Do you need a driving licence to buy property

JohnDoe1

This is probably a stupid question but do you need a driving licence to buy property?

Just had a phone call from my solicitor asking me to bring in my passport and driving licence to finalise a purchase. I asked "Do you need both?" She said "Yes".

Now I've just realised that I don't have my driving licence with me and probably won't be able to get it until after Christmas. Will I be able to use an alternative means of ID?

I'm assuming you don't need a driving licence as that would mean only people that passed their driving test can buy property!

I tried to ring back to clarify but they are closed hence why I'm asking here for peace of mind rather than having a nervous wait until tomorrow...

Thanks

ceegee

I am sure that banks and building societies have alternative "validating" arrangements for people without either of these two documents, so I would imagine that solicitors would as well.

I don't have a passport but have never had any issues opening accounts (or buying a house for that matter!). My building society (Yorkshire BS) only does an electronic check!

I feel sure that they will have alternative methods of ascertaining that you are who you say you are.

I would imagine that the lady answered "yes" to your question as she had, understandably, thought that you had both documents available, seeing as you had asked "do I need to bring both?"

I wouldn't fret if I were you (easier said than done, I know!).

Voyager2002

Well, I have twice bought a house and have never had a driving license. Just bring in your passport, if possible with another government-issued document that could serve as proof of identity.

sonastin

There are many forms of ID that are acceptable. Passport and driving licence are the most commonly used but there is no legal requirement for you to possess either and failure to do so does not mean you can't participate in major financial transactions. 2 forms of ID are needed but it doesn't need to be those specific 2. Just check with them tomorrow what other types of ID they accept.

JohnDoe1

Thanks, that's reassuring to know.

I'm just a tad concerned that a recent 'rule' that was brought in that required the driving licence, even though it doesn't sound right.

Mallotum_X

Ring the solicitor, and explain, ask them what you can bring instead.

propertyman

JohnDoe1 wrote: »

Thanks, that's reassuring to know.

I'm just a tad concerned that a recent 'rule' that was brought in that required the driving licence, even though it doesn't sound right.

As long as you display green L plates on the front and rear of the house for 6 months it's ok

But seriously EU money Laundering Regs late 2007

The Drivers Licence simply has your address on it, but not all are photo IDs so the passport is needed as well. As long as there is a photo id and two or more original documents showing your current address, it should suffice.

Note downloads from the internet will not do, a point all house owners should note when signing up for online billing only

vax2002

I would call the solicitor and ask him if he actually wants the work ? and if so to stop chocking you around.

propertyman

JohnDoe1 wrote: »

Thanks, that's reassuring to know.

I'm just a tad concerned that a recent 'rule' that was brought in that required the driving licence, even though it doesn't sound right.

As long as you display green L plates on the fort and rear of the house for 6 months it's ok

But seriously EU money Laundering Regs

The Drivers Licence simply has your address on it, but not all are photo IDs so the passport is needed as well. As long as there is a photo id and two or more original documents showing your current address, it should suffice.

Note downloads from the internet will not do, a point all house owners should note when signing up for online billing only

easy

vax2002 wrote: »

I would call the solicitor and ask him if he actually wants the work ? and if so to stop chocking you around.

sigh ...

It isn't the solicitor "chocking you around" (whatever that means)

All companies who deal with major financial transactions - including property transactions - are now obliged to do identity checks by the government.

I work as a freelance bookkeeper, and I have to do the same with any new clients. I also have to pay a yearly fee to be allowed to do so. This was Gordon Browns bright idea.

JohnDoe1

The thing that got me was they normally say, bring something with your photo on like a passport and something with your address like a utility bill, but no, she just said bring your passport and driving licence!

easy wrote: »

sigh ...

It isn't the solicitor "chocking you around" (whatever that means)

All companies who deal with major financial transactions - including property transactions - are now obliged to do identity checks by the government.

I work as a freelance bookkeeper, and I have to do the same with any new clients. I also have to pay a yearly fee to be allowed to do so. This was Gordon Browns bright idea.

I know all major transactions needs ID checks but my query was the solicitor specifically asking for a driving licence.