Individual Insolvency Register

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the individual insolvency register (IIR)?
What information is on the IIR?
What information is not included on the IIR?
How much does it cost to search the IIR?
How do I search the IIR online?
What information will I need to carry out a search?
What details can I get from the IIR?
What is the 'start date'?
How will I receive the information?
Why did my search not produce the results I expected?
How do I report any errors or omissions?
How long do records remain on the IIR?
Where can I find records of company insolvencies?
Where can I find records of disqualified directors?
Where can I obtain details of bankruptcies in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
Why are my details shown to the public?
Other than details of my bankruptcy case, why should more personal details such as my date of birth and address be shown?
I've been discharged, so why are my bankruptcy details still visible to the public?
What is the case description?
How to complain about the conduct of an individual on the IIR?
Where can I get more information?
What is the individual insolvency register (IIR)?
The IIR is an amalgamation of the individual insolvency, bankruptcy restrictions and debt relief restrictions registers. The Insolvency Service is required by statute to maintain these registers, keep them up to date and make them available for public inspection.

The IIR contains details of:

As the law requires us to maintain the IIR we cannot be held responsible for the actions of anyone who obtains and uses data from it. This includes people using internet search engines.

You can find further detailed information in the Personal, or Publications sections on our website https://www.gov.uk/insolvency-service.

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What information is on the IIR?
The IIR records details of:

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What information is not included on the IIR?
The IIR does not include details of:

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How much does it cost to search the IIR?
All searches are free of charge. You can search the IIR online.

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How do I search the IIR online?
The easiest and quickest way to search the register is by visiting The Insolvency Service website https://www.gov.uk/insolvency-service.

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What information will I need to carry out a search?
To do a search on the register you will require the individual's name or trading name.

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What details can I get from the register?
For bankruptcy orders the information includes:

For DROs the information includes:

For IVAs and FTVAs the information includes:

For iBROS, BROs and BRUs the information includes:

For iDRROS, DRROs and DRRUs the information includes:

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What is the 'start date'?
This is the start date for the type of proceedings that appear on the register, as follows:

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How will I receive the information?
If you search online, you will be given the option to print the results.

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Why did my search not produce the results I expected
You may have entered the surname or trading name incorrectly. Try variations in the spelling, or reduce the scope for error by only entering the first part of the surname. Alternatively, the individual's details may have been removed from the register.

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How do I report any errors or omissions?
For individuals who are listed on the register, please report any inaccuracies using the 'Report Error' button at the bottom of the report page for that individual.

If you think an individual has been omitted from the register, please use the 'Register Feedback' button at the top of the IIR web pages or write to:

The Insolvency Service
IIR Feedback
Estate Accounts and Scanning
PO Box 16652
B2 2HR

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How long do records remain on the IIR?
Depending on the type of entry, details stay on the IIR as follows:

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Where can I find records of company insolvencies?
You can search for company information on the Companies House website www.companieshouse.gov.uk. Alternatively you can obtain details from:

The Register of Companies
Companies House
Crown Way
Maindy
CARDIFF CF143UZ
Tel: 0303 1234 500

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Where can I find records of disqualified directors?
You can search for a disqualified director on the Companies House website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house.

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Where can I obtain details of bankruptcies in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
You can get details of bankruptcies in Scotland and Northern Ireland from:

Scotland*

The Accountant in Bankruptcy
1 Pennyburn Road
Kilwinning
Ayreshire
KA13 6SA

Tel: 0300 200 2600
Fax: 0300 200 2601

Email: aib@aib.gsi.gov.uk
Web enquiries can also be submitted via the following link: www.aib.gov.uk/about/contact/enquiryform

Northern Ireland*

The Insolvency Service
Fermanagh House
Ormeau Avenue
BELFAST
BT2 8HY

Tel: 02890 251441
Fax: 02890 548555

Email: insolvency@dttini.gov.uk

*There may be a charge for the search.

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Why are my details being shown to the public?
By law the Insolvency Service has to maintain the IIR. The IIR is used for a variety of purposes including:

Details of iBROs, BROs and BRUs are shown, as they are a record of the minority of bankrupts whose conduct has been found to be culpable. Breach of an iBRO, BRO or BRU is a criminal offence and anyone with concerns about an individual should be able to satisfy himself or herself whether or not the person is subject to an iBRO, BRO or BRU. For the same reason information is also provided for iDRROs, DRROs and DRRUs.

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Other than details of my bankruptcy case, why should more personal details such as my date of birth and address be shown?
The personal details regarding date of birth and address are there so that enquirers can be more certain that the information they seek relates to the correct person, this is especially necessary for common names e.g. Smith or Jones

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I've been discharged so why are my details still visible to the public?
Up until 1 April 2004 a person's details were kept on the register for two years after the date of discharge. Since 1 April 2004, to reflect one of the aims of the Enterprise Act i.e. to reduce the stigma of bankruptcy, the details will now only be kept on the register for three months after discharge. Other bodies such as credit reference agencies may keep the information on their records for a longer period.

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What is the case description?
The case description is used for identification purposes, so that creditors can easily recognise the individual against whom the bankruptcy order/debt relief order has been made. The description forms part of the bankruptcy order/debt relief order and is the title of the proceedings. It is first used at the bankruptcy petition stage, and the debt relief order application stage, and should be included on all statutory forms, notices and advertisements. It must be as full and accurate as reasonably possible and can only be changed by the Court.

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How to complain about the conduct of an individual on the IIR?
You can complain about the conduct of an individual subject to a bankruptcy order, debt relief order or bankruptcy or debt relief restrictions order/undertaking by contacting the office that has conduct for the case. Full details about how to complain can be found on our website at: https://www.gov.uk/complain-about-someone-bankrupt

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Where can I get more information?
If you still have unanswered questions about the individual insolvency register you can contact the Insolvency Enquiry Line on 0300 678 0015 between 9am-5pm Monday - Thursday, 9am-3pm Friday (except bank holidays) or email Insolvency.EnquiryLine@insolvency.gov.uk.

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