As outlined in Customer Information Bulletin 305, the updated Verification of Identity and Authority (VOI) Practice for self-represented parties came into effect on 12 February 2018 with a transitional period for full compliance, which ended on 5 June 2018.
Since the close of the transitional period, the Registrar of Titles has noted some solicitors and licenced conveyancers have been providing VOI services to self-represented parties, which is outside the approved VOI Practice. Per the updated VOI Practice, the Registrar of Titles has authorised Australia Post to undertake all aspects of the verification of identity and authority to deal for self-represented parties.
Self-represented parties cease to be self-represented when they have an industry professional complete their VOI. Further, any document prepared by a solicitor or licenced conveyancer, which is eligible for electronic conveyancing, must be lodged electronically in accordance with the Transfer of Land Regulations 2004.
Documents prepared by a solicitor or licenced conveyancer and provided to a self-represented party will not be accepted when the VOI has been completed by a solicitor or licenced conveyancer.
Further information on VOI for self-represented parties can be found on the Australia Post website.
For more information on the Registrar and Commissioner of Titles’ joint VOI Practice see the Guides VOI-01, VOI-02, VOI-03 and VOI-04 available on the Landgate website.
Regards,
Jean Villani
Registrar of Titles
Landgate
