Verification Instructions
Complete instructions for verifying property ownership and processing transactions through the Title Barrier Verification System. This page is referenced on all recorded Declarations and Exhibit documents.
What Is the Verification System?
Properties enrolled in the Title Barrier Verification System have a recorded Declaration of Property Control on their chain of title. By default, every enrolled property is in a LOCKED state, meaning the owner has no present intention to sell, refinance, or otherwise transact on the property. The property sits protected and nothing moves forward.
Before proceeding with any transaction involving an enrolled property, including but not limited to any sale, transfer, refinance, lien, mortgage, listing for sale, or lease exceeding twelve months, all parties are requested to verify the owner's authorization using the QR code or registration number printed on the Declaration.
What Is the Verification System?
Properties enrolled in the Title Barrier Verification System have a recorded Declaration of Property Control on their chain of title. By default, every enrolled property is in a LOCKED state, meaning the owner has no present intention to sell, refinance, or otherwise transact on the property. The property sits protected and nothing moves forward.
Before proceeding with any transaction involving an enrolled property, including but not limited to any sale, transfer, refinance, lien, mortgage, listing for sale, or lease exceeding twelve months, all parties are requested to verify the owner's authorization using the QR code or registration number printed on the Declaration.
Understanding Lock Status
Every enrolled property has a lock status that determines whether a transaction may proceed.
The owner has no present intention to sell, refinance, or otherwise transact on the property. This is the default state. The property sits protected and nothing moves forward.
What to Do
Do not proceed with any sale, transfer, refinance, lien, mortgage, listing for sale, or lease exceeding twelve months. Contact the property owner and request that they unlock the property through their Title Barrier account.
The owner has actively signaled that they intend to proceed with a specific type of transaction. They have selected the transaction type and opened a limited authorization window. Unlocking alone does not approve anything. It opens the door for a requesting party to submit a clearance request.
What to Do
Review the authorized transaction type and authorization window. Submit a clearance request to formally request authorization. The owner will then approve or deny your request. Do not proceed until your clearance request has been approved.
Step-by-Step Verification Process
Follow these steps to verify a property's authorization status and process a transaction through the Title Barrier system.
Access the Verification Page
Scan the QR code printed on the recorded Declaration of Property Control, or visit www.titlebarrier.com/verify and enter the 8-digit registration number found on the document.
- The QR code is located on the recorded Declaration of Property Control and on the Exhibit document attached to the affidavit.
- The registration number is an 8-digit code unique to each property enrollment.
- Both the QR code and registration number will direct you to the same verification page for that property.
Check the Property Status
The verification page displays the property's current status in real time. A property can be in one of two states:
- LOCKED: The owner has no present intention to sell, refinance, or otherwise transact on the property. This is the default state. Do not proceed with any transaction until the owner unlocks the property.
- UNLOCKED: The owner has actively signaled that they intend to proceed with a specific type of transaction and has opened a limited authorization window. Unlocking alone does not approve anything. It opens the door for you to submit a clearance request, which the owner then approves or denies.
Contact the Property Owner
If the property is locked, contact the property owner directly and request that they unlock the property through their Title Barrier dashboard.
- The property owner is the only person who can unlock the property.
- The owner must log in to their Title Barrier account to change the lock status.
- Do not proceed with any transaction while the property remains locked.
Owner Unlocks the Property
The property owner logs in to their Title Barrier account, unlocks the property, selects the transaction type, and opens a limited authorization window. Unlocking does not approve any transaction. It signals the owner's intent and allows requesting parties to submit a clearance request.
- The owner selects the specific transaction type (e.g., sale, refinance, lien, lease).
- The owner sets an authorization window with a start and end date.
- The property will automatically return to a locked state when the authorization window expires.
Submit a Clearance Request
The requesting party (e.g., title company, lender, real estate agent) submits a transaction clearance request through the verification page, identifying the transaction and the requesting party.
- You will need to provide your name, professional role, company name, and a description of the transaction.
- A unique verification code will be generated for the clearance request.
- The property owner receives a notification and can review the request in their dashboard.
Owner Approves or Denies
The property owner reviews the clearance request and approves or denies it. The verification page updates in real time.
- If approved, the verification page will show the clearance as authorized, along with the requesting party's information.
- If denied, the request will be marked as rejected.
- All clearance decisions are time-stamped and recorded in the property's public verification history.
Proceed Within the Authorization Window
If the clearance request is approved, the transaction may proceed within the authorization window set by the owner. When the window expires, the property automatically returns to a locked state.
- Verify that the transaction type matches the authorized transaction type shown on the verification page.
- Confirm that the current date falls within the authorization window.
- Once the authorization window expires, a new unlock and clearance request is required for any further transactions.
Instructions by Role
Specific guidance for each type of professional involved in property transactions.
Title Companies & Closing Agents
- 1Before closing any transaction, search the property's chain of title for a recorded Declaration of Property Control from Title Barrier.
- 2If a Declaration is found, use the registration number on the document to verify the property's status at www.titlebarrier.com/verify.
- 3If the property is locked, do not proceed to closing. Contact the seller and request that they unlock the property and authorize the transaction.
- 4Once the property is unlocked and a clearance request has been approved, confirm the authorization details match the transaction before closing.
- 5Retain a copy of the verification page showing the approved clearance as part of your closing file.
Lenders & Banks
- 1Before approving any mortgage, refinance, or home equity loan, verify whether the property is enrolled in the Title Barrier Verification System.
- 2If enrolled, check the verification page to confirm the property owner has authorized the specific loan type.
- 3Require the borrower to unlock the property and submit a clearance request naming your institution before funding.
- 4Do not disburse funds until the verification page shows an approved clearance for your transaction.
- 5Include the verification status as part of your underwriting documentation.
Real Estate Agents & Brokers
- 1Before listing a protected property, confirm the seller is the actual property owner by verifying the property's status on Title Barrier.
- 2Request that the seller unlock the property for the listing and sale transaction before you begin marketing.
- 3Inform potential buyers that the property is enrolled in the Title Barrier Verification System and that the seller's identity has been verified.
- 4At offer stage, have the buyer's agent verify the current lock status and authorization window.
- 5Ensure the authorization window extends through the anticipated closing date.
Notaries & Signing Agents
- 1Before notarizing any document that affects property title, ask whether the property is enrolled with Title Barrier.
- 2If enrolled, scan the QR code or enter the registration number to verify the owner's authorization status.
- 3Confirm that the person signing the document matches the declarant named on the verification page.
- 4If the property is locked, do not notarize documents related to a transfer, sale, or lien on the property until the owner has unlocked it.
- 5Note the verification status in your notary journal as part of your record-keeping.
Verification History & Audit Trail
Every verification page maintains a complete, public record of all activity related to the property.
Scan Events
Every time the QR code is scanned or the registration number is looked up, the event is recorded with a timestamp.
Lock & Unlock Events
All changes to the property's lock status are recorded, including who initiated the change and when.
Clearance Requests
Every clearance request is logged, including the requesting party's information, the transaction type, and whether it was approved or denied.
Authorization Windows
The start and end dates of every authorization window are recorded, along with the authorized transaction type.
Important: This history remains publicly available even after the property is transferred to a new owner, allowing any reviewing party to determine whether prior transactions were authorized through the Verification System.
Special Scenarios
Guidance for situations beyond standard verification, including death or incapacity of the owner, successor representatives, and service continuity.
Death or Incapacity of the Property Owner
If the property owner passes away or becomes incapacitated and is unable to manage their Title Barrier account, the legally appointed successor, personal representative, executor, or guardian may contact Title Barrier to request account transfer. Title Barrier will require documentation proving legal authority, such as Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, a court order appointing a guardian, or a valid Power of Attorney. Once verified, the successor will gain access to the property's dashboard and can unlock the property, respond to clearance requests, and manage the protection status. Until successor access is granted, the property remains in its current state.
Successor Representatives & Power of Attorney
A person holding a valid, durable Power of Attorney for the property owner may request access to the Title Barrier account on behalf of the owner. Title Barrier will verify the Power of Attorney document and, if valid, grant the designated agent access to manage the property's lock status and respond to clearance requests. The Power of Attorney must specifically authorize the agent to manage real property transactions. Contact Title Barrier support to initiate this process.
Service Discontinuation or Company Closure
If Title Barrier ceases operations, all properties will be automatically unlocked and all verification pages will display a notice explaining that the service has been discontinued. The recorded Declaration of Property Control remains part of the property's chain of title as a matter of public record, regardless of whether the verification service is active. Title Barrier maintains contingency plans to ensure property owners are notified in advance of any service changes and are given adequate time to take alternative protective measures.
Disputes or Unauthorized Transactions
The verification page maintains a complete, time-stamped activity history including all scan events, lock and unlock actions, clearance requests, and authorization windows. This history remains publicly available even after the property is transferred to a new owner. If a deed, mortgage, or other instrument affecting the property is recorded without a corresponding approved clearance appearing on the verification page, it may indicate that the transaction was not authorized by the declarant through the Verification System. This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney if you believe an unauthorized transaction has occurred.
Lender or Third-Party Interest Display
If a lender or other party holds a recorded interest in the property (such as a mortgage or lien), that information may be displayed on the verification page if Title Barrier maintains a partnership with the interested party and the property owner has consented to the inclusion of such information. This feature provides additional transparency to parties reviewing the property's verification status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Title Barrier Verification System.
Need Assistance?
Our support team is available to help with verification questions, account transfers, and any other inquiries.
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