BY EMAIL
DATE: 12 JANUARY 2026
DISTRIBUTION: GENERAL
SUBJECT: CERTIFICATIONS AND COMPLIANCE EXAMINATIONS

As previously published, paper certificates of title are to be removed 1 September 2026 (subject only to any variation necessitated as a consequence of unforeseen circumstances). A decision to remove paper certificates of title will only take place when:

  1. All of the implications of such removal have been evaluated and addressed;
  2. The Registry Instruments and other Documents have been amended and subsequently been in use for a sufficient period of time (after allowing for transition arrangements); and
  3. There is sufficient evidence from Compliance Examinations undertaken, demonstrating the requisite standard of compliance with the Directions issued by the Recorder (Directions).

The Land Titles Office (LTO) has been undertaking compliance examinations since March 2024, and unfortunately the LTO continues to receive compliance examination responses that have not in all cases demonstrated compliance to the expected level with all requirements of the Directions. Sufficient evidence from Compliance Examinations, demonstrating the requisite standard of compliance with the Directions is a critical dependency to the decision to remove paper certificates of title. For this reason, the number of compliance examinations is being increased significantly and deficient compliance examination assessments may be referred to the relevant regulator of the Subscriber (being either the Legal Profession Board, or Consumer, Building and Occupational Services). It would then be a matter for the appropriate regulator to take such action as it considers appropriate.

Further, the New Forms (Transfer, Mortgage, Discharge of Mortgage, Application to Change or Correct Name, and Application to Note Marriage or Revert to Maiden Name) were published and became effective 17 November 2025. Significantly, the New Forms now provide on the face of the forms the certifications required by the Directions and which were previously deemed upon lodgment.

The consideration by the relevant regulator of a referral of a deficient compliance examination may take into account not only the perceived deficiency in compliance but also the express certification given by the Subscriber as to that compliance.

While the LTO is delivering these very significant reforms, there will as a consequence be an effect on other work of the office including examination, consideration, and registration of dealings, applications, and plans. However, these reforms will ultimately result in enhanced efficiency.

Related information

ROBERT MANNING
Recorder of Titles

Contact
Land Titles Office
Level 1, 134 Macquarie Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Email: ltoreform@nre.tas.gov.au