Since the introduction of electronic conveyancing in Western Australia in 2015, ID checks for property settlements in WA are now far more rigorous – and this can only be a good thing.The standard 100-point check is gone. It was too easy for criminals to obtain utility bills (and the like). Instead, there’s a new system called Verification of Identity (VOI), which applies to sellers and buyers before a residential settlement can be completed. So when we ask you to prove you’re exactly who you say you are, please don’t be offended. (We’re actually trying to protect you!) By law, we are required to apply the VOI system.
How Verification of Identity (VOI) works
At C & R Settlements in Mandurah, we’ll we work with you to ensure that the VOI process is completed as quickly and as painlessly as possible.
There are a number of ways we can verify your identity using key documentation. The documents required for the VOI process to be completed are set out in the Land Title Verification of Identity Form, which is available on the Landgate website. (Note: Landgate is the statutory authority in Western Australia for land information).
In order to complete the steps required for VOI, original ID documents (repeat, original ID documents) need to be provided. These are divided into five categories, ranked 1 to 5 in order or importance; most people will fall into the first three categories:
CATEGORY 1
• Australian Passport or foreign passport
• plus an Australian drivers’ licence with photo 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 with photo 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
There are two VOI options that we offer:
1. In person at our Mandurah office. If you undertake VOI in person at C & R Settlements, we’ll take a photograph of your original documents. We’ll also do a quick comparison of your photo ID with you in person (ie, face to face.) Then we’ll upload this to our secure database, and forward the documents to Landgate. For security purposes, we do not retain hard or paper copies of any of your documentation
2. In person at an Australia Post Office . In some circumstances, It’s possible to have your identity independently verified in accordance with Landgate’s VOI requirements through a participating Australia Post office. (we prefer face-to-face, but if there’s a good reason we’ll try and accommodate you).
For more information on the VOI process, please contact our office today.
Remember, when you choose C & R Settlements, you can use our free courtesy truck when it’s time to make the move. All you’ll need is a standard driver’s licence (and perhaps a few strong mates to lend a hand on moving day). Just be aware that our free courtesy truck is very popular, and bookings are essential.