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Identifying a client that is an individual

The following are resources that may be helpful in answering your enquiry. Please familiarize yourself with them before moving on.

In brief: Law Society Rule 3-100 sets out the minimum identification information that you must obtain about individual clients and organization clients unless there is an applicable exemption (Law Society Rule 3-99). Copies of the client’s identity document(s) are not required for identification. You should only obtain and retain copies of an individual’s identity documents if required to meet your professional obligations. Read Client ID & Verification - Frequently Asked Questions:  What is client identification?

Key Resources

Rule - Definition of “client”: Law Society Rule 3-98

Rule - Client identification:  Law Society Rule 3-100

Rule - Exemptions:  Law Society Rule 3-99 

Rule - Record keeping and retention:  Law Society Rule 3-107

Practice Resource - Client ID and Verification - Frequently Asked Questions:  What is client identification? 

Practice ResourceNew client verification and source of money requirements, Winter 2019 Benchers’ Bulletin (p.13) (Note the changes to Law Society Rules 3-102 and 3-104 made on March 8, 2024 that affect limited parts of this resource.) 

Practice Resource - Client Identification, Verification and Source of Money Checklist, includes Sample Agreement with Agent for Verification. 

Practice ResourceClient Identification and Verification - Top 10 tips

Additional Resources

Practice Resource - Anti-Money Laundering Webinar 2024 at 1:17

Next Steps

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