How to Verify Your Identity Online in Australia
Buying or selling a property is an exciting milestone, but it can also be complex and time-consuming. Not to mention at times, overwhelming. Thankfully, with the advent of technology, completing a property transaction online has become more common in Australia.
However, this process requires the Verification of Identity (VOI) to be completed to ensure that all parties involved in the transaction are who they claim to be. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to verify your identity to complete a property transaction online correctly in Australia. It’s recommended that you hire a property lawyer in Sydney to help you out with the VOI process.
How to Verify Your Identity Online to Complete a Property Transaction in Australia?
Here’s how to verify your identity to complete a property transaction online in Australia:
- Choose a VOI provider: You will need to choose a VOI provider who is accredited to verify your identity online. You can find a list of accredited providers on the Australian Registrars’ National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC) website.
-
Provide your identity documents: You will need to provide your identity documents to the VOI provider. This typically includes your passport or driver’s license, as well as other supporting documents such as utility bills or bank statements. Legal experts from the best law firms in Australia will help you find all the documents required for the process.
-
Complete an online interview: You will need to complete an online interview with the VOI provider to verify your identity. This may involve answering specific security questions or providing additional information to confirm your identity.
-
Receive a VOI certificate: Once your identity has been verified, you will receive a VOI certificate from the provider. This certificate confirms that your identity has been verified and can be used for the online property transaction.
-
Provide the VOI certificate to your conveyancer: You will need to provide the VOI certificate to your conveyancer or property lawyer in Sydney, who you have entrusted to handle the property transaction. They will use the certificate to verify your identity during the online transaction.
What is PEXA?
PEXA stands for Property Exchange Australia. It is a national online platform for conveyancing and the electronic lodgement of property dealings that facilitates property transactions in Australia, including the transfer of land.
PEXA was established in 2010 as a joint venture between the Australian state governments, financial institutions, and the Property Council of Australia.
PEXA allows property transactions to be completed electronically, which streamlines the process and reduces the need for paper-based documentation. This can help to reduce the time and cost associated with property transactions, as well as improve the accuracy and security of the process. It’s great!
PEXA offers a range of services, including electronic conveyancing, financial settlement, lodgment of land registry documents, and property information searches. The platform is widely trusted and used by a diverse range of participants in the property industry, including conveyancers, lawyers, banks, and government agencies.
What is the role of a lawyer in VOI during property sales or purchases in Australia?
The role of a lawyer in VOI (Verification of Identity) during property sales or purchases in Australia is to ensure that the person involved in the transaction is who they say they are.
VOI is a process used to verify the identity of individuals involved in property transactions, which is a legal requirement in Australia.
Lawyers from some of the best law firms in Australia can act as a VOI agent and is responsible for verifying the identity of their client as well as any other parties involved in the transaction, such as the buyer or seller.
They must verify the identity of these parties according to the VOI standards set by the state or territory government, which typically involves checking various forms of identification such as a passport, driver’s license or birth certificate.
The lawyer must also ensure that any legal documents related to the property transaction are executed correctly and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. This includes reviewing and preparing contracts of sale, conducting due diligence searches, and ensuring that all legal requirements are met for the transfer of ownership.
Wrapping Up
As the popular saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” and this is certainly true when it comes to property settlements in Australia.
The Verification of Identity (VOI) process may seem like an extra hurdle to jump through when you already have so many to jump already, but it’s a crucial step to ensure that your property transaction is secure and legally binding unless you are able to attend in person with formal proof of identity. With the convenience now of online property settlements, it’s more essential than ever to take steps to protect your identity and prevent fraud.
