Transfer of Equity: Do You Need an ID1 Form?

A transfer of equity is when you add or remove someone from a property’s title, without selling the whole property. Because you are changing legal ownership, HM Land Registry needs proof that everyone involved is who they say they are. So if you are not using a solicitor for the wider transaction, you will usually need an ID1 form.

What counts as a transfer of equity?

For example, this includes adding a spouse or partner to the title, removing an ex-partner after a separation, or adding a family member as part of inheritance planning. So each of these uses a TR1 form to update the register. Because the title already exists, a transfer of equity is usually more straightforward than a full sale — but the identity check requirement stays the same.

Do you need an ID1 form for your transfer of equity?

If a solicitor is handling the whole transaction for everyone involved, they verify identity as part of their service, so you will not need a separate ID1. But if you are managing the transfer yourselves, or your solicitor cannot verify one of the parties directly, that person will need to complete an ID1. If a company is party to the transfer instead, the correct form is an ID2.

However, HM Land Registry does not require an ID1 or ID2 where the land value involved does not exceed £6,000.

Each verification is a fixed £79 per person, which includes the ID5 video verification — so if more than one person is involved in the transfer, each will need their own separate appointment. See our pricing page for the full breakdown, or read more about our ID1 verification service.

What you’ll need for your appointment

• Valid photo ID — passport, UK driving licence, or biometric residence permit
• Proof of address dated within the last 3 months — a utility bill or bank statement works well
• The title number and property address for the transfer

Because Section A and Section C of the ID1 must be signed no more than three months before you lodge your application, it’s worth timing your appointment close to when you actually plan to submit.

Common questions

How much does it cost if more than one person needs to be verified?

Each verification is £79, so if more than one person is party to the transfer — for example, both the person being added and the person being removed — that’s a separate £79 appointment for each of them.

What’s the difference between a transfer of equity and a full sale?

A transfer of equity adds or removes someone from the title without selling the whole property, so it’s often more straightforward than a full sale — though the same identity check requirement still applies.

Do I need an ID1 if I’m just adding my spouse to the title?

Yes, if you are managing the transfer yourself rather than using a solicitor for everyone involved. Adding a spouse or partner still counts as a transfer of equity requiring the same identity check.

What if a company is involved in the transfer instead of an individual?

Then the correct form is an ID2 rather than an ID1 — see our ID2 Verification page for the full detail.

How your video verification works

1. Book a time. Book online now and pay securely, or message us on WhatsApp first if you have a question — same-day, evening and weekend appointments are often available.
2. Verify by video call. Then a solicitor checks your ID on a short, secure call. This is the ID5 process.
3. Get your forms. So your signed, stamped ID1 and ID5 are sent to you the same day.
4. Send to Land Registry. Then submit your ID1 and ID5 alongside your TR1 and AP1 forms.