Documents registered with NSW Land Registry Services (NSW LRS) are conserved as microfilmed or scanned images. On request, copies can be accessed and provided as A4-size copies generated from these stored images.
To produce a readable copy, the quality of the original document is required to meet a certain standard. Documents that do not comply, particularly in relation to poor quality, may be refused lodgment at NSW LRS.
The following advice on the general standards for the preparation and printing of hard copy (manual) dealing forms complies with the standards contained in legislative Acts and Regulations.
Paper and pen standards
Complete the document in dense black or dark blue ink. If handwriting, use block capitals only.
Do not use an eraser or correction fluid to make alternations. Rule through alterations and have any amendments initialled, in the left hand margin, by all parties to the document.
For more information on paper and printing standards see the Dealing preparation page in the Registrar General's Guidelines.
Annexures
If the space provided on the form is insufficie nt, insert See Annexure at that point and include the required material on sheets of white A4 paper at least 80 gsm (ordinary copy paper satisfies these requirements) using one side only.
Insert a heading beginning 'Annexure to …' and specifying the type of form, the date and the parties to the transaction. Identify the material included, where possible by referring to the relevant marginal heading on the form.
In the case of signatures which could not be fitted in the space provided, reproduce the text and layout used on the form.
Number all pages in sequence with the form using the format 'Page … of …', Page numbering should be placed at the foot of the document in the centre. The first and last pages must be signed by all parties to the document.
Securely attach the additional pages to the upper left-hand corner of the form. Do not staple or permanent bind. Insert the total number of pages, including any additional pages (see above), in the space provided at the foot of the form.
For more information see Annexures page in the Registrar General's Guidelines.
How to complete documents
Instructions relating to the marginal letters for each manual dealing form are contained in the Dealing requirements section.
Links to the appropriate Registrar General's Guidelines page is provided in the dealing forms list.
Witness requirements
- A witness must be an adult who is not a party to the transaction:.
- they must be an eligible witness and
- have known the person for more than 12 months or
- have taken steps to verify the identity of the person signing as stated in our fact sheet Witnessing Real Property Act dealings: witness obligations (PDF 240.1 KB).
Stamp duty
If stamp duty is payable on your document you must submit the completed document to Revenue NSW for assessment before lodging the document and related documents at NSW LRS.
Our Dealing requirements pages state if stamp duty is payable for each document.
More information on stamp duty can be obtained from the Revenue NSW.
1300 139 814 (NSW only) or +61 2 9689 6200.
From 1 July 2016, conveyancing documents able to be processed on Electronic Duties Return (EDR), will no longer be assessed at Revenue NSW. For more information, please visit www.revenue.nsw.gov.au or email duties@revenue.nsw.gov.au .
Notice of Sale or Transfer of Land form
Legislation requires this form to be lodged in all cases where the registered proprietor name on a Certificate of Title changes, including a change of name.
This form is used by NSW LRS to notify the local council, water supply authority and relevant rating authorities of changes in ownership of the properties.
Hard copy NOS forms can be obtained from our Sydney office or law stationers and instructions for completion of the form are printed on the back of the NOS form.
An electronic Notice of Sale form (eNOS) is also available from the NSW LRS Online Portal.
Complete the eNOS details on the dealing form as required.
For more information see our eNOS fact sheet (PDF 2.9 MB) or Notice of Sale form information.
Statutory declarations
If you are required to lodge a statutory declaration further information is provided in our fact sheet What is a statutory declaration? (PDF 197.8 KB).
Lodging documents at NSW Land Registry Services
The Registrar General has declared under the NSW Conveyancing Rules that 100% Real Property Act dealings (excluding Determination of Title Boundary) are mandated to be lodged electronically.
This means, on and from 11 October 2021, NSW LRS will not be able to accept Real Property Act dealings presented at the NSW LRS Lodgment Office or via post. All land dealings to be lodged with NSW LRS can only be done electronically by a subscriber (e.g., a lawyer, licensed conveyancer, or financial institutions) through an Electronic Lodgment Network Operator (ELNO).
The following institutions can help you to find a lawyer or conveyancer in NSW:
More information
For more information on preparing hard copy land title documents see Dealing preparation page.
For more information on preparing hard copy water access licence dealing forms see Water dealings pages.