Elderly parents have no photo ID to show solicitors

littleblue735

My parents are selling their house and I believe they will need to show photo ID to their solicitor to comply with money laundering regs. I remember I had to show my Passport and bank statements etc when I bought my own house.

They have lived in their house for 40 years so only have their tatty old paper driving licence, and have never had passports.

They are using my solicitor and he is 150 miles from their house.

They obviously have utility bills and bank statements to prove they live there but does anyone know how they can prove their ID ? All I can think is that they will have to apply and pay for new driving licences.

thanks in advance.

sandsni

Have your parents never had to renew their driving licences? My parents are both over 75 and both have photo driving licences. But maybe it's different in NI than where you are.

Otherwise, what about senior citizen bus passes or national identity cards?

anamenottaken

sandsni wrote: »

Have your parents never had to renew their driving licences? My parents are both over 75 and both have photo driving licences. But maybe it's different in NI than where you are.

Otherwise, what about senior citizen bus passes or national identity cards?

They will not have had to re-apply for a driving licence unless they are over 70 and wish to continue driving.

Better_Days

I did not have a photo ID when we sold our house. My solicitor supplied a form which I filled in and the form and a photo of myself had to be countersigned by a 'professional person' such as a teacher, GP, Police Officer. They also had to supply their contact details. This along with other proof of identity such as the old drivers licence was acceptable to the solicitor.

Not everyone has photo ID, your solicitor should be advise what they deem acceptable where the photo ID is not available.

bouicca21

Talk to the solicitor, explain the problem, and ask what would be an acceptable substitute. Proof of name (old driving licence, birth certificate) plus proof of address (council tax, utility bills) may be enough.

sandsni

anamenottaken wrote: »

They will not have had to re-apply for a driving licence unless they are over 70 and wish to continue driving.

I didn't realise it was still different in the rest of the UK. In NI driving licences have to be renewed every 10 years up to something like 70 or 75, then every 3 years I think.

Mobeer

If they were born on or before 2 September 1929 then they can get a free passport.

family6

sandsni wrote: »

I didn't realise it was still different in the rest of the UK. In NI driving licences have to be renewed every 10 years up to something like 70 or 75, then every 3 years I think.

It is the same for photo driving licences in England as well, they need to be renewed every 10 years. However, if you haven't had reason to change from a paper licence, such as change of address or name then you do not need to renew your licence until your 70. I still have my paper licence, why pay for a photo one which will need to be renewed in 10 years, and by then the government will probably decide to make it 5 years to make more money!

lessonlearned

I'm not sure if NI is the same but usually documentation which has been issued by a government department should be acceptable proof of ID.

For example, Council Tax Bill, DWP statements or statements from the Pension Service.

A Disabled Persons Parking Badge would have a photo.

Better_Days

My solicitor wouldn't accept my BB as evidence of identity, not sure why - but I suspect solicitors vary as to what they will accept.

DigForVictory

I've found my Costco card is often accepted as photoID, but your solicitor will probably have better ideas. A phone call should get you acceptable options!