The introduction of mandatory e-Conveyancing means that lawyers and other qualified witnesses need to ensure that they undertake the process of verifying a client’s identity prior to witnessing any titles office documentation and / or undertaking a conveyancing transaction.
It is vitally important that the verification of identity (VOI) process be undertaken as it is one of the most important risk management strategy to ensure that a person’s identity is confirmed and that they have the authority and entitlement to sign the documentation and / or proceed with the conveyancing transaction. In short, it protects the client and their property assets to mitigate against any fraudulent transactions.
The process of verifying a person’s identity is set out in the VOI Standard. This requires the VOI to be:
- undertaken during a face to face in person interview;
- that the verifier be satisfied that the person being identified is a reasonable likeness to the person set out in the identity documents; and
- the identity documents provided meet the categories of documents approved in the VOI Standard.
The categories of documents that must be provided by a person to meet the VOI Standard are set out in the table below.
| Category | Identification Documents Required |
| For Persons who are Australian citizens or residents | |
| Category 1 | Australian Passport or foreign passport
plus Australian drivers licence or Photo Card plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 2 | Australian Passport or foreign passport
plus full birth certificate or citizenship certificate or descent certificate plus Medicare or Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 3 | Australian drivers licence or Photo Card
plus full birth certificate or citizenship certificate or descent certificate plus Medicare or Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 4(a) | Australian Passport or foreign passport
plus another form of government issued photographic identity Document plus change or name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 4(b) | Australian Passport or foreign passport
plus full birth certificate plus another form of government issued identity Document plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 5(a) | Identifier Declaration
plus full birth certificate or citizenship certificate or descent certificate plus Medicare or Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 5(b) | Identifier Declaration by a Person specified in Verification of Identity Standard paragraph 5.4(e)
plus Medicare or Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| For Persons who are not Australian citizens or residents | |
| Category 6(a) | Foreign passport
plus another form of government issued photographic identity Document plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
| Category 6(b) | Foreign passport
plus full birth certificate plus another form of government issued identity Document plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary |
The original documents must be available with a person when undertaking the VOI process. Certified copies of documents are not acceptable.
We undertake your VOI in person and in a face to face meeting. If you are able to attend our office, this service is provided to you as part of our retainer to act on your behalf. If you are unable to attend our office, then alternative arrangements can be made by you attending Australia Post anywhere in Australia or assisting you with the provision of the necessary documentation for you to undertake this process overseas.
Here at Big Law, this obligation is taken seriously to protect you and your assets from being dealt with inappropriately or without your knowledge. We ensure this step of the process is carried out correctly to ensure that your property is not exposed to unauthorised transactions or worse fraud. Contact us at Big Law if you are buying or selling a residential or commercial property to ensure that your interests are being taken care from the outset and setting you up for a hassle-free future.
