From November 2015, solicitors and conveyancers acting in any conveyancing matter (matters involving the sale, purchase or transfer of land) are required by Victorian legislation to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of clients and confirm they are who they claim to be before any dealings can be lodged for registration with Land Victoria. VOI is designed to prevent identity fraud and fraudulent land transactions. It is a necessary step even if the solicitor/conveyancer has acted for the client in the past.

Generally, VOI will be conducted via a face-to-face meeting where the solicitor/conveyancer will inspect current, original identity documents such as a passport and drivers licence or birth/citizenship certificate and Medicare card or healthcare card. Copies of these documents will then be retained and stored securely by the solicitor/conveyancer for a period of seven years. Once completed, VOI is valid for two years and can be used in any number of conveyancing transactions during that time.

If you are unrepresented, and are dealing in property or land, you must still meet the Victorian Government’s VOI requirements and have your identity verified by an Approved Identity Verifier. RKL Lawyers and Consultants is an Approved Identity Verifier. You will be asked by other parties to the transaction to provide a copy of a completed Land Title identity verification form. If you require further information about, or assistance with the VOI process, please do not hesitate to contact us.