What Bankruptcy Records are kept?

The bankruptcy records show details of:

• bankruptcies that are current or have ended in the last 3 months

• current individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and fast track voluntary arrangements (FTVAs)

• current bankruptcy restrictions orders (BROs) and undertakings (BRUs).

How can I search the bankruptcy records?

You can search the bankruptcy records online, or by visiting your local official receiver's office. All searches are free of charge.

Online

The easiest and quickest way to search the bankruptcy records is by visiting the Insolvency Service website at www.insolvency.gov.uk andclicking on the link labelled ‘Bankruptcy/IVA search’ on the home page. This will give you instant access to all the information on the bankruptcy records register.

You can search the database online with just the surname (or even part of the surname) of the individual. The search can cover the whole of England and Wales, or the area covered by a particular official receiver's office.

Local official receiver's office

You can also perform an on-line search of bankruptcy records by visiting your local official receiver's office Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. For details of your nearest official receiver's office, please check your phone book, or call The Insolvency Enquiry Line on 0845 602 9848.
What details can I get from public bankruptcy records?

For Bankruptcy orders the information includes:

• the bankrupt's name (including any other names by which the bankrupt was known)
• occupation and trading details
• date of birth
• last known address
• details of the currently bankruptcy order
• the automatic discharge date
• or, where appropriate, the date the bankrupt was discharged.

For voluntary arrangements the information includes:

• the debtor's name
• last known address
• details of the arrangement
• for arrangements starting on or after 1 April 2005
  • date of birth
  • occupation

For bankruptcy restrictions orders or undertakings, and interim bankruptcy restrictions orders, the information includes:

• the bankrupt's name (including any other names by which he or she was known)
• occupation and trading details
• date of birth
• last known address.

How long do bankruptcy records stay on the register?

Depending on the type of entry, details stay on the register as follows:

• Bankruptcy records stay on the register for 3 months after the date of the individual's discharge. If a bankruptcy order is cancelled on the grounds that it ought not to have been made, the debts have been paid or a voluntary arrangement has been approved, then the record of the order will be removed from the register.
• IVA and FTVA records stay on the register until revoked, completed or terminated.
• BRO and BRU records stay on the register until they expire or come to an end. They will also be removed if the bankruptcy is annulled (cancelled) on the grounds that it ought not to have been made.

What information is not included bankruptcy records?

Bankruptcy records does not include information about the following:

• disqualified directors
• company insolvencies
• insolvencies in Scotland or Northern Ireland
• annulled (cancelled) or rescinded (withdrawn) bankruptcy orders.

Feedback on bankruptcy records

You can either:

• Use the register feedback button at the top of every page on the register to give us general feedback about the register, or
• Use the error report button at the end of a specific search to give feedback on that case.

Where can I get details of bankruptcies in Scotland and Northern Ireland?

You can get these details from:

Scotland
The Accountant in bankruptcy *
1 Pennyburn Road
Kilwinning
Ayrshire
KA13 6SA
Tel: 0845 612 6460
Fax: 0845 612 6470
Helpline: 0845 762 6171
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Northern Ireland
The Insolvency Service*
Fermanagh House
Ormeau Avenue
BELFAST
BT2 8HY
Tel: 02890 251441
Fax: 02890 548555

* There may be a charge for the search.

Where can I find records of company liquidations and disqualified directors?

You can search the disqualified directors register at www.companieshouse.gov.uk
You can also obtain details from:
The Register of Companies
Companies House
Crown Way
Maindy
CARDIFF
CF4 3UX
Tel: 02920 388588.

Where can I get more information?

You can contact The Insolvency Enquiry Line for general enquiries on insolvency matters on 0845 602 9848 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it