Duplicate certificates of title have no effect in Western Australia from 7 August 2023. Duplicate titles or duplicate certificates were also known as paper titles or title deeds.
Under the Transfer of Land Amendment Act 2022, duplicate or paper certificates of title were rendered invalid. They ceased to enjoy the status of a legal document from 7 August 2023. Paper certificates of title will no longer be issued or created by Landgate, nor required to register a dealing.
Verification of identity and establishing a right to deal with an interest in land are now the means of proving ownership. They replace possession or control of a paper certificate of title.
Full electronic conveyancing in Western Australia is one step closer thanks to these changes modernising land transactions.
If you do hold a paper or duplicate certificate of title, you do not need to return it to Landgate or destroy it. It will automatically be considered invalid from 7 August 2023. You can keep your duplicate certificate of title for display purposes.
One can obtain a record of your certificate of title through Landgate’s website through a title search. It will show you the most up to date information and any interests registered over the title.
The By Lawyers Western Australia Purchase of Real Property, Sale of Real Property, Lease, Mortgage, Probate, and Letters of Administration publications have been updated accordingly.