CCJ Check UK - How to Check County Court Judgments in 2026

Learn how to check if you have a County Court Judgment, search the public CCJ register, understand how judgments affect your credit score and find out how to remove or challenge a CCJ.

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can have a significant impact on your financial circumstances, particularly when applying for a mortgage, renting a property, obtaining credit or entering into certain financial agreements.

Many people only discover that they have a CCJ when a mortgage application is declined, a landlord carries out a tenant referencing check or a credit report reveals an unexpected court judgment.

Fortunately, there are ways to check whether a CCJ has been registered against your name and identify the court responsible for issuing it.

In England and Wales, most qualifying County Court Judgments are recorded on the public Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines. They may also appear on credit reports maintained by credit reference agencies.

For prospective tenants, homeowners and property investors, understanding how to carry out a CCJ check is particularly important because judgments can influence affordability assessments, mortgage applications and rental referencing.

Fraser Bond, a UK property agency and real estate consultancy, supports property buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants and investors with residential lettings, property sales, valuations and property advisory services across London and the wider UK.

This guide explains how to check for a CCJ in 2026, whether the search is free, how long judgments remain on record and what to do if you discover an incorrect or unpaid judgment.

What Is a CCJ?

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England and Wales, commonly requiring an individual or business to pay money owed to another party.

CCJs can arise from disputes involving:

• Unpaid credit cards.

• Personal loans.

• Utility bills.

• Unpaid rent.

• Parking charges.

• Business debts.

• Other civil financial claims.

A CCJ may be issued after the court decides a claim or where the defendant fails to respond to court proceedings.

Having a CCJ does not automatically mean that bailiffs will visit or that property will be seized.

However, failing to comply with a judgment may lead to further enforcement action.

How to Check if You Have a CCJ

There are two main ways to check for a County Court Judgment.

First, review your credit reports. Credit reference agencies generally display registered CCJs associated with your identity.

Second, search the official public register. The Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines provides information about qualifying judgments registered in England and Wales.

These methods serve different purposes. Credit reports help you understand how a judgment affects your borrowing profile, while the public register provides a separate record of registered judgments.

How to Check a CCJ Online

Step 1 - Search the Official CCJ Register

The official public search service is TrustOnline, operated by Registry Trust.

You can search for judgments against yourself, another individual or a business.

The search normally requires the person's name and an address associated with the judgment.

Searches cost between £6 and £10, depending on the registers selected.

Step 2 - Enter Your Personal Details

Provide the correct name and address.

If you have moved house, consider searching previous addresses because judgments are recorded against the address supplied during the original court proceedings.

Step 3 - Review the Results

A registered judgment record may show:

• The judgment date.

• The amount of the judgment.

• The issuing court.

• The case number.

• Whether the judgment is satisfied or unsatisfied.

• Claimant details, where available.

For most England and Wales CCJs registered from 20 July 2026, claimant information is also available through the register.

Step 4 - Contact the Court if Necessary

If you find a CCJ but do not recognise the debt, contact the court identified in the record.

Ask for information about the case, including the claimant and relevant court documents.

Can You Check a CCJ for Free?

Yes, you can often check whether a registered CCJ appears on your own credit report without paying.

The three major UK credit reference agencies are:

• Experian.

• Equifax.

• TransUnion.

You can request a free statutory credit report from each agency.

However, a search of the official TrustOnline register normally involves a fee.

How Much Does a CCJ Check Cost in 2026?

The official search generally covers one name at one specified address. Additional names or addresses may require separate searches.

How to Check a CCJ Using Your Credit Report

A credit report can provide an overview of your borrowing history and public financial records.

To check:

1. Request your statutory credit report.

2. Confirm your personal details and address history.

3. Find the section covering public records or court judgments.

4. Check the judgment date, amount and status.

5. Contact the relevant court if any entry appears incorrect.

It is worth checking all three credit reference agencies because the information displayed may differ.

How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Record?

A registered CCJ normally remains on the public register and your credit file for six years from the judgment date.

This applies even where the judgment is paid after the first month.

However, if you pay the full judgment within one calendar month of the judgment date, you can arrange for it to be removed from the register.

Removal from the public register does not necessarily extinguish the underlying debt or resolve every enforcement issue.

How to Remove a CCJ From Your Credit Report

There are different procedures depending on the circumstances.

Paying Within One Month

If you pay the judgment in full within one calendar month, provide proof of payment to the court.

The judgment can then be cancelled and removed from the register.

Paying After One Month

If you pay later, you can request that the judgment be marked as satisfied.

The entry will normally remain visible until six years have passed.

Applying to Set Aside a CCJ

If you believe the judgment should not have been made, you may be able to apply to have it set aside.

This may be relevant if you did not receive the claim documents or have a valid defence to the claim.

Applications commonly use form N244.

The court will consider the applicable legal grounds, and an application fee may be payable.

Having the judgment set aside is not the same as automatically winning the underlying dispute.

What Is a Certificate of Satisfaction?

A Certificate of Satisfaction provides court confirmation that a judgment has been paid in full.

You can apply using form N443.

The court fee is £19.

If the judgment was paid within one calendar month, the appropriate document is generally a Certificate of Cancellation.

Can You Check a CCJ Against Someone Else?

Yes. The public register allows searches against other individuals and businesses.

For example, a landlord may check whether a prospective tenant has registered judgments, subject to the relevant data protection, transparency and fairness requirements when using the information.

However, a CCJ check is not a complete assessment of someone's financial position.

CCJ Checks for Landlords and Letting Agents

Landlords often consider credit history during tenant referencing.

A CCJ may indicate previous difficulty meeting financial obligations, but it does not necessarily mean that a prospective tenant will fail to pay rent.

Landlords should consider:

• Whether the judgment has been paid.

• The age of the judgment.

• The amount involved.

• The applicant's current income.

• Employment and affordability.

• References from previous landlords.

• Any relevant explanation provided by the applicant.

A fair assessment should consider the overall circumstances rather than relying solely on one historic judgment.

Can You Rent a Property With a CCJ?

Yes. Having a CCJ does not automatically prevent someone from renting.

However, some landlords and letting agents may regard a registered judgment as a credit risk.

Applicants may improve their prospects by demonstrating stable income, providing references, explaining the judgment and showing that it has been satisfied.

Can You Get a Mortgage With a CCJ?

Potentially, yes.

Mortgage lenders consider several factors, including the age, amount and status of the judgment.

An older satisfied CCJ may be viewed differently from a recent unpaid judgment.

Lenders also assess income, deposit, credit history, existing debts and overall affordability.

Some specialist lenders consider applicants with adverse credit histories, although borrowing costs and lending conditions may be less favourable.

What if a CCJ Appears at an Old Address?

This can happen where a creditor brought proceedings using an address at which you no longer lived.

If you were unaware of the proceedings, obtain the case details and consider whether there are grounds to apply to set aside the judgment.

Act promptly once you discover it.

Simply moving house does not automatically invalidate a CCJ.

What Happens if You Ignore a CCJ?

Failing to comply with a judgment can lead to enforcement action.

Depending on the circumstances, creditors may apply for:

• A warrant or writ of control.

• An attachment of earnings order.

• A third-party debt order.

• A charging order against property.

Not every enforcement method is available in every case.

A creditor must follow the applicable legal procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About CCJ Checks

How do I check if I have a CCJ?

Search the official TrustOnline register or review your credit reports.

Is a CCJ check free?

Checking your own statutory credit reports is free. An official register search normally costs £6–£10.

Can I check a CCJ using my name?

Yes, but the register search generally also requires an address.

Can I check a CCJ at an old address?

Yes. Searching previous addresses can be useful if you have moved.

How long does a CCJ last?

A registered CCJ normally remains visible for six years unless it is removed earlier through a qualifying legal process.

Can I remove a CCJ after paying it?

If paid in full within one calendar month of the judgment, it can be removed. Payment after that period normally results in a satisfied record.

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Potentially, depending on the lender and your overall financial circumstances.

Does a CCJ automatically prevent renting?

No, although it may affect tenant referencing and a landlord's assessment.

Can I check someone else's CCJ?

Yes, through the public register.

What if the CCJ is incorrect?

Contact the issuing court and investigate whether a correction or application to set aside the judgment is appropriate.

CCJ Check UK - Key Considerations

Checking your CCJ status is an important step when reviewing your financial circumstances, preparing to rent a property or applying for a mortgage.

The official TrustOnline register provides access to registered judgments, while statutory credit reports offer a free way to review your own credit information.

If you discover a judgment, check the date, amount, issuing court and payment status.

Where the debt has been paid, ensure the record is updated. If you believe the judgment is incorrect, seek appropriate advice and act promptly.

This article provides general debt, credit and property information as of October 2026, primarily for England and Wales. It does not constitute personalised legal, debt or financial advice.

For professional residential lettings, property sales, valuations, property management and real estate advisory services across London and the wider UK, visit FraserBond.com.