Insolvency register UK explained
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Quick answer: The Individual Insolvency Register lists people in IVAs, bankruptcies and DROs in England and Wales — it is public and affects credit files for six years.
Insolvency solutions have long-lasting consequences for your finances and credit record. The Individual Insolvency Register helps creditors and landlords check your status. This guide explains what appears on the register and when entries are removed.
Last reviewed:
Read the full debt help guide →Primary source: www.gov.uk/search-the-individual-insolvency-register
What appears
The register shows your name, address, partial date of birth, the type of insolvency and details of your supervisor or trustee. It is a public record, so anyone can search it online without your permission.
IVA entries typically remain until completion plus three months. Bankruptcy entries usually stay until discharge plus three months, though the exact timing depends on the type of order.
Credit impact
Insolvency severely reduces your credit score and makes new credit, mortgages and some jobs much harder to obtain during and after the process. Lenders treat insolvency as a major negative marker on your file.
After six years, records usually drop from credit reference agency files. However, entries may still appear on the insolvency register itself until the removal period for that register entry ends.
Alternatives first
Debt relief orders suit people with lower debts and minimal assets who meet strict eligibility criteria. Breathing Space can give you time to explore options before committing to a formal insolvency solution.
Free debt charities can assess whether an informal debt management plan or token payments might resolve your situation without the long-term consequences of insolvency. Start with StepChange or Citizens Advice before choosing formal insolvency.
Common questions
Can employers see insolvency?
The public register is searchable, so employers can find insolvency records if they choose to look. Some financial services roles require you to disclose insolvency, so check your contract and any regulator rules that apply to your sector.
Does bankruptcy clear all debts?
Most unsecured debts are discharged when you are released from bankruptcy, but student loans, court fines and some benefit overpayments often remain payable. Your debt adviser can confirm which of your specific debts would be included.
How is Scotland different?
Scotland uses sequestration and protected trust deeds, which are recorded on Accountant in Bankruptcy registers rather than the England and Wales Individual Insolvency Register. Rules, fees and eligibility differ from the rest of the UK.