Identification Requirements for property transactions

If you are contemplating selling or purchasing a property, borrowing monies, or any other financial transaction in Australia (including dealing with property as an executor or administrator in a deceased Estate), then you will need to ensure that your identification documents meet the requirements of ARNECC (The Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council).

The identification requirements are as follows:-

Most people will usually have a passport and Drivers Licence.  If you do not have a Passport then you will be required to provide the following:-

1. Medicare Card; and
2. Birth Certificate; and
3. In the case of a person who has changed their name from the name on their birth certificate either by marriage or Change of Name documentation you will also be required to provide a Marriage Certificate or a Certificate of Change of Name.

Birth and Marriage Certificate must be issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the relevant State or Territory.  The ceremonial Marriage Certified issued by the Minister when you married is not sufficient for ARNECC identification requirements.

ALL of your identification documents must be in the identical same name.

If your name differs on your identification documents, then it may be necessary to have your Drivers Licence changed to match the names on your Birth and Marriage Certificates or to lodge a Request to Change your name.

If you are contemplating any dealings that require identification, we would suggest that you have your identification documents in order prior to entering into a transaction as obtaining these certificates and amendments may take some weeks to organise.

For those of you without photo identification, we would suggest that you apply for an Adult Proof of Age Card with Queensland Transport so that you have adequate identification to meet these strict requirements.

It has become an increasing problem to ensure that clients have adequate ID documents in matching names in order to complete conveyance and finance transactions.

We are constantly finding that our clients have different spelling for their names.  For example, if you were born in another country and assume an anglicised version of their name when you moved to Australia, then you may need to lodge a Change of Name Application with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages to ensure that you have sufficient identification documents.

We can assist you with these issues.  Please contact our office to arrange an appointment to discuss your personal circumstances.