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Residential property specialist Conveyancing ID check
Whenever you instruct a solicitor, they will always ask you for proof of identity. This applies to all clients, not just a conveyancing ID check for those looking to move home. While it can seem tiresome, your solicitor must do this, and for good reason.
Financial crime
These days financial crime is increasingly sophisticated. Fraudsters can and do impersonate others to sell property they do not own. This is one of the reasons why, if you are selling a property, your solicitor is under a duty to verify your identity.
The other main reason for identity checks is to help prevent money laundering and mortgage fraud. Solicitors failing to follow procedures to identify a client properly can unintentionally assist in the commission of financial crime, including the funding of terrorism. Understandably, the Solicitors Regulation Authority views such an omission as a very serious breach of professional conduct. Indeed, the solicitor risks being ‘struck off’.
What documents will you need to provide for a conveyancing ID check?
Your solicitor will need proof of your identity and your address.
In most cases, you can prove your identity by providing your current passport or photo driving licence.
To prove your address, you must provide a recent (i.e. not more than three months old) utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill.
BLB Solicitors, like many firms, use an online provider for due diligence. This is particularly helpful where a client:
- has recently changed their name;
- does not currently have a fixed address;
- cannot provide proof of address that is less than three months old; or
- has not been able to meet the solicitor face-to-face.
Conveyancing ID check for business clients
For business clients, solicitors must identify beneficial owners and controllers. This means:
- For a limited company – obtaining evidence of identity and address for at least two directors, as well as a list of the names and addresses of all shareholders.
- For a partnership – obtaining a list of all partners, together with evidence of identity and address for at least two of the partners and a copy of the current partnership deed or other document confirming who owns the equity.