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How to apply for bankruptcy

Applying for your own bankruptcy is done online, by you, to an adjudicator at the Insolvency Service. Here is each step and what to have ready.

Applies to: England & Wales

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction England & WalesEditorial policy
You apply for bankruptcy online through GOV.UK. You create an account, give details of your income, spending, debts and assets, and pay the £680 fee, which can be paid in instalments, though the application cannot be submitted until it is paid in full. An adjudicator at the Insolvency Service usually decides within 28 days. If approved, a bankruptcy order is made and an official receiver takes over.

What to do now

  1. Get free advice first — bankruptcy is hard to undo.
  2. Gather the documents listed below.
  3. If your address could put you at risk of violence, ask an adviser about a PARV order before submitting.

The steps

  1. Get advice. GOV.UK suggests checking other options first, because they restrict you less. Free advisers can help you prepare the application.
  2. Create an account on the GOV.UK apply for bankruptcy service. You can save and come back.
  3. Complete the forms — income, outgoings, debts, assets, and how you came to be in debt.
  4. Pay the £680 fee, in one go or in instalments through the service.
  5. Submit. The adjudicator reviews the application.
  6. Decision. You get an email or letter, usually within 28 days, longer if more information is needed.

What to have ready

  • Wage slips, and benefit or pension statements.
  • Bills such as energy, credit cards and council tax.
  • Letters from bailiffs or enforcement agents.
  • Details of property, vehicles, savings, pensions and valuable items.
  • Details of any assets sold, transferred or given away recently.

What the adjudicator checks

The adjudicator checks that you cannot pay your debts and that the application can be dealt with in England and Wales. They also look at whether money such as savings or a pension could pay your debts; if so, they might refuse.

If you are refused

Under the Insolvency Rules, you can ask the adjudicator to review a refusal within 14 days of being told. If the refusal is confirmed, you can appeal to the court within 28 days.

Once the order is made

  • Your details are published in the Gazette and on the Individual Insolvency Register.
  • Your name is added to the Land Charges register, and a restriction goes on any property you own.
  • An official receiver usually contacts you within two weeks and may interview you by phone, video or in person.
  • Your bank will usually freeze your accounts. Ask about a basic account before you apply.

About the fee

The £680 is fixed and cannot be waived. If you cannot raise it, a debt adviser may know of charities that can help, or compare a DRO, which is free if you meet the conditions. DRO vs bankruptcy.

Help: Insolvency Enquiry Line, 0300 678 0015. Scotland uses sequestration and Northern Ireland has a court-based process — bankruptcy in Northern Ireland.

This page explains how the solution works. It is not a recommendation, and it cannot tell you whether it suits you — a free, regulated debt adviser can look at your full situation.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

How much does it cost to go bankrupt?

£680 in England and Wales. You can pay in instalments, but the application cannot be submitted until the full fee has been paid.

How long does a bankruptcy application take?

An adjudicator usually decides within 28 days of submission, longer if they need more information.

Can I apply for bankruptcy without going to court?

Yes. In England and Wales you apply online to an adjudicator at the Insolvency Service, not to a court.

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