Verification of Identity
Verification of Identity (VOI) is an identification process that supports the e-Conveyancing compliance framework. Once verified, PEXA network customers can collaborate and transact efficiently online, enabling successful electronic lodgement and settlement of conveyancing matters.
The Verification of Identity requirements provide a standard for:
- PEXA to verify the identity of customers completing e-Conveyancing transactions on the PEXA platform
- Lawyers and conveyancers to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of buyers and sellers
To complete a VOI when joining PEXA, network customers must produce original documents as proof of identity. This could include documents such as an Australian passport, driver’s licence and birth certificate. Find out more about verification documents.
VOI for network customers joining PEXA
PEXA’s verification of identity process complies with the requirements determined by the registrar within each jurisdiction. These requirements are outlined in the Model Operating Requirements prescribed by ARNECC (Australian Registrars National E-Conveyancing Council). PEXA must uphold the requirements set out in the Model Operating Rules in order to engender and maintain trust in the network for all customers.
A VOI should be completed by the person(s) who sign the PEXA Participation Agreement on behalf of their organisation. The PEXA Participation Agreement is the agreement which governs the relationship between PEXA and each network customer.
Completing a VOI includes attending a face-to-face meeting and providing original documents as proof of identity. Throughout the registration process, a PEXA representative will be in touch to assist with and provide guidance on completing the VOI.
VOI for buyers and sellers
Lawyers and conveyancers are required to verify the identity of their clients when completing e-Conveyancing transactions. These identification requirements are outlined in the Model Participation Rules, a document written by ARNECC which outlines the requirements that network customers must comply with when transacting electronically.
Client verification can be completed in line with the Verification of Identity Standard outlined in the Model Participation Rules, or by ensuring that reasonable steps have been taken to prove identity. For further information, please refer to the Model Participation Rules and ARNECC Guidance Note 2 – Verification of Identity.
Lawyers and conveyancers can:
- Complete client VOI themselves; or
- Use a VOI Agent.
International VOI
Australian citizens and residents who are overseas and are having their identity verified in accordance with the Model Participation Rules VOI Standard must have their identity verified at an Australian Consular Office. Please refer to the Model Participation Rules and paragraph 5.3 of ARNECC’s MPR Guidance Note 2 for further guidance from ARNECC on international VOI.
Please note that category 5 documents (MPR version 3) cannot be used for VOI in a foreign country.
Verification Documents
When joining PEXA, the person being identified will need to provide original and current documents in one of the categories outlined below.
Please note:
- An expired Australian passport which has not been cancelled and was current within the preceding two years, can be used as proof of identity to complete VOI.
- Certified copies of the documents cannot be accepted. If a network customer is able to satisfy category 1 requirements then they must provide these documents.
Minimum Document Requirements - Category 1
Australian Passport or foreign passport or Australian Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard or Australian Migration Status ImmiCard
plus Australian drivers licence or Photo Card
plus change of name or marriage certificate (if necessary)
Minimum Document Requirements - Category 2
Australian Passport or foreign passport or Australian Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard or Australian Migration Status ImmiCard
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
Minimum Document Requirements - Category 3
Australian drivers licence or Photo Card or Australian Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard or Australian Migration Status ImmiCard
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
Minimum Document Requirements - Category 4
A)Australian Passport or foreign passport or Australian Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard or Australian Migration Status ImmiCard
plus another form of government issued photographic identity Document
plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary
(B) Australian Passport or foreign passport or Australian Evidence of Immigration Status ImmiCard or Australian Migration Status ImmiCard
plus full birth certificate
plus another form of government issued identity Document
plus change of name or marriage certificate if necessary.
