What Are ID1, ID2 and ID5 Forms in the UK and How Do They Differ?

Over 1 million conveyancing transactions occurred in the United Kingdom during the 2024−2025 fiscal year, with about 1.08 million in 2024 and growth expected in 2025. This figure includes residential property transactions predominantly, which make up about 90% of total transactions.

While in the UK it’s common for buyers and sellers of property to appoint their own lawyers or conveyancers to handle the legal aspects of the transaction, this isn’t always the case.

If an unrepresented party isn’t doing a conveyancing transaction themselves, there’s a requirement in the UK for specific forms known as ‘ID’ forms to be completed before the conveyancing transaction can be submitted to the Land Registry for recordal.

In this article, we outline the main forms required for identifying parties to a conveyancing transaction, their uses and the types of officers who are authorised to complete the relevant ID forms in the UK.

What are the ID1, ID2 and ID5 Forms for the UK Land Registry?

What Is an Id1 Form?

An ID1 form is a document used to verify the identity of an individual involved in a property transaction. It’s officially titled ‘the Certificate of identity for a private individual’, and is used by HM Land Registry to confirm personal identity when someone who isn’t represented by a lawyer, conveyancer or UK financial institution is lodging an application with the Land Registry. This form helps protect against fraud and ensures the legitimacy of property transactions. 

Key Points About the ID1 Form

• Purpose: It verifies the identity of individuals involved in property transactions who aren’t represented by a conveyancer, lawyer or UK financial institution. For companies or corporate bodies, a separate version of this form, called ID2, is required instead.
• When it’s needed: For various applications like transfers, leases, mortgages and first registrations. 
• How it works: The individual completes the form, providing their details and supporting identification. A designated person (e.g., solicitor, conveyancer) then certifies the identity. The form has two sections: Section A, which is completed by the individual, and Section B, which is filled in by the certifying professional. Once completed, it must be dated and signed within three months of the date it’s lodged with the Land Registry.
• Acceptable ID documents typically include a valid passport or driving licence, along with a recent passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months.

Examples of When an ID1 Form Is Required

• Transferring ownership of a property
• Granting or releasing a mortgage
• Registering a new lease
• Discharging a mortgage
• Changing the name or address of a property owner

What Is an ID2 Form?

An ID2 form is used by HM Land Registry to confirm the identity of a corporate body, such as a company, involved in a property transaction when that organisation is not legally represented. Officially titled ‘the Certificate of identity for a body corporate’, the ID2 form helps prevent identity fraud and ensures that the company and its representative are authorised to act. 

The form requires details about the company, including its registered name, company number and address, as well as the personal details and ID documents of the individual acting on the company’s behalf. 

Like the ID1 form, the ID2 is divided into sections completed by both the applicant and an authorised verifier (such as a solicitor or conveyancer). The completed form must be dated and signed within three months of the application being lodged. Importantly, completed ID2 forms are confidential and not available for public inspection.

The Difference Between ID1 and ID2 Forms in the UK

In the UK, HM Land Registry uses both ID1 and ID2 forms to verify the identities of parties in property transactions when the parties aren’t represented by a conveyancer or UK financial institution − ID1 for individuals; ID2 for corporate bodies like companies. 

The ID1 form is completed by individuals involved in buying, selling, or transferring property and includes personal details such as name, date of birth, and address history. The ID2 form is for company representatives/bodies corporate and requires a recent company search plus proof of authority to act on the company’s behalf. 

Both forms must be certified by a solicitor, licensed conveyancer, notary public, or chartered legal executive. Neither form is necessary if the land value is £6,000 or less. Using the wrong form can result in application rejection, so choosing the correct form is essential for a smooth registration process.

Comparison Table: ID1 vs ID2 Form

What is an ID5 Form?

The ID5 form is used by HM Land Registry to confirm that identity verification has taken place remotely via video call. The form is never used on its own. It must accompany an ID1 form (for individuals) or an ID2 form (for corporate bodies), with Section B of those forms left blank when the ID5 is used instead.

During the video call, an authorised professional verifies the person’s identity by examining copies of their identification documents. A key requirement is capturing a colour screenshot of the person during the call, which replaces the need for passport-style photos. 

The ID5 form records the details of the certifying professional and repeats much of the information in the ID1 or ID2. It allows for greater flexibility, enabling clients to work with legal professionals who are not based locally. Once completed, the ID5 form, ID1 or ID2 (Section A), and screenshot must all be submitted together with the main application to HM Land Registry. This digital process helps reduce fraud risks while streamlining identity checks for various property transactions.

In sum:

• Form ID1 is required for unrepresented parties to conveyancing transactions who are individuals;
• Form ID2 is required for unrepresented parties who are bodies corporate; and
• Form ID5 is applicable for both forms ID1 and ID2 but involves verification of the identity of the unrepresented party by video conferencing.

What Types of Conveyancing Transactions Require an ID1, ID2 or ID5 Form?

There are various instances where completion and submission of these forms may be required. These include (amongst other transactions):

• An existing property owner changing their address;
• An existing property owner changing their name by deed poll, statutory declaration and statement of truth;
• Mortgages;
• Leases; and
• Transfers of land.

How to Complete an ID1 Form for an Individual

Section A of the form must be completed by the individual whose ID is to be verified. Section B of the form must then be completed by one of the recognised professionals authorised to certify identity. 

Who Can Certify an ID1 Form in the UK?

The accepted certifiers include:

• Solicitors (UK or overseas);
• Licensed conveyancers;
• Notary publics;
• Barristers;
• Chartered Legal Executives (CLEs);
• CILEX conveyancing practitioners;
• CLC-regulated licensed probate practitioners;
• Registered European lawyer;
• A serving officer of the UK armed forces (for personnel serving overseas – must provide their passport number); or
• An HM Land Registry employee (usually requires attending in person).

Certain other professionals may also be permitted, as outlined in Section 9 of HM Land Registry’s Practice Guide 67 or in Form ID3.

All certifiers must hold a current practising certificate to ensure the form is valid and accepted by HM Land Registry. Note that retired or non-practising professionals and paralegals are not authorised to certify an ID1 form. Some certifiers may also charge a fee for their services.

Required Identification Documents

You’ll be required to produce to the above professional certifier the original of either of the following photographic identification documents as well as provide two passport-sized photographs (each taken within the past three months):

• Current valid full passport;
• Current UK, EU, Isle of Man or Channel Islands photocard driving licence (this must not be a provisional licence); or
• Current biometric residence permit issued by the UK Home Office to a non-UK national resident in the UK.

How to Complete an ID2 Form for a Company

Where the party to the conveyancing transaction is a corporation, the appropriate form to complete is the Form ID2.

In addition to the above information required to be provided by an individual (in this case an individual representative of the corporation), evidence of the existence of the corporation must be shown to one of the above professionals, including:

For UK-Companies

• An original company search in respect of the corporation which is dated within the last three months and which confirms that the corporation has not been dissolved; and
• Evidence of the individual’s authority to represent the corporation (board resolutions/minutes passed by the corporation, etc).

For non-UK corporations, similar evidence would need to be provided based on the jurisdiction of incorporation of the corporation.

Using ID1 and ID5 Forms for Property Transactions

In some cases, both ID1 and ID5 forms are required to verify identity for property transactions − especially when the verification is completed remotely via video conferencing. 

When using an ID5 form for video verification, Section B of the ID1 or ID2 form can be omitted. 

Here’s what you need to know about completing the Form ID5…

Completing the ID5 Form

This form is relevant if one of the above professionals completes the identification verification by remote means/video call. Verification via video call using the ID5 offers flexibility and convenience, allowing clients to use professionals who aren’t geographically near them.

ID5 Form Requirements for Remote Identity Verification

Individuals need a valid passport or UK, EU, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands photocard driving licence, and a proof of address no older than three months. A solicitor or conveyancer will verify the identity during a video call, taking a screenshot as evidence. The ID5 form, along with the screenshot, will be submitted to HM Land Registry. 

Note that the screenshot must be in colour and clearly show the face(s) for comparison with the photograph on the primary identification document. The screenshot replaces the need to send a physical passport photo with the ID1 or ID2 form.

Submitting ID Forms to HM Land Registry 

Are There Any Deadlines to Submit Form ID1, ID2 or ID5 Forms to the UK Land Registry?

There is a three-month deadline to submit the completed, signed and dated ID1, ID2 or ID5 form to the UK Land Registry.

Do I Need to Notarise Form ID1, ID2 or ID5 for Use With the UK Land Registry?

A notary public is authorised to act as a professional for completing the relevant identification verification sections for Forms ID1, ID2 or ID5 for submission to the UK Land Registry.

Conclusion

Understanding which ID form to use − and how to complete it correctly − can save time, prevent delays and ensure your property transaction goes smoothly.

If you require any ID1, ID2 or ID5 forms to be completed by a notary public, contact us on 020 7630 1777 or email info@notary.co.uk and we’d be pleased to be of assistance.