Documents registered with NSW LRS are preserved as scanned images and are accessed as A4-size copies generated from these images. To produce a readable copy, the quality of the original document is critical. Dealings or instruments which do not comply, particularly in relation to poor quality, may be refused registration - see section 39(1A) Real Property Act 1900.
The main requirements for the preparation and printing of dealings and other instruments to be submitted for registration are given below. For the complete list, see the Real Property Regulation 2019 and Lodgment Rules.
Paper
Size - A4
Colour - white or off white.
Surface - free of watermarks, discolouration, blemishes and creases, etc.
NOTE: standard white A4 copy paper conforms to the above standards
Printing
Single-sided.
Text - black or dense dark blue, at least 10 point.
Alterations
The following methods of alteration are not acceptable:
- eraser
- correction fluid
- over-typing
- cutting
- scraping and
- over-printing.
Handwriting
Handwriting must be:
- dense black or dense dark blue
- clear
- legible and
- permanent.
Corporate seals
Inked seals
Dense black or dense dark blue
Impression - must be dense and clear such that the text within the seal is legible and capable of being suitably reproduced from a scanned image at A4-size.
Impressed seals
Will be accepted. Where the seal is impressed, it must be shaded by pencil such that it is legible when scanned.
Adhesive seals
Will be accepted.
Signatures, identification of signatories, preamble
Must be placed adjacent to the seal, and not covering any part of it
Plans or annexed diagrams
Size - A4.
Colour - white or off white.
Margins - 15 mm on all sides.
Lines - black, clear, dense and capable of being reproduced from a scanned image at A4-size.
Hatching - style used must be capable of being suitably reproduced from a scanned image at A4-size.
Colour - must not be used for any reason, i.e. black and white only.
Measurements - must be metric, except in the case of plans annexed to Old System documents where measurements may be imperial provided the last registered deed used imperial measurements and no deposited plan using metric measurements has been lodged since that deed. Characters must be black, clear, dense and sufficiently large to be suitably reproduced from a scanned image at A4-size.
Notations, text - black, clear, dense, and sufficiently large to be suitably reproduced from a scanned image at A4-size.
For more information see Plans annexed page.
Damage or defacement
Any dealing or original or registration copy of an Old System instrument which is creased, torn, mutilated, stained or otherwise damaged or defaced in such a way as to impair legibility or, where it is to be scanned prevents the production of a suitable image, is not acceptable and must be redrawn.
Annexures
For more information see Annexures page.
Personal information
When completing a dealing or providing additional information (eg: a statutory declaration) to facilitate registration, personal information such as copies of identification documents or reference to a passport number or drivers’ licence number must not be included. If included, NSW LRS will raise a requisition requiring the removal of the identification documents, or amendments of the dealing and/or supporting documents, containing the personal information. The dealing and/or the supporting documents will need to be re-lodged.
There are some limited circumstances where personal information may be requested by NSW LRS and a no fee requisition will be raised to request that information.