Individual Insolvency Register

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Updated for 2026

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What Is the Individual Insolvency Register?

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The Individual Insolvency Register (IIR) is a publicly searchable database maintained by the Insolvency Service, an executive agency of the UK government. It records details of people in England and Wales who are subject to formal insolvency proceedings, including bankruptcy, debt relief orders (DROs) and individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs).

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If you are considering bankruptcy or any other formal debt solution, your name will appear on this register. Understanding what information is held, how long it stays there and who can see it is an important part of the process.

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What Information Does the Register Hold?

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The register contains records for the following types of insolvency:

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• Bankruptcies that are current, or that ended within the last three months
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• Debt relief orders that are current, or that ended within the last three months
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• Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) and fast-track voluntary arrangements (FTVAs) that are current, or that ended within the last three months
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• Bankruptcy restriction orders or undertakings (BROs and BRUs), plus interim bankruptcy restriction orders (iBROs)
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• Debt relief restriction orders or undertakings (DRROs and DRRUs), plus interim debt relief restriction orders (iDRROs)
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For each entry, the register typically shows your name, address, date of birth, the type of insolvency, the date it began and, where applicable, the name of the insolvency practitioner dealing with your case.

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Who Can Search the Register?

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Anyone can search the Individual Insolvency Register free of charge. It is a public record. Creditors, employers, landlords and members of the public all have access. Searches can be carried out online through the GOV.UK insolvency register search tool, or in person at the Official Receiver’s office.

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In practice, most people will never think to search it. Your entry is unlikely to be spotted by neighbours or casual acquaintances. It is mainly used by credit reference agencies, lenders and organisations carrying out formal checks.

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How Long Does Your Name Stay on the Register?

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Your entry remains on the Individual Insolvency Register for the duration of your insolvency, plus three months after it ends. For most people who go bankrupt, the bankruptcy itself lasts 12 months. That means your name would typically appear on the register for around 15 months in total.

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If a bankruptcy restriction order is made against you, that entry stays on the register for the length of the restriction, which can be anywhere from two to 15 years. Restriction orders are relatively uncommon and are usually only applied where the Official Receiver finds evidence of reckless or dishonest behaviour.

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For DROs, the register entry lasts for the 12-month moratorium period plus three months. IVA entries remain for the full term of the arrangement (usually five to six years) and are then removed three months after completion.

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Is the Register the Same as Your Credit File?

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No. The Individual Insolvency Register and your credit file are two separate things. Your credit file is held by credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A bankruptcy or DRO will appear on your credit file for six years from the date it starts, regardless of when you are discharged.

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So even after your name is removed from the insolvency register (typically after 15 months for bankruptcy), the record will remain on your credit file for the full six years. This is worth keeping in mind when planning your financial recovery.

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Does an IVA Appear on the Register?

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Yes. Although an IVA is technically a private agreement between you and your creditors, one of the conditions is that your details are registered with the Insolvency Service and listed on the Individual Insolvency Register. Unlike bankruptcy, your IVA will not be published in The London Gazette.

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This is sometimes a source of confusion. People assume that because an IVA is \”private\”, it won’t appear on any public record. That is not the case. Your IVA will be visible on the register for the duration of the arrangement plus three months.

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Bankruptcy vs DRO: Which Appears on the Register?

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Both bankruptcy and debt relief orders appear on the Individual Insolvency Register. The key differences between the two are eligibility and cost:

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• A DRO is available if your total debts are \u00a350,000 or less, you have minimal assets and low disposable income. The application fee for a DRO is free.
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• Bankruptcy has no upper debt limit but costs \u00a3680 to apply online through the Adjudicator’s office.
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Both options result in your details appearing on the register. If you are unsure which route is right for your situation, MoneyHelper offers free, impartial guidance on all debt solutions available in England and Wales.

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Can You Get Your Name Removed Early?

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You cannot request early removal from the Individual Insolvency Register. Your entry is removed automatically once the relevant period has passed (three months after your insolvency ends). If you believe there is an error on the register, you can contact the Insolvency Service directly to have it corrected.

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If your bankruptcy is annulled, for example because you have paid your debts in full or the bankruptcy order should not have been made, your entry will be removed from the register following the annulment.

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How to Search the Individual Insolvency Register

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You can search the register online at any time using the GOV.UK insolvency register search page. Searches can be carried out by name, trading name, date of birth or location. There is no charge for searching.

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The register covers England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate insolvency registers managed by their own agencies.

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Worried About Appearing on the Register?

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It is natural to feel concerned about your name being on a public database. In reality, the register is not something most people will ever look at. It exists primarily as a safeguard for creditors and the financial system, not as a way to publicise your financial difficulties.

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If you are struggling with debt and unsure about your options, free advice is available from StepChange, the UK’s leading debt charity. They can talk you through what each solution means and how it might affect you.

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For more detailed guides on the bankruptcy process, including what happens to your property, your assets and your income, visit our bankruptcy guides section.

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This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you need advice about your individual circumstances, please speak to a qualified debt adviser.

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