Verify Your Identity

A quick, secure step required before we can act for you. Most clients finish in about 3 minutes on their phone.

Why we verify every client

From 1 July 2026, Australia's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws (the AML/CTF Act 2006) apply to law firms. Before we can provide services such as conveyancing, business sales, or setting up companies and trusts, we must verify who you are. Western Australia's land registry (Landgate) and the PEXA electronic settlement platform also require identity verification to the Registrar's standard for any property transaction.

This applies to every client of every Australian law firm — it is never directed at you personally. One verification with us generally covers both requirements and remains valid for future matters for up to 2 years.

How it works

We email and SMS you a secure verification link after you engage us (check your spam folder if you can't find it).
Click the link on your phone and photograph your ID — an Australian passport or driver licence works best.
Take a quick face scan so the system can confirm the ID belongs to you.
Done. We automatically receive a verification report — nothing to print, post or email.

Your verification is processed by our secure verification partner with bank-grade encryption, and includes screening required by law. A small verification fee may apply — your engagement email will tell you the exact amount before you start.

What documents you'll need

Individuals & sole traders

Most matters — one of: current Australian passport, or Australian driver licence (front and back). No passport or licence? Use two documents instead — e.g. Medicare card plus birth certificate or citizenship certificate. The link guides you through it.

Property matters (buying, selling or transferring land) — both together: the land registry's Verification of Identity Standard (Category 1) requires your Australian passport AND driver licence. Only hold one photo ID? Use it together with your full birth certificate or citizenship certificate plus your Medicare card (Category 2/3). Note: the old "100-point check" is not the test — it's the category system that applies.

Companies

We verify the company against the ASIC register electronically. Each director and each owner of 25% or more receives their own personal verification link (photo ID + face scan). If shares are held through another company or a trust, let us know — we'll send the extra steps.

Trusts & SMSFs

We need a copy of the trust deed (including the schedule and any amendments), verification by each individual trustee (or the directors of a corporate trustee), and the names of the settlor, appointor and beneficiaries. SMSFs: your fund's ABN too.

Partnerships & other entities

Partnership agreement / constitution, ABN and business name, plus verification by each partner or office holder giving instructions.

Buying or selling property?

Property transactions are verified to the WA Registrar's Verification of Identity Standard, which asks for more than one document — have both your passport and driver licence ready before you click your link (see the document list above for the alternatives if you only hold one photo ID).

We may also ask you to sign a Client Authorisation Form (required for electronic settlement through PEXA) and, for purchases, to show how your deposit and settlement funds are being provided — for example your loan approval letter, bank statements, or the settlement statement from a prior sale. This is a routine legal requirement for all property transactions.

Can't use the electronic link?

No problem — we can verify you:

In person at our office (bring your original documents), or
Through Australia Post verification at participating post offices, or
By video call with certified copies if you're overseas or in a remote area.

Call 08 6118 8849 or email info@lawmax.com.au and we'll arrange it.

Your privacy

Your identity documents and verification data are used only to meet our legal verification obligations, are stored securely, and are retained for 7 years as the legislation requires. We never sell or share your information except as required by law. See our privacy policy for details.

Haven't received your verification link?

Check your SMS and email spam folder first — then contact us and we'll resend it.