Your mandatory ID check during property settlement in WA: Why it's needed, and what it means for you.

If you’re buying or selling property in Western Australia, you’ll be asked to complete an ID check as part of your settlement. For many clients, this comes as a surprise, especially if you’ve bought or sold property years ago when ID checks weren’t the done thing.  Though, looking back now, it’s strange to think they weren’t always done.  In fact, they were initially brought in in WA because a Karrinyup property owner had his home sold by scammers without his knowledge.

So, in this article, we’ll take a look into more detail as to why an ID check (officially known as Verification of Identity, or ‘VOI’)  is required. We’ll also cover:

• What documents do you need?

• When does it happen?

• And how can delays be avoided?

Here’s a plain-English guide to VOI during property settlement in WA, and what’s changing soon with upcoming AML/CTF reforms.

Why is an ID check required for property settlement?

ID checks are a mandatory requirement for all property transactions in WA. They exist to protect you, your money, and your property from fraud and identity theft.  In short, the two-fold purpose of the ID check is to confirm that:

• You are who you say you are, and

• You are legally entitled to buy or sell the property.

Settlement agents (a.k.a. conveyancers) are required to follow strict ARNECC (Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council) guidelines, which are enforced by the land titles office, Landgate. If an ID check isn’t completed correctly, the settlement agent simply cannot proceed with the settlement.

What is Verification of Identity (VOI)?

Verification of Identity (VOI) is the formal process of confirming your identity using approved documents and methods.  VOI applies equally to both buyers and sellers, including anyone signing documents related to the property transfer (such as attorneys, trustees, or company directors).

You’ll be required to undergo a VOI, whether you’re buying your first home in Joondalup, selling an investment property in Hillarys, or downsizing locally in Kallaroo.  Whenever a property is purchased or sold, a VOI is required.

What ID documents are usually required?

At a high level, most people can complete their ID check using a combination of two or three documents. Commonly accepted combinations include:

• Driver’s licence + passport, or

• Driver’s licence + birth certificate + Medicare card

Other combinations can be accepted depending on your circumstances, but the key things to remember are that your documents must be original and current (not expired - though passports can be accepted up to two years past expiry), and your name must match what appears on the contract.  Photocopies of ID documents are not acceptable.

If your name has changed (for example, after marriage or divorce), additional documents may be required to link your identity.  This could be a marriage certificate or a change of name certificate.

When does the ID check happen?

Currently, in most WA property transactions, the ID check is initiated once the buyer’s finance is approved and the settlement process is underway.  In all cases, the VOI process must be completed before settlement can occur.  If ID isn’t completed in time, settlement will be delayed, even if everything and everyone else is ready.

Important change coming soon

With AML/CTF (Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing) reforms due to commence in 2026, ID checks will move earlier in the transaction.  Instead of being a later-stage requirement, verification will form part of broader Customer Due Diligence (CDD). This means:

• ID checks will need to be completed earlier

• Additional verification may be required

• Settlement agents will need to confirm identity before progressing certain steps

This shift is designed to further reduce fraud and improve security across property transactions.

What happens if my ID doesn’t match the contract?

This is one of the most common causes of settlement delays.  Examples we often see include:

• Missing middle names on the contract

• A licence showing a shortened name or nickname

• A married name on ID but maiden name on the contract

• Incorrect entity details (for companies or trusts)

If this happens, your conveyancer may need to request additional ID documents from you, and/or a statutory declaration to confirm your legal name.  In extreme cases, you may need to apply for updated ID documents.

This is why it’s so important to check your contract details carefully before signing, and complete your ID check as early as possible.

Common reasons ID checks cause delays

Some of the most frequent issues we see include:

• Expired ID

• Packing ID during a house move (please don’t do this!)

• ID left interstate or overseas

• Name discrepancies that weren’t picked up early

• Clients assuming they can “do it later”

ID checks are not something that can be rushed at the last minute.  We have seen firsthand the stress that buyers and sellers go through when they are unable to satisfy an ID check ahead of settlement.  This is a discussion we have early on with our clients to ensure that there are no last-minute surprises when it comes to the ID check.

How North Shore Conveyancing handles ID checks

At North Shore Conveyancing, we’ve made a deliberate decision to prioritise security, compliance, and client convenience when it comes to ID checks.  That’s why we partner with Scantek for all Verification of Identity, even when clients come in to see us face-to-face.

Why Scantek?

• They’re ISO 27001 certified, meeting international information security standards

• All data is stored securely in Australia

• No copies of your ID are stored on our local devices

• They offer secure digital verification using your smartphone

• It is a consistent process for both in-person and remote clients

This approach significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and ensures your personal information is handled responsibly, something we take very seriously.

Do I still need an ID check if I come into the office?

Yes. Even if you attend our office in person, we still use Scantek to complete your ID check. This ensures consistency across all our matters, stronger data security (which is incredibly important for all our clients), as well as ensuring compliance with current and future regulatory requirements.

FAQ: ID checks for property settlement in WA

Why do I need an ID check to buy or sell property?

To prevent fraud and confirm you’re legally entitled to transact on the property.

Can I complete my ID check digitally?

Yes. Most clients complete their ID check securely using their smartphone from the comfort of their home or office, 24/7.

What ID do I need when I buy or sell a house?

Usually, a driver’s licence and passport, or a driver’s licence plus birth certificate and Medicare card, will be sufficient (assuming your name matches across all documents).

What if my name has changed?

Additional documents may be required to link your identity.  This could include a change of name certificate or marriage certificate (one of the official ones issued by Births, Deaths & Marriages, not the commemorative ones you receive on the day of your wedding).

When should I complete my ID check?

As early as possible. This allows us to identify any discrepancies sooner, giving us more time to rectify them, and with upcoming AML reforms, ID checks will start to be required much earlier in the process.

Will ID requirements change in the future?

Yes. AML/CTF reforms will introduce additional verification and earlier checks as part of Customer Due Diligence. These will commence from July 2026.

A smoother settlement starts with getting ID right

ID checks might not be the most exciting part of buying or selling property, but they’re one of the most important. By keeping your documents accessible and completing your ID check early, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and delays.  Plus, by choosing to work with a settlement agent who takes data security seriously, you can be confident that your personal information is being held securely.

Buying or selling in WA? North Shore Conveyancing supports clients from across Kallaroo, Joondalup, Hillarys, right through to Broome and Albany and everywhere in between.  We offer conveyancing services with secure, compliant, and modern settlement processes.

Contact Katelyn today to get started (and tick your ID check off the list with confidence).