What is Verification of Identity (VOI) — and Why is it Essential in Property Transactions?

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If you’re buying or selling property in Victoria — or anywhere across Australia — you’ll quickly hear your conveyancer mention “VOI.”
It might sound like just another piece of paperwork, but Verification of Identity (VOI) is one of the most important safeguards in the entire process. It protects both you and the integrity of Australia’s property system.

At Victorian Property Settlements, we’ve streamlined this process by offering both face-to-face and secure online VOI through InfoTrack, making it simple and convenient no matter where you are.

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • What VOI actually is

  • Why it’s required by law

  • How it works in practice (including online options)

  • What documents you’ll need

  • Common client questions

  • And how we manage this step to keep your transaction safe.

What is VOI?

VOI stands for Verification of Identity.

It’s a formal process where your conveyancer (or their authorised agent) confirms that you really are who you claim to be. This is done by checking your original ID documents and creating a certified record.

Unlike opening a bank account or getting a driver’s licence, VOI is governed by strict property law rules to combat fraud. Once completed, it’s typically valid for up to 2 years for property transactions — unless your details change.

Why is VOI necessary?

Australia’s land titles system is among the most secure in the world, but it hinges on the trustworthiness of the documents lodged. Sadly, identity theft and property fraud are real risks.

There have been cases where fraudsters posed as owners, selling or mortgaging property they didn’t own — leaving the real owners to untangle a legal nightmare.

That’s why VOI is compulsory under:

  • The Model Participation Rules set by ARNECC (Australia’s national electronic conveyancing regulator)

  • Local laws, like Victoria’s Electronic Conveyancing National Law

Your conveyancer is legally required to take “reasonable steps” to verify your identity. If they fail, they can be held responsible for fraud losses. This is why we take VOI so seriously.

How does VOI actually work?

✅ 1. Face-to-face verification

This is the traditional approach. You’ll meet with us (or an authorised identity agent like Australia Post), present your original documents, and we’ll:

  • Check them thoroughly against government standards

  • Take a photo of you

  • Create a secure VOI report that proves the verification

✅ 2. Secure online VOI through InfoTrack

We also offer a fully compliant online VOI option via InfoTrack’s secure platform.
Here’s how it works:

  • We’ll send you a link to complete your VOI on your phone or computer.

  • You’ll upload photos of your ID and take a live video “selfie” to prove liveness.

  • InfoTrack’s technology matches your facial features with your documents, checks against fraud databases, and issues a compliant VOI certificate.

This is ideal if you’re:

  • Interstate or overseas

  • Unable to come into our office

  • Or simply prefer the convenience of doing it from home

✅ 3. The category system

VOI is based on strict rules about which documents are accepted. The typical combinations look like this:

CategoryTypical Documents1Australian passport + driver’s licence2Australian passport + birth or citizenship certificate + Medicare card3Foreign passport + Australian visa + Medicare card

If you can’t meet these, there are fallback methods that involve more declarations and supporting documents.

✅ 4. Valid for future use

Once done, your VOI is valid for 2 years, unless you change your name or key details. We keep this securely on file so you don’t have to repeat it for every transaction.

What documents do you need to provide?

The most common are:

  • Australian passport + driver’s licence (the simplest).

  • Or: Birth certificate + driver’s licence + Medicare card.

  • If you’ve changed your name (due to marriage or otherwise), bring your marriage certificate or change of name certificate.

Always use original documents, not photocopies. Whether you’re doing VOI online or in person, original or certified images are required.

What if you’re overseas or unable to meet in person?

That’s where our flexible VOI approach shines.
✅ With InfoTrack’s online VOI, we can verify your identity wherever you are, using your smartphone or webcam.
✅ If you’re overseas and can’t use online VOI, we can also arrange for identity verification through an Australian embassy or approved overseas notary.

What happens if VOI isn’t completed?

Simply put: your property transaction cannot proceed.

The Victorian Land Registry and electronic settlement platforms like PEXA won’t allow us to lodge documents or complete settlement without valid VOI.
Even more importantly, your VOI record is your primary protection if someone ever tries to fraudulently deal with your property.

How we handle VOI at Victorian Property Settlements

We’ve refined our systems to make VOI as simple and painless as possible. Here’s what we typically do:

✅ We’ll advise you exactly which documents you’ll need.
✅ If you’re nearby, we’ll complete VOI in our Frankston office.
✅ If you’re not, we’ll send you a secure InfoTrack link for online VOI — often completed in under 10 minutes from your lounge room.
✅ If you’re overseas, we’ll coordinate consular paperwork.
✅ We keep your VOI certificate safely on file, making future sales or refinances easier.

Common questions from our clients

📝 “Can you use the ID I showed my bank?”
No — property VOI has its own strict rules. Even though it seems similar to bank or mortgage checks, it’s governed by completely different legislation.

📝 “I did VOI two years ago — do I have to do it again?”
It depends on the date. VOI is valid for up to 2 years provided your name and details haven’t changed. If it’s still current, we can usually rely on it.

📝 “Is online VOI safe?”
Yes — InfoTrack uses bank-grade encryption, biometric checks and anti-fraud databases. It’s one of the most widely used systems in Australia, trusted by thousands of law firms.

In summary: VOI is there to protect you

Verification of Identity might seem like another hoop to jump through — but it’s really about keeping your most valuable asset safe.
It ensures only you (or someone you authorise) can buy, sell, or mortgage your property. It’s a critical line of defence against fraud.