Key Takeaways
- ILA is required to ensure you fully understand the legal and financial consequences before signing key documents such as personal guarantees, bridging loan agreements, or gifted deposit declarations.
- Lenders and advisers typically require you to have Independent Legal Advice before finalising your transaction to protect both you and themselves from future disputes.
- You must prepare essential documents like valid photo ID, the draft transaction agreement, and any specific lender instructions before your ILA appointment in the UK.
- Failing to provide all required ILA documents can cause delays or even invalidate your transaction if lender requirements are not met.
- Proceeding without ILA could leave you exposed to personal liability or mean that your agreement cannot be legally completed.
- Fast ILA offers a convenient fixed-fee, fully online ILA process with fast appointments, helping you meet every lender requirement with minimal hassle.
- Our remote ID verification process means you can get your solicitor’s certificate and ILA with digital copies, without visiting a law office in person.
- Fast ILA is rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 140 five-star reviews and a 4.9/5 rating from satisfied clients.
To secure your fixed-fee, remote ILA appointment, call our team on 0207 459 4037 or use the online booking form today.
What Documents Do You Need for Independent Legal Advice in the UK? [Complete Checklist]
Preparing the right documents is essential when seeking Independent Legal Advice (ILA) for any transaction, whether signing a personal guarantee, bridging loan agreement, or gifted deposit declaration. Missing paperwork or bringing an out-of-date document is one of the most common causes of delays and transaction failures.
Bringing the required documents to your ILA appointment allows your SRA-regulated solicitor to check your identity, review your agreement, and confirm you understand your commitments before issuing an ILA certificate. Lenders will not approve your transaction until all requirements are satisfied.
Gather the latest versions of your ID and legal documents before your video call, and ensure your name matches across all paperwork to avoid any complications.
Our fixed-fee, remote process is designed to help you get your ILA certificate as simply and quickly as possible.
What Documents Do I Need for Independent Legal Advice in the UK? [Complete ILA Checklist]
A successful ILA appointment depends on providing the correct documents. While specific requirements vary depending on the transaction, most ILA clients will need to supply:
- Valid photo identification (e.g., passport or UK driving licence)
- The relevant agreement or document (such as a personal guarantee, loan agreement, mortgage deed, deed of trust, or settlement agreement)
- Lender’s instructions or covering letter (often called an “ILA request,” “solicitor’s undertaking,” or “requirement letter”)
- Proof of address (if required for anti–money laundering checks, e.g., a recent utility bill or bank statement)
- Supporting documentation (such as previous correspondence, draft agreements, or other transaction paperwork)
Gemma required ILA for a £95,000 personal guarantee relating to a business loan. Her lender provided a solicitor’s instruction letter detailing what documentation was needed. She secured her ILA in one day by uploading her signed guarantee, passport, and lender’s letter in advance.
If you are unsure what to prepare, our solicitors can clarify any lender requirements before your video call.
Why Are These ILA Documents Required by Lenders and Advisers?
Each document serves a protective role: verifying your identity, allowing your solicitor to explain transaction risks, and ensuring you are entering into the agreement freely and with full knowledge. This is not just a regulatory box-tick, but an essential safeguard confirmed by the UK courts.
The landmark case RBS v Etridge requires lenders to obtain independent confirmation that you understand, and consent to, the legal risks of key agreements—especially personal guarantees, third-party mortgages, and similar arrangements.
When David attended his ILA appointment for a £100,000 bridging loan but forgot to bring the loan agreement, his lender refused to release funds without a compliant ILA certificate. This delayed his purchase, underlining the importance of thorough preparation.
Your ILA solicitor at Fast ILA will only issue a certificate after reviewing the required documents and ensuring all legal and regulatory obligations are satisfied.
Essential ILA Document Checklist: What to Bring to Your ILA Appointment
To help you prepare, here’s a breakdown of the main documents needed for a smooth ILA process:
Valid Photo ID: Passport or UK Driving Licence
- Must be in-date and clearly show your name matching the transaction documents.
- Digital scans or high-quality photos are usually acceptable.
Final Transaction Agreement (e.g., Guarantee, Loan, or Gifted Deposit Document)
- Lenders usually insist on the final, unsigned agreement.
- Examples include personal guarantees, mortgage deeds, transfer of equity documents, or settlement agreements.
Lender’s Instructions or ILA Requirement Letter
- Sets out lender requirements, deadlines, and specific wording for your ILA certificate.
- Upload this letter to ensure all conditions are met.
Proof of Address (If Requested)
- Recent utility bill or bank statement (dated within 3 months).
- Required for anti-money laundering by some lenders, especially if your photo ID does not include your address.
Supporting Documentation
- Any relevant correspondence, previous drafts, or related legal documents.
- Additional paperwork may be needed for complex scenarios.
Check with your broker or lender if they have a template ILA certificate or additional forms to be completed; having the right paperwork upfront prevents appointment rescheduling.
Your Fast ILA solicitor will always advise if further documents are needed for unique or complex transactions.
How Do Lender Requirements Affect Which ILA Documents You Must Provide?
Lenders’ requirements for ILA documentation can differ depending on the nature and risk level of the transaction. Differences can include:
- Which form of agreement must be provided (final copy, draft, or original)
- Whether digital scans or wet-ink originals are accepted
- Exact certificate wording or template
- Deadlines for submission
Sara needed ILA for a £150,000 bridging loan. Her lender requested not only the signed personal guarantee but also an original lender letter posted to their legal team. Digital versions were not accepted for this case, which extended the timeline.
Before your ILA call, upload all documents to our FastVerify portal. Our solicitors are familiar with the most common lender requirements and will notify you if anything further is needed.
The Fast ILA Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading and Verifying Your ILA Documents Online
Our remote ILA process is optimised for security and efficiency. Here’s how it works:
- Book Online
Schedule your ILA video call at a time to suit you using our secure online system. - Upload Documents via FastVerify
Instantly and securely upload your ID, agreement, lender instructions, and any other necessary paperwork. FastVerify automatically checks for missing or blurred documents. - Attend Your Secure Remote Video Call
Meet with your dedicated SRA-regulated solicitor by video. They will review every document in real-time, explain key risks and legal effects, answer your questions, and confirm your full understanding. - Receive Your ILA Certificate—Often Same-Day
After the call, your signed ILA certificate is produced and delivered by email—usually within hours. We can also provide your certificate directly to your lender if requested.
Amit uploaded his draft JV agreement, passport, and proof of address the evening before his ILA call for a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage. After a 30-minute video, he received an accepted ILA certificate that afternoon—no delay to the completion date.
Book your fixed-fee, remote ILA appointment today to avoid transaction hold-ups and unnecessary stress.
What Happens If My ILA Documents Are Incomplete, Missing, or Incorrect?
Missing or incorrect documents are the number one cause of delayed ILA certificates. If your paperwork is incomplete or fails lender requirements, your appointment may be paused until the right documents are provided. This frequently leads to:
- Needing to reschedule your appointment
- Additional review costs
- Missed funding or completion deadlines
If you discover a document is missing close to your appointment, contact our team immediately. We’ll liaise with your lender where possible and help source the quickest alternative solution.
Fast ILA provides a pre-call check so you know in advance if documents are missing—saving you time and money.
Can I Use Digital Copies or Do I Need Original Documents for My ILA Appointment?
The majority of UK lenders now accept clear digital scans or photos of your documents for the ILA process. Fast ILA’s secure upload system enables you to provide:
- Scanned or photographed ID (passport, driving licence)
- PDF or image files of your legal agreement and supporting documents
- Electronic proof of address
Original documents are rarely required unless your lender has specific high-risk or anti-fraud requirements. For 95% of clients, digital uploads are accepted and processed quickly.
Marcus, working abroad, scanned his loan agreement and ID using his phone. After uploading, his remote ILA was completed in under 24 hours and accepted by his UK bank.
If you have questions about digital or original document requirements, your Fast ILA solicitor will advise what’s acceptable for your specific lender and transaction.
Risks of Incomplete ILA Documentation: Delays, Legal Exposure, and Lender Refusals
Any gaps or errors in your ILA paperwork can lead to serious issues:
- Delays: Lenders won’t accept ILA certificates until all documentation is compliant.
- Personal financial exposure: An incorrect ILA certificate could leave you personally liable or open to disputes.
- Rejection by lenders: Many banks insist that names, dates, and other details match exactly, otherwise certificates get refused.
- Unnecessary stress and additional costs: Emergency amendments or last-minute reappointments can add delays and fees.
Take a final review of all your documents just before sending them. Ensure all details are consistent and current, including spellings and middle names.
Fast ILA’s careful pre-appointment document check helps you avoid the vast majority of errors seen in the UK market, so your ILA is accepted the first time.
Common Pitfalls with ILA Paperwork and How to Avoid Them
Typical mistakes our clients face include:
- Forgetting to upload lender’s instruction letter or giving the wrong version
- Supplying a marked or draft agreement instead of the required final version
- Using expired or mismatched ID
- Blurred or missing pages on key documents
- Failure to provide proof of address when required
Richard needed ILA for a joint mortgage but uploaded an old draft contract and had not been sent a lender’s letter. His appointment had to be rescheduled to allow time for the right papers, nearly costing him his preferred property.
Our FastVerify process, led by SRA-regulated solicitors, flags errors early so you can submit watertight paperwork and secure lender approval.
The Fast ILA Advantage: Our Approach to Your ILA Documentation
Our service is designed to take the confusion—and hassle—out of ILA documentation:
- Fully remote, fixed-fee service with quick online booking and rapid turnaround
- Digitally secure FastVerify portal for uploads—no need to visit a law office or send documents by post
- SRA-regulated expert solicitors who deliver clear, jargon-free advice tailored to your transaction
- Same-day ILA certificates accepted by all major UK lenders, subject to paperwork checks
- Full coverage of key transaction types including personal guarantees, bridging loans, gifted deposit declarations, transfer of equity, deed of trust, settlement agreements, and more
- Excellent Trustpilot rating based on verified client reviews for speed, clarity, and support
Book your same-day, online ILA appointment now for a secure, efficient, and hassle-free service.
Frequently Asked Questions about ILA Documents Required in the UK
How quickly can I get my ILA certificate after submitting documents?
If your paperwork is complete and correct, your Fast ILA solicitor can often issue your certificate on the same day, sometimes within a few hours of your remote video call.
Is it safe to upload my documents to Fast ILA?
Yes. Our FastVerify system is fully encrypted and complies with all SRA data protection and confidentiality standards. Only your assigned solicitor and authorised staff access your documents.
What if my names or addresses don’t match across documents?
Notify your solicitor in advance. Small discrepancies can usually be resolved with extra ID or written clarifications, but significant inconsistencies may require updated documents or pre-approval from your lender.
Can I get ILA if I’m outside the UK?
Yes, as long as you can attend a remote video call and provide the required documents digitally. Many of our clients are based overseas and need ILA for UK-based transactions.
How much of my paperwork does the solicitor review?
Your Fast ILA solicitor will review all documents supplied, with a particular focus on the main contract, guarantee or deed, and the lender’s requirement letter to ensure nothing is missed.
What if I receive a new or updated document after my appointment?
Let us know right away if there’s a change to your primary agreement or lender requirements after your ILA session. You may need a brief update call, as only the version reviewed can be certified.
Can I use a draft agreement for ILA?
Some lenders allow advice on a final draft, but most require the finalised, unsigned version before proceeding. Your Fast ILA solicitor will confirm exactly which version is acceptable for your bank or lender.
What if I’ve lost my photo ID or don’t have proof of address?
Contact us ahead of your appointment. Sometimes alternatives are acceptable, but advance notice is essential for timely advice.
Can I book a same-day ILA if I have all my paperwork?
Yes. We offer urgent and same-day ILA appointments (subject to availability) provided your paperwork meets all the lender’s requirements.
Get Your ILA Certificate Quickly and Easily with Fast ILA
Preparing the right documents is key to a smooth, stress-free Independent Legal Advice appointment. Our online process ensures your paperwork is checked by SRA-regulated solicitors and your ILA certificate is provided—often within hours. With our digital-first service and clear guidance, your ILA will be completed promptly and correctly.
Ready to secure your transaction? Contact us on 0207 459 4037 or use our online form to book your fixed-fee, remote ILA appointment today.
