Index map: official search (PG10)
Details of the information held on the index map and how to apply for an official search (practice guide 10).
Applies to England and Wales
Documents
Details
This guide gives details of the information held on the index map and advice on how to apply for an official search. It is aimed at conveyancers and members of the public.
We only provide factual information and impartial advice about our procedures. Read more about the advice we give.
Webinars
You can join our free webinars for advice on a range of land registration topics and how to prepare quality applications.
Details
This guide gives details of the information held on the index map and advice on how to apply for an official search. It is aimed at conveyancers and members of the public.
We only provide factual information and impartial advice about our procedures. Read more about the advice we give.
Webinars
You can join our free webinars for advice on a range of land registration topics and how to prepare quality applications.
Updates to this page
Update history
2026-07-20 06:00
Section 7.1 has been amended as a result of a change in our practice to reduce the number of search of the index map applications being rejected due to mismatches between the shapefile and the search of the index map plan.
2024-12-09 06:00
The HM Land Registry fees in sections 5.3 and 5.4.2 have changed as a result of the Land Registration Fee Order 2024.
2022-07-22 16:10
Edited section 5.3, under title additional fees – this has been amended to advise we will contact you if the fee payable will exceed £50.
2022-07-04 06:00
Section 2 updated to state that an index map search may also be made where land is already registered to check for other registrations affecting the land, such as registrations of mines and minerals.
2022-05-16 06:00
Following customer correspondence we have amended section 8 to set out the retention period for SIM application forms.
2022-02-28 06:00
A reminder has been added to the checklist in section 13 that the plan must show the precise extent of the property by suitable colouring/edging.