The legal effect of the L.R. information

An official copy of the register, of the title plan, or of any document held by the registrar, is admissible in evidence to the same extent as the original (section 67, Land Registration Act 2002).

It can be used in any circumstance, including court proceedings, where the information it contains needs to be proved or would be relevant.

A copy that is not an official copy, including an unofficial print made from an online register view, has no special status.

A buyer or lender cannot make an official search with priority without quoting the date of an official copy or the date of an online access to the register through the Land Registry online business services. Apart from that, there is no legal requirement to obtain an official copy as part of the conveyancing process. A copy of the register does not need to be produced to the Land Registry when making an application.