E-lodgement: who can use the system

The signed statements used in paper application forms have been replaced with an online certificate, which we can only accept from a conveyancer as defined in r.217 of the Land Registration Rules 2003 (LRR 2003).

Rule 217 defines a conveyancer as:

• a solicitor, or
• a licensed conveyancer with the meaning of section 11(2) of the Administration of Justice Act 1985; or
• a fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives; or
• a notary public.

Why is access limited to conveyancers?

The service is limited to conveyancers because we need some form of evidence that the person lodging the application is entitled to do so and that they act for the relevant parties. Although the online certificates must be made by a conveyancer, applications can be lodged by an employee of a conveyancer who is authorised to make applications on behalf of that person.

Variable Direct Debit Scheme

Certain applications attract payment of a registration fee, which must be paid using the variable direct debit payment scheme. In order to lodge these applications you must be a subscriber to this scheme, otherwise the fee paying applications will be 'greyed-out' in the drop-down access menu and can only be lodged using paper based forms.

More in formation about how to join the scheme can be obtained from either Land Registry Direct's website, or by phoning the information line on 0844 892 0393.