What is an ID check and why is it necessary?
When you instruct a solicitor to act on your behalf in a property transaction — especially one as time-sensitive as an auction purchase — you’ll be asked to provide proof of identity and address. This process, often called client due diligence (CDD) or ID verification, is a legal requirement and must be completed before any legal work can begin.
Why do solicitors need to verify your identity?
Under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and other regulatory frameworks, solicitors must confirm:
- Who you are — to ensure you’re not impersonating someone else or using a false identity.
- Where your money is coming from — to ensure it is not the proceeds of crime.
- That you are legally capable of entering into the transaction.
This helps prevent fraud, money laundering, terrorist financing, and identity theft. It also protects you and the law firm against scams or unlawful dealings.
What documents will you need to provide?
Photo ID
- Passport
- UK Driving Licence
- EEA national ID card (if applicable)
Proof of address (dated within the last 3 months)
- Utility bill
- Bank statement
- Council tax bill
- Tenancy agreement (in some cases)
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation
- ID and proof of address for directors and shareholders
- Share register or confirmation statement
For trusts or overseas buyers
Additional due diligence may be required depending on the risk profile.
Why it’s urgent for auction purchases
We may also ask questions about the source of funds, especially for cash buyers, and we will carry out electronic verification checks to confirm authenticity.
In auction transactions, there is no time to delay. The legal deadline is fixed (usually 14 or 28 days), and we must be fully compliant with ID checks before we can handle your funds, communicate with the seller’s solicitor, or submit legal forms.
Any delay in completing this step can hold up the entire transaction — and risks you breaching the auction contract if completion is missed.
Summary
ID checks are a legal requirement that protect everyone involved in the transaction. At Versus Law, we make this process quick and convenient using secure electronic verification — but we must complete it before we can act. Please ensure you provide accurate documents promptly so that we can progress your purchase without delay.










