Estate Agents asking for verification of proof of ID

BrumBab30

We have put in an offer with an Estate Agent, they asked us to send in proof of ID, proof of deposit and lender mortgage in principle.

They called back and said our proof of ID (driving licenses -which they requested) was not enough and that they needed to be verified but gave no indication on how we go about doing this? 

I spoke to our broker and they said our bank or a solicitor will need to verify our ID. But we haven't instructed a solicitor as we thought it was best practice to wait to instruct a solicitor on the offer is accepted.

At this point, we have no idea whether our offer has been shared with the seller or been accepted?

So what does the Estate Agent want from us?

Please help! We are FTBs and it's just all so confusing. we are barely at the start of the process.

user1977

You'll need to ask them to explain to you exactly what they think they need to see - there aren't any standard requirements for this sort of thing, so "verified" doesn't really mean much. I guess they mean they want someone to confirm that your faces match your mugshots on the ID - though unless the estate agents are remote from you, can't you just pop in and do that without involving a third party?

Brie

As I recall the solicitor needed proof of ID and we gave them our passports (certified copies done for a small fee at the post office as these were being posted to solicitors not local to us) and copies of utility bills.  There's no reason I can think of  that driver's licenses, assuming with a photo, wouldn't be a perfect alternative to a passport.  

If the EA wants something they need to tell you what and why.  Frankly it might be best to walk in with a folder full of ID, bank statements and bills and let them take their pick.  

Try to stay calm - it's a stressful time even if one is not a FTB and it's going to take a while!

Good luck!!!

Thrugelmir

Take the physical documents to them? 

emmajones1976

^^this. My solicitor (or at least their reception) wanted to see me, in person, with my passport.

eddddy

This seems a bit excessive, just to get an offer submitted to the seller. Has the Estate Agent seen you in person?

Ask the Estate Agent how they want your ID verified.

If they say your solicitor needs to verify it, just explain that you're not instructing your solicitor until you've had an offer accepted. That seems completely reasonable.

You shouldn't have to incur solicitors fees in order to get an offer accepted.

BrumBab30

Thank you all for your advice.

Interestingly, they set up a zoom call with us asking us to present our driver's license but then they didn't call us. We chased them to find out why they didn't call us. Then they said they needed us to verify our ID. So that would suggest that call was to verify our ID then - I can't understand why they didn't just rearrange the call rather than say we need to go off and get these verified.

Is it standard practice for us to provide all this documentation before we know an offer has been shared with buyer or accepted? 

MaryNB

Ask the EA what they need. My solicitor required ID to be verified by a doctor, accountant or another solicitor. 

Before my offer was formally accepted the EA asked me to submit my ID and take a photo of myself using the Credas app so what you're being asked isn't unusual. Just get them to clarify what they need from you.

emmajones1976

II would certainly say its standard practice to check your ID before they start any work on your case.

BrumBab30

Update: Estate Agents are adamant that my broker needs to verify and then I contacted my broker and they said again that I need to get the verification from a solicitor or bank. The Estate Agents have said that I have until tomorrow to get my ID verified.

I'm really stuck - neither seem helpful at the minute!

TripleH

Send driving licence and recent utility bill to estate agents (not credit card) with you name and address on. Driving licence photo ID are valid and acceptable forms of ID