Identification Verification Regulations

Identification Verification Regulations

Last Updated     07 Dec 2024

Money Laundering Precautions

As part of our legal obligation under the 2017 (Information on the Payer Act), we must complete ID verifications on each individual involved in your matter. We class an individual as being involved in the matter if you wish them to be able to speak with us regarding the matter or those involved in a financial way. Some examples are listed below:

• Anyone to be named or currently named on the deeds to a property-related transaction

• Family/friends gifting money towards house purchase

• Attorneys named on Power of Attorney

• Beneficiaries to an estate.

This list is not exhaustive so if you aren’t sure whether you need to list an individual, please contact us and we will be able to assist in determining whether we will need to obtain information for the person(s). There is an additional charge for this service, and it is detailed in our Terms of Business document along with any estimate you have received.

If you are a business/organisation, we will need to prove that you have the authority to instruct us on behalf of the entity, we will need a signed letter or authority from any person with a 25% or more share in the organisation. In addition to this we will need each of these individuals to complete the ID verification process.

Electronic Identity Checks

We conduct electronic checks with our AML partner, Thirdfort. Please note we are unable to complete any work on your matter until such time as we have satisfied the verification process for every individual. To complete the electronic ID verification everyone will need to complete a two-step process and:

• Be 18 or over (or have parental consent)

• Agree to the Thirdfort App Terms & Privacy Policy

• Have access to a smartphone or tablet with camera with space to download the app.

• Valid Passport (Any Country), UK Visa/Biometric Residence Permit or Valid UK Photocard Driving License (We cannot accept paper licenses.)

• Two separate forms of Address ID for each individual dated within the last 90 days (3 months)

  • i.e. Utility Bill, Bank Statement, Letter from Government Body/Organisation.

  • If you are selling a house this will be two proof of ownership documents for the property

If you do not meet the above requirements or don’t want to use the electronic route, you will need to verify your ID in person. Both processes are detailed below along with acceptable forms of ID.

Verifying your identity electronically

More information on the process of Electronic Identification Verification can be found HERE

Verifying your Identity In-Person

More information on the process of In-person ID Verification can be found HERE

Under 18s 

More information on the process of Verifying the Identity of an individual under 18 HERE

Elderly Clients

More information on the process of Verifying the Identity of an Elderly client HERE

Businesses, Charities & Other Entities

Depending on the set up of your organisation we will need sufficient ID for each member as listed.

Registered Companies

Your Companies House registration number along with full ID as described on page one for each registered Officer.

Partnerships

Proof of address and registration of the Partnership, along with full ID as described on page one for each Partner.

Charities

Your registration number and proof of registered status, along with full ID as described on page one for each Officer, Trustee and/or Partner.

Private Limited Companies

Proof of registration on the Stock Exchange along with full ID as described on page one for the individual handling the matter, & a letter of Authority from the Board of Directors.

Government Body/Organisation

Proof of Status, alongside full ID as described on page one for the individual dealing with the matter, & a letter of authority from the Organisation/Body.

Banks & Other regulated Financial Institutes/Organisations

Proof or Regulation by FCA & of Company registration, along with full ID as described on page one for the individual handling the matter, & a letter of Authority from the Board of Directors

ID Help Sheet

For more information on acceptable forms of Photo ID and address ID along with some common FAQs please see the separate article HERE

Security & Data at Thirdfort

For more information on Security and Data at Thirdfort please see the separate article HERE