Registry application as an individual without legal representation, the ID1 form is a critical requirement — and it must be verified by the right professional.

Thanks to remote technology and solicitor-led video services, it’s now easier than ever to get your ID1 and ID5 forms completed online. Just make sure the person verifying your form is authorised and compliant with HM Land Registry’s rules.

Want the easiest option? Book an online ID verification with Parachute Law today — no office visit required.

Start your online ID1 and ID5 solicitor verification – just £99 INC VAT