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Guidance

Exempting documents from the general right to inspect and copy (PG57)

Guidance on exempting documents, obtaining a full copy and withdrawing exempt status (practice guide 57)

Updates to this page

From:
HM Land Registry
Published:
13 October 2003
Last updated:
21 July 2025
Show all updates

  1. Section 2.1 relating to how to prepare an edited information document has been amended to reflect that many customers no longer send a printed version of the document to HM Land Registry. The revised guidance applies equally where the edited information document is lodged in electronic form.

  2. We have added a sentence to the second paragraph in section 2.4 to confirm that each application is considered on a case-by-case basis.

  3. Section 1 has been amended to clarify how and where to send your application.

  4. Following customer comment, section 2.2.2 has been amended to clarify the requirements when exempting counterpart or duplicate documents.

  5. New sections 2.3 and 2.4 added. These clarify which requests for exemption are likely to be accepted or refused. This is not new practice and the guidance makes clear that each case is treated on its own merits.

  6. Section 2.6 has been amended to explain that it would help us if you explained in panel 5 of form EX1A where in the deed/document the exempt information is contained.

  7. Section 2.1 has been amended to clarify that when you certify a document as a true copy you must do this on the face of the document.

  8. A reminder to make sure prejudicial information has been removed from other documents has been added to section 2.

  9. Section 5 has been amended to reflect that we no longer accept applications by fax.

  10. Link to the advice we offer added.

  11. Section 2.1 has been amended further to confirm that it is not possible to apply for the execution of a deed to be exempted for the purpose of land registration

  12. Sections 2, 2.1 and 2.6 have been amended further to clarify the change in policy for applications which are not first registrations, under which we will need only certified copies of deeds or documents you send to us with Land Registry applications. All documents submitted, including originals, will be scanned and destroyed.

  13. First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Practice guide 57: exempting documents from the general right to inspect and copy

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Details

This guide, aimed at legal practitioners, companies and private individuals, gives advice on:

  • exempting a document from the general right to inspect and copy under the Land Registration Act 2002 because it contains prejudicial information
  • obtaining a full copy of an exempt information document if you need one
  • withdrawing the exempt status

Read information on what you cannot exempt, how to complete forms EX1 and EX1A, and other relevant steps you must follow.

We only provide factual information and impartial advice about our procedures. Read more about the advice we give.

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