Apply for bankruptcy

Use this service to apply for bankruptcy in England and Wales.

The process is different if you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

You can only apply for bankruptcy online. It costs £680.

Find out what happens when you become bankrupt before you start your application.

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Before you start

You’ll need to provide information about your income, outgoings and debts, including:

  • wage slips
  • benefits or pension statements
  • bills - for example, electricity, credit card and council tax
  • letters from a bailiff or enforcement agent

You’ll be asked to create an account. You can start your application and come back to it later by signing in to your account.

You will not be able to submit it until you’ve paid the full fee.

If you’ve applied for a person at risk of violence (PARV) order, do not submit your application until the court has made a decision about your PARV.

Paying the fee

You cannot submit your application until you’ve paid the full fee. You can pay in instalments if you cannot afford to pay it all at once.

If you are struggling to pay the fee, contact a debt adviser about charities that may be able to help.

If you need help with your application

Get help from a debt adviser.

You can also contact the Insolvency Service helpline.

Insolvency Enquiry Line
[email protected]
Telephone: 0300 678 0015
Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm
Friday, 9am to 3pm
Find out about call charges

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