Why does my solicitor need a Biometric ID Check?

If you are asking “why does my solicitor need a biometric ID check?”, you are not alone. Many people in the UK are surprised when their lawyer asks them to verify their identity using facial recognition or a selfie-based check.

Biometric ID checks are now a standard requirement for UK law firms. They help solicitors comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, prevent fraud, and protect clients from identity theft.

This page explains why biometric ID checks are required, how they work, and why your solicitor may ask you to complete the process using Legal Brokers.

What is a Biometric ID Check?

A biometric ID check confirms your identity using unique physical characteristics, usually your face. The process typically involves uploading a photo of your passport or driving licence and taking a live selfie or short video. The technology then matches your live image to your official ID document.

Most UK solicitors now use secure digital platforms, such as Legal Brokers and iDWallet.com, to complete this process quickly and safely online.

Why Do UK Solicitors Need to Carry Out Biometric ID Checks?

UK solicitors are legally required to verify their clients’ identities under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017. These regulations apply to property transactions, wills and probate, corporate work, and any legal matter involving money.

Biometric ID checks help solicitors meet their AML and Know Your Client (KYC) obligations by confirming that:

• Your identity documents are genuine  
• You are physically present  
• You are the rightful owner of the ID  

This reduces the risk of fraud, impersonation, and financial crime.

Why does my solicitor use Legal Brokers? 

We are a specialist UK provider who supports law firms with compliant biometric ID and AML checks. By using our sister brand iDWallet.com your solicitor can verify your identity while meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authorities (SRA) expectations. 

We allow solicitors to:

• Complete identity checks remotely  
• Reduce delays at the start of your conveyancing or other legal matter  
• Maintain secure audit trails for regulators  
• Protect client data in line with UK GDPR  

Why can’t I just email my ID to my solicitor? 

Emailing copies of passports or driving licences is no longer considered secure. Documents sent by email can be intercepted, altered, or misused.Biometric ID checks provide a much higher level of security by ensuring the person presenting the ID is genuinely you. This protects both you and your solicitor.

Is a Biometric ID check safe and legal in the UK? 

Yes. Biometric ID checks used by Legal Brokers comply with UK data protection laws, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Your information is encrypted, securely stored, and used only for identity verification purposes.

Does this mean my solicitor does not trust me? 

No. Biometric ID checks are required for all clients. Your solicitor is not singling you out or questioning your honesty. They are simply following the law.

How long does a Biometric ID check take? 

Most biometric ID checks take just a few minutes to complete, with results available almost immediately. This helps your solicitor begin work without unnecessary delays.

What happens if I do not complete the Biometric ID check? 

If you do not complete the biometric ID check, your solicitor may be unable to act for you. UK law firms are not allowed to proceed without verifying client identity.

A normal part of modern legal services: 

Biometric ID checks are now standard across the UK legal sector. If your solicitor has asked you to complete a biometric ID check through Legal Brokers or iDWallet.com, it is simply part of providing legal services safely, securely, and in compliance with UK law.

Pricing for our Silver biometric ID checks are £8.30 + VAT and Gold's retail at £10.00 + VAT. 

We have a specialist team dealing with biometric ID checks and if you'd like to discuss the necessity of AML checks please do not hesitate to contact us. If you represent a law firm and would like to organise a demo we'll be happy to set you up with an account.

Please contact us by calling 0345 603 0708 or emailing idchecks@legalbrokers.com and we'll be happy to help.

Legal Brokers Ltd

The importance of Biometric ID Checks