Important developments

Changes in scanning procedure in July - what you need to know

In July we are extending our electronic scanning facility. At the moment we only scan deeds referred to on the register as ‘copy filed’, together with all leases and charges.

But from 14 July 2008, this service will apply to all applications and correspondence completed on or after this date. Applications completed before this date will continue to have some documents retained in paper format and some in electronic format.

As now, if you wish to have a specific original document returned to you on completion of an application, you must lodge a certified copy of that document with your application. We are unable to return original documents once they have been scanned. Rule 203(6) Land Registration Rules 2003 makes provision for this; an electronic image is deemed a sufficient copy and is used to produce official copies.

If you have an application pending on 14 July for which you require an original document returned to you on completion, and you have not supplied a certified copy, write to the Land Registry office concerned before this date with details of the application and the document.

The extension of our scanning facility will improve the service we provide to customers, enabling us to process applications faster, and to make documents more widely accessible.

If you have any queries, write to Karen Baldwin, Land Registry Coventry Office, or e-mail scanning.enquiries@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk.

If your enquiry relates to a specific application, contact the Customer Service Manager at the appropriate Land Registry office.