My ID

New ID Laws

EFFECTIVE FROM 1 JULY 2026

Property transactions have required buyers and sellers to verify their identity for a long time now.
But as of 1 July 2026, they are now governed by strict new Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Funding legislation.
In the industry, it is known as AML. It affects both conveyancers and real estate agents.
While the level of ID required hasn't changed, there is now a much tighter paper trail for auditing purposes.
And the costs of completing this verification of identity (VOI) have increased.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR VENDORS?

You must complete an ID check at the time you sign on with your agent and/or conveyancer
Conveyacers require a higher level of ID checking than real estate agents, but your conveyancer can share their ID check with the real estate agent to save you doubling up on costs. (You just need to know who your conveyancer is when you sign on with your land agent.)

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PURCHASERS?

You must complete an ID check with your agent and/or conveyancer when you sign a contract for sale
Conveyacers require a higher level of ID checking than real estate agents, but your conveyancer can share their ID check with the real estate agent to save you doubling up on costs. (You just need to know who your conveyancer is when you sign your contract.)
There is much greater background scrutiny on purchasers, but if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about

Acceptable Forms of ID

Passport (no more than 2 years expired) + Driver's License / Proof-of-Age card OR
Driver's License + Full Birth Certificate (not an extract) + Medicare Card
If you have changed your name, proof will be required (eg, Marriage or Divorce certificate)
Other options are available, but the options above are the most common.
If you don't have a passport or birth certificate, you will need to order a birth certificate. You can do so online here (SA only)
If you were born outside SA, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the jurisdiction of your birth

YJ Conveyancing uses LiveSign to meet its new ID requirements